Little Wave and Old Swell: A Fable of Life and Its Passing

by Jim Ballard

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 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.

96 pages, Hardcover

First published November 19, 2004

About the author

Jim Ballard has written a number of inspirational books, including Mind Like Water and What's the Rush? He has coauthored several popular books along with bestselling business guru Ken Blanchard. Teachings of the worldrenown author and yogi Paramahansa Yogananda inspired Jim to write this wave fable. Jim is a business consultant, hospice volunteer, and Big Brother. He lives in Amherst, Massachusetts.