Children's book/Spirituality Review

Searching for the Waters of Antiquity
by Shirley Ryan
ISBN-10: 0975419609
Review by Heather Froeschl

"Searching for the Waters of Antiquity" is a beautiful, peaceful read that will inspire you to open your soul and quiet your mind. Through the life of Tag, a turtle searching for his path, readers will experience the peace that comes from looking within.

Tag sets out on his journey and is postponed by a stop in the backyard garden of the great creatures and their furry friends. Tag is given treats and is allowed to live happily and content in this bit of paradise. But soon the elders come to visit and he is reminded to keep searching for his path as it leads to the Ceremony of Change. He searches, leaving the security of that place, taking risk and eventually being rewarded for it.

The story is simple, yet so very deep. One must follow their own path on this journey of life. Letting go of what we think we know in order to learn again is the way to develop the soul. This is what life is for; everyone has a ceremony of change awaiting them. The book reads like a story but in effect it is a guided meditation. The illustrations accompany the text and compliment the tale as well as the message. It is a peaceful journey to read this book and one you will take over and over again, helping yourself to follow your own path and find your own garden of knowledge, with flowing waters of antiquity to soothe you.

"Searching for the Waters of Antiquity" can be enjoyed by children and adults alike. Every reader will identify with Tag and may or may not come to realize that he represents the self. What matters is that Tag realizes his life journey and is a guide for all who read about him. Shirley Ryan has given readers a gift through her words and her paintings. This title is sure to become a cherished guide for all who pick it up.