In this engaging parable, inspired by Paramahansa Yogananda, author Jim Ballard recounts the journey across the sea made by impetuous Little Wave and his teacher, Old Swell. Their metaphorical adventures point readers and listeners toward the age-old questions: Where did I come from? What is the nature of life? What happens when I die?
Old Swell's lessons about contemplation remind us of the value of stopping amidst the rush and clamor of life to calm ourselves and go within to seek important answers. His protege's misadventures show how easily we can be swept up in a noisy, competitive lifestyle that only leads to exhaustion. 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, restoring balance through more leisurely activities. Little Wave's ultimate discovery that he is not composed of water, but rather of energy, illustrates the truth that we are more than the physical forms we appear to be. But in its depiction of the end of life the story makes its special contribution. The simple metaphor of a wave rising out of the ocean, learning important lessons, then sinking back to the place it came from, imbues a mystery we all confront with a charm both uncomplicated and strangely familiar. As Little Wave's teacher tells him, "You are a moving wrinkle on the seamless fabric of the Great Deep. You thought you were separate, but no. You could never be apart from your Source."
Paramahansa Yogananda inspired Jim to write the wave fable to bring solace and understanding to children in bereavement. Reading it aloud with children promotes discussions of values and eases fears about life's ending.
Hardcover. 96 pages
5 X 7 inches
About the author: Jim Ballard is co-author of a number of popular books with best-selling business author Kenneth Blanchard, as well as several titles on his own. Jim Ballard is a hospice volunteer and resides in Amherst, MA.
About the illustrator: Catherine M. Elliot was inspired to offer her artwork for Little Wave and Old Swell after she first read this book. Catherine is a contemporary artist whose work is evocative of the American Impressionism style of painting. Her beautiful paintings are displayed in several galleries in Connecticut.
