Old Turtle lives in a world where the animals of the Earth can't agree on the qualities of God. Each ascribes its own personality to the creator. With the wisdom of Solomon, Old Turtle helps them understand who God is, and later, after the people have joined the animals, teaches them the lessons of brotherhood, environmental consciousness, and spirituality.

Old Turtle is Douglas Wood's first book and combines his unique talents as a poet and storyteller with his love for children and the Earth. At once simple and profound, much of the beauty of the book comes from the simplicity of the text. The message that one belief or race is not superior to another is central to Buddhism, Taoism, Islam, Christianity, and Judaism. As Douglas Wood says: Spirituality is there between the words and underneath the ink as well as in the watercolors and inside the voice of Old Turtle. People can draw their own meanings and find their own beauty within the book.

The enchanting watercolor art of Cheng-Khee Chee exquisitely captures the mystery and beauty of the Earth and the spirit of Old Turtle's vision. Chee agreed to paint eleven watercolors "to honor the words" Wood had written; the process took two years. Using translucent blues and purples, soft browns and pinks, shadow and light, the paintings have the spiritual quality that he sought.

The powerful impact, both emotional and intellectual, of the art and text together has produced a book for all ages.