A little wave. A wise teacher. A journey through life's greatest mysteries. Little Wave and Old Swell is a beautifully illustrated, thought-provoking tale about life, death, and the interconnectedness of all things, offering timeless wisdom on finding peace and embracing change.

What can a little wave teach us about life's biggest questions?

Join curious Little Wave and wise Old Swell on a journey across the sea, where every rise and fall of the ocean brings a new discovery about life, change, and the mysteries of our existence.

As Little Wave rushes through his adventures, eager to explore the world around him, Old Swell gently encourages him to slow down, look within, and discover the wisdom hidden beneath the surface. Together, they explore some of life's most profound questions: Where do we come from? What does it mean to truly live? And what happens when we die?

Through their playful exchanges and quiet moments of reflection, Little Wave begins to understand that life isn't a race to be won, but a journey to be experienced. Guided by Old Swell's simple yet powerful reminder, "Don't hurry; don't stop," he discovers the importance of patience, presence, and embracing the natural rhythms of life.

Beautifully illustrated with original oil paintings by Catherine M. Elliott and featuring a foreword by bestselling author Ken Blanchard, Little Wave and Old Swell is a heartfelt, philosophical tale about mindfulness, change, and the interconnectedness of all things. Written by Jim Ballard, this timeless story invites children and adults alike to explore life's greatest mysteries with curiosity, compassion, and a sense of peace.

Jim BallardForeword By Ken Blanchard

Little Wave and Old Swell recounts a journey across the sea made by impetuous Little Wave and his sage teacher, Old Swell. Their allegorical adventure points young and old readers toward the enduring questions: Where did I come from? What is the nature of life? What happens when I die?

Old Swell's lessons remind us to stop amidst the rush and clamor of life, calm ourselves, and look within. Little Wave's misadventures show us how our noisy, competitive lives can distract us from life's important questions. The book's mantra Don't hurry; don't stop suggests the pace of a long ocean swell as an alternative to today's frenetic tempo.

Written with uncomplicated charm by Jim Ballard -- including original oil paintings by Catherine M. Elliott and a foreword by bestselling author, Ken Blanchard -- this timeless tale is certain to take its place with other classic and engaging parables such as The Little Prince and Jonathan Livingston Seagull.