This tale begins ‘way back before Once-upon-a-time time, there was the Dreamtime’, and tells the story of how a little lizard came to be a turtle.

A clutch of eggs lies in the bush when one begins to crack. A head pokes out, taking in the world for the first time – a little lizard emerges. He wriggles free of his shell and looks for his parents, but they are nowhere to be found.

Suddenly a shadow looms overhead. An eagle swoops down, grabs him by the tail and soars into the sky. The lizard squirms and struggles until his tail snaps off, sending him tumbling toward the earth, crying out for help.

Below is the camp of a very special man, Biamme, who creates a soft landing for the little lizard. Biamme vows to care for him until he can be reunited with his family. The lizard’s tail never grows back, and he feels different from others. At night he dreams of his family and remembers the lullaby his mother sang while his siblings were still inside their eggs – a song from a Country far away.

Biamme grants the lizard a special power to move quickly across the land, and reminds him to ask permission on entering different Countries so Elders know why he has come. He listens for the songs that will guide them home.

But as the lizard grows confident and begins exploring on his own, he sometimes forgets this important request – and soon finds himself facing Elders who are not pleased. The result will change him forever and create a new life.

Reviewed by Jane Stephens

Age Guide 4+

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Greg Dreise is an author, artist and song writer –

I love being an Author, come take a look,

I love to sit and create, another little book.

I love to retell stories, from Dreamtime to new,

I love to give imagery, tell a yarn is what I do.

I love to sit and paint, while I am creating,

I love to work to relax – not for a rating.

I love to build up a picture, through my hands,

I love to create imagery, from my lands.

I love to create music, from my guitar,

I love to sing and dream, of being a star.

I love to play the drums and the didgeridoo,

I love to create music, about me or you.

Visit Greg Dreise’s website