Old Turtle

  Old Turtle by Douglas Wood and Cheng-Khee Chee, originally published in 1992 and reissued in 2007, is a children's fiction talking animal fable picture book illustrated with gorgeous watercolors. It is both spiritual and philosophical. All the animals and nature that God has created are arguing about God. They cannot agree on where God is, who God is, or what God is. They spend time going back and forth for awhile when the old turtle interrupts. He explains that God is all of these things and more. At this time, God creates man and the world is inhabited by humans that the old turtle describes as "reminders of all that God is." But the humans lose their way and start hurting each other as well as the earth. This saddens God and the animals. But the people find their way again by listening to each other and God. The last two lines of the book are touching and sentimental, Wood writes, "And Old Turtle Smiled. And so did God."

Though Wood incorporates God as a central theme, the book does not

have imply any specific religion or God. God is even referred to as "he" and "she."

Wood illuminates the world of animals and nature looking up to God with

charming dialogue between the creations as they all try to determine every

detail about their creator. Old Turtle is calm, quiet, and wise. Though he doesn't speak

often, when he does it is meaningful. I think Old Turtle is a great story for children because

the ability to listen can be an excellent virtue along with the desire to gain wisdom.

Cheng-Khee Chee is the breath of life to Old Turtle. His illustrations are brilliantly colored and exquisitely detailed. His use of watercolors is breathtaking, creating images that look as if at any moment they could come to life on the page. Each image is unique in color palette, creating a certain tone for the rises and falls in Wood story. As the humans begin to destroy each other and their environment, Chee uses Sepia tones to reflect the death and sadness that is being described. Chee's illustrations work in perfect harmony with Woods text making Old Turtle my favorite book so far in my Literature Collection Blog. 

Even in his darker images, there is

Chee still maintains a special quality that is both beautiful and serene. I like to think of these images as how Old Turtle sees the world through his eyes. Even in the saddest times, peace is still the objective. These beautiful illustrations with an essence of calm is also helpful for children to read without becoming too disturbed yet still understanding the sincerity of the situation.

Though it is simple with not much story line, Old Turtle comments on the world, 

human nature, and God in a touching and heartfelt manner.

Motivational Activities:

*Old Turtle is wise and slow to speak. He even possess God like qualities. Have students choose a spirit animal they believe best reflects their personality and explain why.

*Though Chee's watercolor is complex and skilled, have students experiment with watercolors themselves. Have them paint their own version of the Old Turtle with watercolors.

Reader response questions:

1. At the beginning of the story, what are the creatures on earth arguing about?

2. How does Old Turtle describe God?

3. What happens after humans come to earth?

Further reading by Douglas Wood:

*Old Turtle and the Broken Truth
*The Secret of Saying Thanks
*No One But You
*Where the Sunrise Begins
*A Quiet Place
*Grandad's Prayers of the Earth