When Turtle dreams Mother Earth is in trouble, Turtle springs into action. Can Turtle come up with a plan to save Turtle Island? With no time to lose, Turtle sets out in the forest to share the Dream. Now-will the Animals and People play their part?On October 27, 2009, while staying with Navaho/Dine friends in the Four Corners of the American Southwest, Delphina dreamed Turtle's Dream. "All of life is part of the Sacred web of creation. Turtle Island, Mother Earth, is now calling for our help." explains Delphina Nova, a member of Ontario's Eastern Woodlands Tribe. Author, Spiritual Advisor and intuitive healer, she mentors youth and adults to follow their dreams. Illustrator Curtis Yanito is a member of the Navaho Nation, and has won numerous awards for his art.
Turtle’s Dream is a traditional First Nations story written by Delphina Nova, who is a member of Ontario’s Eastern Woodlands tribe and illustrated by Curtis Yanito, who is a member of the Navaho Nation. It is written in the style of oral storytelling.
Turtle calls a meeting of the forest animals to discuss what can be done about the wars between peoples. Humanity has lost its childlike innocence, its ability to laugh, substituting violent competition for harmony. Turtle wants the forest animals to revive their previous communication with humans. They must bring the message of peace and harmony to the people. They must revive humanity’s childlike joy.
I loved the idea that childlike enthusiasm would make the biggest difference in the lives of people. Children have much to teach us. Adult cynicism, greed, and ambition have crushed our natural inclinations to practice kindness and encourage friendship.
The drawings by Curtis Yenito are a combination of pencil crayon and watercolor. The animals are a clever commendation of realism and personified characters. The book ends with an interesting glossary of the meaning of each animal.
I would recommend some changes in the layout of the book, however. The print does not need to be so large. It overwhelms the pictures which should be the major focus. As well, a paragraph should never be broken between two pages, especially if it cuts a sentence in half.
A gem for the whole family. Inspiring, heart-felt. Promotes peace-building and appreciation for the natural world and our inter-connectedness with the animal kingdom and Planet Earth. Teaches children the power of dreams.
"The message of being one with all of life on the sacred Mother Earth is beautifully delivered. This is a very worthwhile sory for use at home, in classrooms and any opportunity to share with children." - Grandmother Mona Polacca, Havasupai/Hopi/Tewa, International Council of Thirteen Indigenous Grandmothers.
" The message is - if we can care for the Earth, Mother Earth will take care of us and our families." - Marshall Golden Eagle Jack, Paiute Wisdomkeeper
" Love is the answer. I love Turtle's Dream! Turtle's Dream is coming true. - Erika, 6 yrs.
I rec'd a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest opinion. This is my honest of her book.This is the first book that I have read of this author Delphina Nova. I have to Thank the author for allowing me to read her amazing children's book. I don't get the chance to read very many children's books. But when I do - I find my self really enjoying them. I did find that there were a few grammar errors in the book. However, it did not interfere with the story. The over all story was to get a cross to the little one's that we all must work together in harmony. Turtle has a dream - and he is explaining it to the rest of animals. He tells them about the great creator and long ago how the animals and the humans used to talk and understand each other. Then oneday the humans got really greedy and they stopped understanding the animals. So turtle tells the all of his fellow friends his plan. This book is truly amazing and is for every child . I am looking forward to reading it to my grandchildren. And getting them a copy of it fir Christmas!!! IT AVAILABLE NOW ON AMAZON FOR 2.99 GO GET IT NOW FOR YOUR SPECIAL LITTLE ONE!!!