Old Turtle and the Broken Truth
by Douglas Wood
illustrated by Jon Muth
Scholastic 2003
ISBN: 978-0-4393210-9-9 (hardcover)

Seekers of all ages have been inspired by the stirring message of Old Turtle, the beloved, award-winning wisdom tale of peace. Now Old Turtle returns in a timeless story about love, acceptance, and the nature of truth.

In a time when every stone is a teacher and every tree a ladder to the stars, the people live in peace. Then the people discover a powerful truth that gives them strength and happiness. But they do not see that their Truth is broken and incomplete. And because they do not share their Truth with other people and other beings, all earth begins to suffer.

Then a Little Girl journeys to find the ancient wise one known as Old Turtle. With words both simple and profound, Old Turtle helps the Little Girl to hear again the language of breezes … and passes on the precious piece of wisdom that will mend the people’s broken truth.

Douglas Wood’s stirring and eloquent fable, soulfully illustrated by Jon J. Muth’s luminous watercolors, offers readers of all ages inspiration, hope, and a healing vision of peace.

Theater Script for Church Performance
Here is a lovely adaptation of Old Turtle and the Broken Truth for a church service. Any church could do this or a similar interpretation on their own, and please note — Douglas Wood is also available for church service readings and programs.

This is an incredibly powerful book!... I read it twice...lingering over the words and mentally crawling into the illustrations. This was exactly what I had yearned for...words that provided hope and meaning, and a renewal of courage and commitment... Thank you for writing this. I intend to read it to our college faculty when it is my turn to present the “devotions.”
―Reader, College Professor

Your book is incredible. I had to write to you, thanking you for the gift you have given the world. Please thank Jon for me, as well – his art is stunning. The two of you have created the most powerful book I have seen in a long time. Thank you. It will change lives, I feel certain.
―Reader

Douglas Wood’s stirring and eloquent fable, soulfully illustrated by Jon J. Muth’s luminous watercolors, offers readers of all ages inspiration, hope and a healing vision of peace... I don’t know when I have been so touched and thrilled over a book.
―Bookseller

The Old Turtle books are rooted in myth, but they also speak to the contemporary world.
―Pioneer Press

Words cannot express the overwhelming sense of gratitude I feel... As an author, mother of two and peacemaker the Broken Truth is perhaps the best book I have ever read. You were able to express the deepest emotions from my heart in such a pure, poetic manner. My children and I have read it 5 times since we bought it... truly a gift to the world of children’s literature.
―Debbie Milam, The Creating Peace Project

Douglas Wood’s ability to capture the wise lessons of nature and to voice them through Old Turtle is better than ever in this sequel to the bestselling, award-winning Old Turtle. John Muth’s illustrations understate and, as a result, beautifully illuminate the well-written text.
―Book Sense

Sometimes a book hits you right in the very center of your being. For me, this is one of those books... A story that resonated so deeply within me, that not only was I touched and moved, I knew immediately that I would share this story with so many others in my life – and that they too would benefit.
―Book Bias, Connecting in the Center

...In a word...the sequel is brilliant. What a gift. Honestly...it’s one of the few times – it may well be the only time – I’ve ever seen a sequel that really rivaled the original. I think it’s better than the original... could barely get through the last few pages. It just knocked the wind out of me. It is darn-near the perfect message.
―Rick Kupchella, KARE 11 News

Lyrical, beautiful text...powerful illustrations...a lovely package.
―School Library Journal

Wood succeeds in creating a parable-like tale that is readable and moving...full of meaning.
―Chicago Tribune

A soulful tale...exquisitely wrought...an experience anyone from seven to one hundred and seven can appreciate.
―Amazon.com

Profound on numerous levels, this important fable offers readers of all ages wisdom, healing, and truth.
―ForChildren