Old Turtle And The Broken Truth
by Douglas Wood, Jon J. Muth
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Book Summary Information
Author: Douglas Wood, Jon J. MuthEdition: Hardcover
Audio: English (Unknown); English (Original Language); English (Published)
Published: 2003-10-01
ISBN: 0439321093
Number of pages: 64
Publisher: Scholastic Press
Book Reviews of Old Turtle And The Broken Truth
Book Review: The Truth is Out There!
Summary: 5 Stars
Once in a land faraway, a truth fell from the sky and broke in half . . . and so begins the powerful fable told in lyrical words by Douglas Wood, accompanied by the evocative watercolor art of Jon J. Muth. Compared to many picture books, this volume appears subdued and perhaps more than a little daunting for book shoppers. But you know what they say about judging a book by its cover . . .
The story woven into these pages is straight forward enough. Mankind has got it wrong because they only have half the truth. Finding the broken truth that proclaims "You are loved" the people of this fable immediately recognize how special and precious that truth is. But, like so many things, the statement of truth becomes an issue who is loved and who is not. The story follows the progression of people as they fall further and further from the natural world and the simple truths all around them in pursuit of one half of a broken truth. Wars break out, and the world is a disillusioned, darkened place. Bring into this a young girl who sees differently, and goes on a quest to find the missing part of the truth. The conclusion isn't exactly surprising, given the tone of the text-that mankind is missing the point and needs to stop the fear, the hate and the misunderstanding that have become common currency. It's a good story, a powerful message, even if a bit simplistic. But it's not necessarily going to be a picture book for younger children. The tale at times becomes overlong, and the messages and themes are very mature ones-and may go over the heads of a young audience.
What really makes this book worthwhile, though, is the artwork. Brilliant watercolor images that are worthy of being framed and hung on the wall. Jon J. Muth subtly conveys the elegance and power of this story in his soft images alive with light and color. The pictures celebrate the connection to nature that is at the heart of the story. It was the artwork that sold me on this book, and it's what keeps me coming back to it. However, the maturity of the text is also reflected in the art. Images are impressionistic rather than clearly illustrated and this may be challenging for young readers to understand visually. It's not a bad idea to expose youngsters to these images, but you may want to simply discuss the pictures and what they think is happening rather than read the text.
A child ready for THE STORY OF JUMPING MOUSE and JUST SO STORIES will probably readily enjoy this story and the young heroine's quest to find the truth. Younger children may want to stick to retellings of AESOP'S FABLES, like The Tortoise and the Hare, or The Boy Who Cried Wolf. Then, when your child is older, this book will be waiting for them!
Happy Reading! ^_^ Shanshad
Summary of Old Turtle And The Broken Truth
Powerhouse team Douglas Wood and Jon J Muth present a sequel to Old Turtle, the award-winning wisdom tale of peace and love for the earth.
In this profoundly moving fable, the earth & all its creatures are suffering, for the people will not share their Truth, which gives them happiness & power, with those who are different from them. Then one brave Little Girl seeks the wisdom of the ancient Old Turtle, who sees that the people's Truth is not a whole truth, but broken. Old Turtle shows the girl the missing part of the Truth, & the Little Girl returns with it to her people. Then the pieces are brought together, and the broken Truth is made whole at last: YOU ARE LOVED...AND SO ARE THEY. Then the people & the earth are healed.
In this profoundly moving fable, the earth & all its creatures are suffering, for the people will not share their Truth, which gives them happiness & power, with those who are different from them. Then one brave Little Girl seeks the wisdom of the ancient Old Turtle, who sees that the people's Truth is not a whole truth, but broken. Old Turtle shows the girl the missing part of the Truth, & the Little Girl returns with it to her people. Then the pieces are brought together, and the broken Truth is made whole at last: YOU ARE LOVED...AND SO ARE THEY. Then the people & the earth are healed.
From the author of the award-winning legend of peace, Old Turtle, comes a soulful new tale about the wise old turtle who advocates listening to the "language of breezes...learning lessons from stones and animals and trees and stars." In this story, a truth falls from the stars, breaking in half when it lands. Crow, Fox, Coyote, and Raccoon, each pick up this piece of truth but discard it because of its rough edges and broken nature. But when a human being finds it, noting the words "You Are Loved" written on it, he and his people cherish it as their most important possession. Time passes, and jealousy, fear, and anger rise up in the people who hold this Great Truth, as well as in those who do not have it. The world begins to suffer. Finally, it's up to a little girl to seek understanding and a solution to the woes of the world.
Old Turtle and the Broken Truth's new age allegory is exquisitely wrought, in word and in picture. Douglas Wood's prose is the timeless language of fables, meshing perfectly with Jon Muth 's radiant watercolors for an experience anyone seven to one hundred and seven can appreciate. (All ages) --Emilie Coulter
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