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by Randy Stollar (Author), Daniel Ogletree (Illustrator)
One curious tortoise.
One forbidden legend.
One journey that could change the desert forever.
Raised beneath the unyielding sun of the Mojave Desert, young tortoise Tyler has always been taught to live by a simple code: stay hidden, trust no one beyond your shell, and never question the ancient teachings of Stoneshell. Those rules have guided tortoises for generations-and kept them alive.
But Tyler has never stopped wondering about the legend of Tu'ku.
Long ago, Tu'ku abandoned the safety of tradition and disappeared into the distant mountains in search of a mysterious treasure said to possess extraordinary power. Most believe the tale is nothing more than a warning against curiosity.
Tyler believes it may hold the key to something far greater.
When a sudden tragedy forces him from the only home he has ever known, Tyler embarks on a perilous journey across an unforgiving desert where every step brings new dangers-and unexpected friendships. As he faces predators, relentless storms, impossible choices, and discoveries that challenge everything he has been taught, Tyler begins to question whether fear has protected tortoisekind...or kept them from becoming who they were meant to be.
Somewhere beyond the mountains lies Tu'ku's Peak-and the truth behind a legend that has shaped generations.
Part epic adventure, part timeless fable, The Secret of Tu'ku's Peak: A Tortoise Odyssey is an unforgettable story of courage, friendship, resilience, and self-discovery. Set against the breathtaking landscapes of the Mojave Desert, it explores the enduring power of curiosity, the wisdom found in nature, and the courage to forge one's own path.
Written for thoughtful readers ages 12 through adult, this cross-generational adventure will resonate with anyone who has ever questioned the path before them or dared to believe that the greatest treasures are not the ones we seek-but who we become along the journey.
