Little Wave and Old Swell

Book excerpt: Little Wave and Old Swell recounts a journey across the sea made by impetuous Little Wave and his sage teacher, Old Swell. Their allegorical adventure points young and old readers toward the enduring questions: Where did I come from? What is the nature of life? What happens when I die? Old Swell's lessons remind us to stop amidst the rush and clamor of life, calm ourselves, and look within. Little Wave's misadventures show us how our noisy, competitive lives can distract us from life's important questions. The book's mantra Don't hurry; don't stop suggests the pace of a long ocean swell as an alternative to today's frenetic tempo. Written with uncomplicated charm by Jim Ballard -- including original oil paintings by Catherine M. Elliott and a foreword by bestselling author, Ken Blanchard -- this timeless tale is certain to take its place with other classic and engaging parables such as The Little Prince and Jonathan Livingston Seagull.