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.

Customer Rating:
Summary: A Religious Fable
Comment: This is no mere children's story but is actually teaching the essence of New Age views that we are just part of an ocean (not individuals), and that we all go back to the "One."

Little Wave learns from Old Swell that "You are a moving wrinkle on the seamless fabric of the Great Deep...You thought that you were separate, but no. You can never be apart from your Source. Know that you and I and all of our brother and sister waves are One with the Great Deep. We have always been One. We shall always be One."

So be aware that a certain religious views is being taught here - nondualistic Hinduism via the New Age views of Jim Ballard.

The really sad part of the book is the glowing Foreword by Jim Blanchard, a professing Christian, who seems not to understand the real message of the book, and who seems to think Yogananda (whom Ballard admires) and Christianity are compatible.

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Customer Rating:
Summary: A wonderful message for children and adults!
Comment: This book provides a great message for people of all ages. It is a beautifully illustrated little book about the lessons Little Wave learns from his teacher, Old Swell, as they travel across the sea.

Little Wave ignores his teacher's warnings and as a result learns for himself what happens when we allow jealousy, fear, anger and desire to rule our lives.

Old Swell is always kind and loving when Little Wave returns from his misadventures and ultimately teaches him the secret of "don't hurry; don't stop."

This is a wonderful little parable that reminds us to stop and look within whenever life becomes too overwhelming.

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