A Selections of Amazon Verified Purchase Reviews
Grady HarpTop Contributor: Children’s Books
5.0 out of 5 stars ‘A new adventure it is, then’ – to find (and plant) the Zoe-Chai seed of life!
Reviewed in the United States on July 15, 2022
Colorado author Catherine Ann Russell served as a professional research scientist at National Oceanic Atmosphere Administration before forming Spike Productions – a digital multimedia company, then formed Basket Relief Project, a humanitarian service supporting famine relief. She is joined by illustrator Brooke Connor, a retired environmental chemist, in this Pearls of Wisdom series. Two scientists address courage, loyalty, sacrifice, and resolve.
The referenced Proverb upon which this story is form Proverbs 11:25 –“The generous soul will be made rich, and he who waters will also be watered himself’ Russell embellishes the Proverb by continuing the adventures of Princess Journee and her animal fiends – Mr. Hopper the grasshopper, Mr. Toad, Mr. Steed the horse, Mr. Owl) who, in their quest to uncover the Zoe-Chai seed and its secret legend in their determination to plant that wondrous seed for the benefit of the kingdom, no matter the struggles and sacrifices, ‘finding the right place and under the fight conditions.’ The theme of working together to accomplish seemingly impossible goals encourages children’s response patterns. This is an excellent story for children – of all ages! – and a welcome addition to the library of caring families. Grady Harp, July 22
5.0 out of 5 stars Engaging, funny and valuable
Reviewed in the United States on July 15, 2022
The Zoe-Chai Seed is the third book in the The Pearls of Wisdom series, which are stories inspired by biblical proverbs, written by Catherine Russell and illustrated by Brooke Connor.
These are a good introduction to moral values for young readers. The adventures of Journee and her friends may be useful for children and teenagers to learn about them and apply them in their lives.
In this particular book, the author delves with the morals of sacrificial love (and the exceedingly rich life of a generous soul), and I think it is sucessfull in developing its importance.
All in all, this is an engaging and funny story, but mostly, a valuable one.
5.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic children’s tale
Reviewed in the United States on July 16, 2022
The Zoe-Chai Seed (The Pearls of Wisdom Series: Stories Inspired by a Biblical Proverb Book 3) by Catherine Russell is a fantastic children’s book about a group of animals who need to go on a quest to find a mythical seed and plant it so that the world can benefit from its magical powers. The animals in the story are adorable and thought-provoking. The author has done a great job using personification to create a world that is interesting to children while also teaching adult lessons that will benefit them later in life. I think that young readers will enjoy this along with the parents. This could be used as a nightly read or as a book to practice reading skills. If you enjoy books that have a connection to religious tales and have strong morals, this would be a great one to pick up.
5.0 out of 5 stars A great book for all ages in the family!
Reviewed in the United States on June 10, 2022
This book is great! The words paint a picture that is very easy to envision so its great to read aloud, listen to or read alone. We read it together as a family and it appealed to both my 7 and 10 year old keeping both of their attention with interesting characters, a fun story and a good lesson too! I especially like the higher level language that isn’t always found in kids books anymore that helps to expand my kids vocabulary. The author incorporates this vocabulary while still keeping the book simple enough that kids wont get lost in it. We are excited to read the other 2 books in the series and love that the author writes these books to help famine relief efforts around thee world and we get to be a part of that by reading them too!
5.0 out of 5 stars Such a sweet book!
Reviewed in the United States on June 10, 2022
I loved this heartwarming story emphasizing bravery, kindness, and the importance of friendship. It was such a sweet tale with a touch of magic and adventure and just the kind of story my kids love listening to. Nothing too scary and perfect for kids of all ages!
5.0 out of 5 stars Great story
Reviewed in the United States on June 8, 2022
Wonderful story, especially for our times.
I still feel as though a young reader may have some difficulty with the language/wording of the story. This is definitely for an avid reader.
5.0 out of 5 stars Great third book in the series!
Reviewed in the United States on June 14, 2022
This is the third book in the Pearls of Wisdom series. Journée and her friends are once again on an adventure but the adventure has purpose and meaning. Just like these books do, the are meant to educate, delight and catch the imagination of the young reader all while raising money for the author’s loving cause The Basketful Relief Project to raise money to end child hunger.
I feel happy that I can read a good book to a youngster that can also serve the multitude of purposes stated above.
The illustrations are beautiful and once you get to know this little crew of cute animals you can’t wait to see what good they are up to next!
5.0 out of 5 stars Splendid!
Reviewed in the United States on June 15, 2022
Journee’s adventure continues crossing magnificent descriptive landscapes! An endearing tale of the reuniting of friends and their shared triumphs over challenges. Wholesome encouragement for tweens!
5.0 out of 5 stars A Happy Inspirational Tale
Reviewed in the United States on June 12, 2022
Ms Russell brings the “crew” back together for another magical joyful adventure continuing upon the 2 prior books (although not required). Most enjoyable, with lessons for all, but not in a heavy handed way, this imaginary world put a smile on my face.
5.0 out of 5 stars lovely story telling and illustrations
Reviewed in the United States on June 15, 2022
Ms Russsell has once again woven an exciting adventure tale that highlights the importance of love, loyalty, teamwork and friendship. The illustrations are engaging and beautifully bring the characters to life. Each book in the Pearls of Wisdom series, so far, has been a page turner and such fun to read. I look forward to the next Pearls of Wisdom adventure!
5.0 out of 5 stars The continued adventures of Journee the mouse princess
Reviewed in the United States on June 11, 2022
This third book in the Pearls of Wisdom series is the best one yet, with Princess Journee and her loyal friends setting out in search of the elusive Zoe-Chai seed. The tree from this seed could feed everyone for all time, but the seed is very hard to find and had strict requirements for planting: a very rare celestial event. With just a week until this phenomenon, Journee and her friends have no time to lose and have to use all their inner resources to save the kingdom, yet again.
The creativity and beautiful illustrations make this another must-have book to own. Recommended for all young people and the young at heart. Kudos to author Catherine Russel for having pulled off this feat!
5.0 out of 5 stars Another Great Story in the Series
Reviewed in the United States on June 15, 2022
This story details the latest adventure of Journee, the mouse princess, and her animal friends, now joined by a grasshopper. A series of clues takes them on a journey where they must solve a mystery in time for a rare celestial alignment.
Their adventure is full of drama and situations that could only occur in a magical kingdom, including a helpful fish, a tree-bound horse and, of course, the ubiquitous crying toad!
5.0 out of 5 stars Kindness and unity will achieve a great bounty to feed the entire kingdom!
Reviewed in the United States on June 11, 2022
It takes a village to aspire to come together to achieve a common goal to help others that struggle to help themselves and feed the world! Well done!