Old Turtle: Questions of the Heart

The Lessons of Old Turtle

by Douglas Wood, Greg Ruth (Illustrator)

Words of wisdom, compassion, and hope are paired with stunning watercolor paintings in this companion to New York Times bestseller Old Turtle . Why are we here? What is the purpose of life? How do we find happiness? Once again, Old Turtle's wise answers offer readers of all ages inspiration, solace, and the most important gift of all -- hope. Timed to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the publication of the national bestseller Old Turtle , this companion picture book is sure to delight fans of the original while it simultaneously speaks to the concerns of the world today. New York Times bestselling author Douglas Wood's tale of wisdom and wonder finds its perfect complement in the ethereal and evocative paintings of Greg Ruth.

Genres: Picture Books, Nature, Animals, Childrens, Philosophy, Adult, Inspirational

56 pages, Hardcover

Published March 28, 2017

About the author

Composer, recording artist, wilderness guide, and self-taught naturalist-Douglas Wood is perhaps most widely known as the highly acclaimed author of OLD TURTLE, a 1993 ABBY Award winner and an International Reading Association Book of the Year. Author of several books for readers of all ages, Douglas says he is always seeking themes that are universally significant to both children and adults. His first book for Candlewick Press, GRANDAD'S PRAYERS OF THE EARTH-winner of the Christopher Medal for "affirming the highest value of the human spirit"-quietly explores the theme of grief and healing while celebrating a human connection to the natural world and the enduring spirit of love. Douglas Wood kept in mind someone very special to his own life when writing GRANDAD'S PRAYERS OF THE EARTH. "I feel I've been getting ready to write this book all my life, for it is about my wise and gentle hero, my Grandad. It's a prayer and a thank you, a walk in the woods, and a remembering smile; and it is for anyone who has ever had a woods to walk, a prayer to whisper, a hero to love."


Douglas Wood lives with his family in a log cabin on the banks of the Mississippi River in Minnesota.

Reviews

[Calista · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is about asking deep philosophical questions of life to this giant wise turtle. I think the problem with the set up is its question and answer, question and answer. There is little action and asking so many questions at once is too much. I don’t think it’s a good delivery system.

There is beautiful artwork and it’s an interesting story. The people are diverse in age, gender, and race. I was interested, but there are 6 deep questions answered and by the time I got to the 6th, I forgot the 1st 2. I don’t think it works all that well. I guess being a book you can go back and reread them.

The nephew thought the giant turtle was cool, but he hated this book. It bored the life out of him. He kept asking me to quit and get a good book to read. I did finish this with him, but he hated it and gave it negative stars. He said it was beyond boring. He’s not a big thinker at this point. So no more Douglas Wood books for him.

[Maddie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Old Turtle is a fabled legends this boy is curious about, he learns that the Old Woman knows of where the Old Turtle lies. People went to the old woman, and followed her stories to a gigantic and old turtle living in the mountains. The people had many questions, the most pressing: What is our purpose in life? The Old Turtle answers that the purpose of life is life, and goes on in beautiful allegorical sentences about finding purpose, happiness, family, play, evil, balance, and finally, death. Finally the grandmother passes along the final message of the turtle that comes with each sunrise, the possibility of a new day, and in that new day is what defines us. The Old Turtle smiles and the book ends.

[Dexter Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

A quick one sit children’s book that’s sure to put you as ease 😌

[Jo Oehrlein · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is supposed to be deep and meaningful. However, it feels like too much for this format -- too many questions and too long an answer each time.

[Suzanne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Old Turtle returns in a book filled with questions. People gather and wonder where they can find the answers. Someone suggests that the Old Woman can lead them to the Old Turtle. They follow old paths, make new ones, and listen to the whisperings of their hearts until they reach Old Turtle. One by one they ask their questions and Turtle replies, explaining things like the purpose of life, how to find happiness, family, play, evil, death and the greatest question of all - "Who are you, and how will you live this day?" Ruth's illustrations are full of warm tones and scenes that echo Turtle's words.

[Renee · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first time I read this Old Turtle Book. I wish 2 things were different - the illustrator - there is a new one and the coloring of the turtle changed - I want the original one back. And, the "And Old Turtle Smiled" last line was no longer on its own page and somehow the poignancy of that was less for me because it wasn't. Yet, it was a lovely and really important book that addressed some really great questions.

And, in reading all 3 books collectively, it was a perfect closure to the trilogy.

[Cynthia Fry · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is beautiful. The art is simple, majestic and communicates the story well. The story and the language is chosen well and communicates a great message everyone needs to hear. This would be an excellent choice for parents and children to read together, especially with more empathic lifestyles.

[Cecilia · Rating 1 out of 5]

The illustrations of this book are gorgeous.

The book itself is very preachy and offputting. I was expecting open-minded, skimming philosophy, but it was really heavy-handed, specific ideology. I just couldn't connect with it. Because of how wordy it is, this definitely reads as a picture book for adults.

