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Little Wave and Old
Swell is one of those timeless tales that
engage the minds and hearts of young and old alike. In
the simple and engaging language of the parable it recounts
the journey across the sea made by young impetuous Little
Wave and his wise teacher, Old Swell. Little Wave's metaphorical
adventures point readers and listeners to intuitively
perceived answers to age-old questions: Where did I
come from? What is the nature of life? Where do I go when
I die?
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In a restless driven world, we are all looking for some
basic truth that will comfort us. This seemingly simple
tale restores our peace of mind and heart by reminding
us of the Big Picture. In a few moments of reading we
are lifted above daily concerns and reconnected with the
Ocean upon which we move as little waves.
Little Wave's misadventures show how easily we can be
swept up in a noisy, competitive lifestyle that leads
only to exhaustion. Old Swell's lessons point to the need
to stop amidst the rush and clamor of life to calm ourselves
and go within to seek important answers. The teacher's
words Don't hurry, don't stop suggest that the
pace of a long ocean swell may be a good substitute for
today's hurry-sickness.
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The young wave's discovery that he is not composed of
water, but rather of energy, points to the truth that
we are more than the physical forms we appear to be. But
it is in its depiction of the ending of life that the
story makes a special contribution. The simple metaphor
of a wave rising out of the ocean, learning important
lessons, then sinking back again to the place it came
from imbues a mystery we all confront with a charm both
simple and strangely familiar. Reading Little Wave
and Old Swell brings calmness and comfort. Reading
it aloud to children can promote discussion of values
and ease fears about life's ending.
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What Others Say About
the Book
“Reading Little Wave and Old
Swell, I was impressed with the beauty of the
writing and the depth and simplicity of the narrative.
It's message of 'Don't hurry; don't stop' is one we
all could heed amidst the rush of life.”
-Gary Wright, composer/performer of
“Dreamweaver”
“Enjoy this story. Read it many times. Let it speak
to your heart and reintroduce you to the wonder that breathes
from everything in the world.”
-Ken Blanchard, author of “The
One Minute Manager”
“How imposing a task it is for a parent to talk
to a child about life, let alone about loss and death!
Jim Ballard has found just the right images to describe
these mysteries. This immensely comforting story will
help families talk through their grief together and come
away feeling peace, strength, and-yes, joy.”
-Jayne Pearl, author of “Kids and
Money”
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“Using the metaphor of the ocean, Jim Ballard weaves
a tapestry of the forces of life that move every individual:
temptation, bad companions, the desire to do what is right,
and the wise control of the master, all combined with
the purpose of existence and destiny. Meditation and right
attitude help Little Wave to find peace, eliminate fear,
and find joy in life. A moving spiritual adventure!”
-Allen Schmidt, teacher and writer
“I was taken with this book as soon as I read it.
Watching Little Wave grow and develop under the watchful
tutelage of his friend and mentor Old Swell, we realize
these water-borne spirits may hold the key to a deeper
understanding of how to live our own journeys to the fullest.”
-Renee Vincent, literary agency manager
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