The Secret of
Tu’ku’s Peak:
A Tortoise Odyssey
RANDY STOLLAR
Book Illustrated by Daniel Ogletree
Audiobook Narrated by Craig Waletzko
Sometimes the greatest adventures — and most mysterious treasures — are hiding in plain sight.
Readers’ Favorite 2026 Bronze Award Winner
Young Adult—Mythology/Fairy Tale
CONNECT
One curious tortoise.
One forbidden legend.
One journey that could change the desert forever.
The Story
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.
Reviews
★★★★★ "Well written, completely immersive, and beautifully philosophical."
— Asher Syed, Readers’ Favorite
★★★★★ "The Secret of Tu'ku's Peak...is the most fascinating, rewarding, and heartfelt animal adventure I've read lately."
— Emma Megan, Readers' Favorite
★★★★★ "An epic story that is both a gripping adventure quest and a thought-provoking journey of self-discovery...The Secret of Tu'ku's Peak: A Tortoise Odyssey is uplifting, exciting, and inspiring."
— The Children's Book Review
★★★★★ "The Secret of Tu'ku's Peak never feels like a typical quest story...the real heart of the novel is how each encounter and experience slowly changes Tyler. Readers who enjoy The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane will really enjoy The Secret of Tu'ku's Peak."
— Demetria Head, Readers' Favorite
★★★★★ "The Secret of Tu'ku's Peak is a beautiful fable with powerful lessons for all; it is a story of loss and learning, fear and friendship...Randy Stollar's handling of anthropomorphism is stellar."
— Divine Zape, Readers' Favorite
★★★★★ “A surprising adventure that is thrilling, profound, and touching. Surprisingly relevant to current events!”
— Amazon Reviewer
About the Illustrator
DANIEL OGLETREE is a Las Vegas-based artist and instructor at the University of Nevada Las Vegas and the College of Southern Nevada. He holds an MFA in printmaking from the University of Tennessee and enjoys outdoor adventures with his wife and son.
Listen to the Audiobook
Craig Waletzko, Narrator
Craig is an accomplished actor and voice artist who brings over four decades of storytelling expertise from the stage and screen to the microphone.
His extensive career includes multiple Broadway musicals and national tours, roles in numerous regional theater productions, and onscreen appearances including The Blacklist, House of Cards, Boardwalk Empire, Blue Bloods, and the feature film Ocean's Eight. A graduate of Carnegie-Mellon Drama, he utilizes his deep dramatic range and sharp character instincts to create immersive auditory worlds.
Craig is honored to have been selected to narrate The Secret of Tu'ku's Peak: A Tortoise Odyssey, giving voice to 44 different characters. His expressive performance breathes vivid life into a young desert tortoise's epic quest, transforming this desert adventure into an unforgettable, emotionally resonant listening experience.