[Barbra · Rating 3 out of 5]

Old Turtle is back to answer the most important questions. What is the purpose of Life and of Death? What is Happiness? What is Play? Turtles answers are simple and truthful and promote great interactions and communications with young and old.

[Mary Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lots of truth in this book.

[Brenda Kahn · Rating 4 out of 5]

A beautifully illustrated meditation on the meaning of life.

[Debbie · Rating 3 out of 5]

The illustrations in this book are gorgeous!

[Shari (Shira) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Yet another offering in the Old Turtle series. Maybe it is because I work with younger children that makes me think these books are more for adults than children.

[Nicole · Rating 2 out of 5]

Sweet, but the subject matter was way over my 7 year old's head. He did listen to the entire thing without complaint though, so I'll give credit where credit is due.

[Angel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again Old Turtle in her infinite wisdom answers some difficult questions that we all ponder from time to time. This is the second Old Turtle book that I have read. It is beautifully illustrated and ageless.

[Patty · Rating 3 out of 5]

Compared to the others in the series this one disappointed me.

[BiblioBickie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Beautiful illustrations. More of a book to share in quiet moments than a read-aloud. Good for people of all ages interested in "questions of the heart." Reminds me of Gibran's THE PROPHET.

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really loved the book...for me. For children? Not so much. There is so much wisdom in the book, but I fear it will go way over the heads of the little readers.

[Wendy Adams · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautiful book for the young at heart. I’m not sure at what age a child would enjoy it, but as an adult I found it deeply comforting.

[Erika · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gorgeous story about life with equally gorgeous illustrations.

[Sally · Rating 4 out of 5]

Philosophical!

[Keith Cooper · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book to read about life.
Very clever how it was written.
Quick read and recommend for
anyone to read

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

An adult picture book, some good wisdom but it's a little didactic, the illustations are lovely.

[Mrsfigsbookwormyahoo.Com · Rating 5 out of 5]

Douglas Wood's latest picture book, Old Turtle: Questions of the Heart, is a masterpiece. It is reminiscent of Kahlil Gibran's The Prophet, but brilliantly crafted and beautifully illustrated for a cross-generational audience (ages 6-106).

I am a small indie bookstore owner and this precious book has received overwhelming accolades from my customers, including a 10 year old thoughtful boy, a 102 year old wise gentleman, and a myriad of ages in between. It now has a 'table of its own' and will be on display permanently in my shop. Although it was released just four days ago, we have sold over 40 copies, simply by someone picking it up, reading it, then walking to the counter with three copies in hand. I truly believe that every home should have at least one copy of Old Turtle: Questions of the Heart just waiting to bless the next reader.

The heartfelt message in this story, filled with wisdom, is a universal one. Old Turtle enlightens the reader on the purpose of life; the search for happiness; the intricacies of family, the value of play; the root of evil; the reality of death; and most importantly, the opportunities provided by each new sunrise.

I highly recommend that you gift yourself, and those you love, with these invaluable lessons of Old Turtle which will be with you from now to forevermore.

Connie Halpern, Owner of Mrs. Figs' Bookworm, Camarillo, California

[Amy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Boring. Long. Not appropriate for most toddlers to lower elementary students.

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

In this third picture book featuring Old Turtle, readers may find some of the answers to the questions that humans have pondered for centuries, including why we are here and how to find happiness, among others. Rendered with graphite pencils and "then combined with layers of scanned watercolor to create the final digital paintings," according to information in the book, the images are stunning and filled with movement and detail. The story and illustrations have a mysterious, mystic element as the humans in the story ponder the questions that haunt them and must be answered. After finding the Old Woman who is rumored to know the way to Old Turtle who will surely have some answers for them, the seekers set out on their journey. They find many answers to their questions, even some exploration of evil and death, and then the wise Old Turtle asks them to search their hearts for one more question--how they will spend each day. The wisdom and understanding imparted in this book are valuable guides in how to do just that and how to live one's life to the fullest. While tackling many tough topics, the book also provides gentle reassurance of the unique importance of each one of us and how our actions affect others. This is philosophy for the younger set, but it has just as many uses for older readers. I like the inter-generational element in the book as well as those who are younger look to those who are older and have some life experiences to serve as their guides.

[Mary · Rating 3 out of 5]

Old Turtle is full of wisdom for every stage of life. Through long, allegorical text and colorful, emotional illustrations, the book strives to help readers see the world through different, kinder eyes.

[Jillian · Rating 2 out of 5]

Very much for adults - I can't imagine a small child reading the whole thing if even *I* got bored a third of the way through.
It has some good messages, and the illustrations are beautiful, but it definitely drags on.

[JoyGenea Schumer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my new favorite Old Turtle book. While visiting my niece and nephew I picked this book up to read to them one night and we all just fell in love with it. They loved the journey to talk to Old Turtle and the people that come together for the trip are such a nice representation of age, gender and race. It is going to a classic and it is already a treasured gift for our family.