The Almost Universe. This item is unavailable.The Almost Universe

The Almost Universe is a modern myth about becoming—told through the creation of thirteen animals shaped to guide children through the challenges of growing up. Blending folklore, neuroscience, and emotional truth, this story invites readers of all ages to slow down, listen deeply, and rediscover the wisdom the world has been offering all along.

Long ago, the natural rhythm of the world was disrupted when the ancient cycle of thirteen moons was replaced by twelve months. Seasons drifted, balance thinned, and the quiet truths children once learned from the land began to fade. To restore what was lost, the tortoise—patient, steady, and shaped by countless cycles—began forming a circle of animals, each one carrying a lesson the world needed.

With the owl beside him as a companion of perspective, the tortoise shaped the Frog, Bird, Roadrunner, Bear, Fox, Squirrel, Bookworm, Hyena, Possum, Raccoon, Coyote, Mouse, and finally the Groundhog, keeper of cycles and beginnings. Each animal emerges from the needs of the one before it, creating a chain of wisdom that mirrors the real process of growth: persistence, courage, momentum, steadiness, cleverness, preparation, curiosity, perspective, rest, discipline, adaptability, awareness, and the ability to begin again.

Told in lyrical, accessible language, The Almost Universe offers a new kind of creation story—one that honors the rhythms of nature, the science of learning, and the quiet magic of paying attention. It is a book for families, classrooms, and anyone searching for a story that speaks to who we are and who we are becoming.

Perfect for readers who love mythic storytelling, gentle wisdom, and books that stay with you long after the final page.