|
|
BEREAVEMENT BOOK ABOUT A WAVE ASTOUNDS ITS AUTHOR
Dateline: February 3, 2005 ... Amherst, MA
Contact Name: James Ballard
Contact Phone: 413-549-1677
Email: jimballard@littlewave.org
Web Address: http://www.littlewave.org
AMHERST, MA - February 3, 2005 - Amherst resident Jim Ballard says he
is in wonder that a book he wrote, a parable about a wave written to
help children suffering from loss of a loved one, was published a few
days after the recent tsunami disaster. The author is currently
seeking sponsors and translators that will enable him to donate
thousands of the little books to tsunami survivors. "Little Wave and
Old Swell" is one of those timeless tales that will take its place
with classic parables for children of all ages such as "The Little
Prince", "The Giving Tree", "Jonathan Livingston Seagull" and "The
Velveteen Rabbit". In the simple and engaging language of the parable,
"Little Wave and Old Swell" 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 does it all end up?
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 leads
only to exhaustion. The teacher's words, "Don't hurry, don't stop,"
suggest the pace of a long ocean swell may be a good substitute for
today's hurry-sickness, restoring balance through more leisurely
activity.
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 promotes discussion and can
bring comfort and understanding about life's ending.
Jim Ballard is co-author of a number of popular books with best-
selling business guru Ken Blanchard, as well as several titles on his
own. A Hospice volunteer, he wrote the wave fable to bring solace and
understanding to children in bereavement. Copies of the book may be
found in some area bookstores, and can be ordered at .95 each by
visiting http://www.littlewave.org Booksellers may order through Baker
and Taylor.
Add this page to
 Blink
 Del.icio.us
 Digg
 Google
 Simpy
 Spurl
Got Internet
Marketing?
Write
Press Releases | Press
Releases | PR
Strategy
|
|
NEWS FLASH! 
