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5.0 out of 5 stars Age-appropriate and well suited for lower elementary students.
Reviewed in the United States on July 20, 2022
The Hyrax Song is a book suitable for children however can be read by anyone. The story features four friends, a mouse, a toad, an owl and a mighty steed. From the first chapter, an important lesson is imparted: the outward differences of a person should not matter as it is a person’s inside that has value. The Pond of Reflection helped them discover that “each had unique and wonderful qualities, rendering them all quite friend worthy.”
The book features illustrations which makes it easy to connect with the characters, and a wonderful addition when reading to little children. The adventures of this foursome will captivate the imagination of little ones as these brave adventures journey to the High Western Mountain to discover the intention of the approaching army. Children and other readers will witness the hospitality of the mouse king to his subjects and even to the grasshopper scout from the army that was approaching. A lesson about locusts and how they swarm and feed is shared, the advice is given that they needed to help their neighbor in a time of need and thwart massive destruction before it occurs. The kingdom joined together and combined their unique talents to form an alliance with the army of locusts and save the day.
Lessons of the importance of teamwork, not judging a person by their outward appearance and to always be willing to help those in need are some pertinent lessons to be learned in this book.
The Hyrax Song shares several important lessons and is important in the character building of children. Although the book was short tin length it shows that diversity can build character and make groups stronger. Russels prose is age-appropriate and well suited for lower elementary students.
Grady HarpTop Contributor: Children’s Books
5.0 out of 5 stars ‘There are four things which are little on the earth, but they are exceedingly wise’ Proverbs 30:24
Reviewed in the United States on May 3, 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 finding true identity.
The referenced Proverb upon which this story is partially quoted above. Russell embellishes the Proverb by continuing the adventures of Princess Journee and her animal fiends who discover a rock hyrax whose influence empowers this well scribed (and illustrated) lesson on helping neighbors and finding that power comes in small packages. 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, May 22
5.0 out of 5 stars My two granddaughters really enjoyed it
Reviewed in the United States on July 11, 2022
My two granddaughters really enjoyed it!!
5.0 out of 5 stars Tale of being good/savvy neighbor
Reviewed in the United States on March 10, 2022
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This is a gentle tale of cooperation, communication, and being a good neighbor.
Princess Journee the mouse discovers more about herself and her friends
when they encounter and tackle new challenges together.
The illustrations in this book are first-rate and bring the prose to life with whimsy and charm.
(I recommend the hard-cover form of the book in order to best enjoy the beautiful full-color
versions of the artwork.) The life lessons in The Hyrax Song invite introspection and
deeper discussions with your children.
5.0 out of 5 stars The Hyrax Song
Reviewed in the United States on March 14, 2022
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As all good children’s books do, “The Hyrax Song” intrigues the reader from the first as we are whisked into a faraway adventure in a mysterious land mapped in just enough detail for us to follow and wonder at the places shown. The talking animals seem just like us with their laughable foibles and love of creature comforts. The tale is accompanied by marvelous illustrations perfect for young listeners while the story is read aloud.
Following a simple proverb about the wisdom in seemingly ordinary creatures, the story shows how insight is born by looking for character and meaning from the “inside-out” rather than from the “outside-in”. The story is told with freshness and humor and includes vivid and accurate descriptions of the natural world such as “The field was the result of ancient rockslides off the southern cliffs of the High Western Mountains.”
Using songs in unknown languages from days of old, set in a time of kings and kingdoms, the story evokes longing for days of mystery, adventure, as our new friends use their inborn talents to face great adversity. A fun read that will captivate young listeners and those young at heart!
5.0 out of 5 stars When you work together, big things can be done.
Reviewed in the United States on March 9, 2022
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I loved so many things about this book! The animals, the illustrations, and the many messages imbedded within. The whole kingdom worked together in the ‘adventure’ of helping their struggling neighbors and gave of their resources, instead of fighting to preserve their own. The message here is that neighbors take care of one another, and in times of stress, it can be considered an adventure where you can become close and have fun with one another. I am not doing this amazing story justice, and simplifying it so very much, but please download it and read it to all ages! We all have imaginations that will love this story, and children especially will ask to hear it over and over!!!! Well done. Well done.
5.0 out of 5 stars A story for our times
Reviewed in the United States on March 17, 2022
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An ideal gift for young readers and for reading aloud to younger children, this story is every bit as enchanting as the first book in the series, with the familiar and lovable characters of Journee and her loyal pals reprising their roles as the adventuresome team helps avert a potential catastrophe for their kingdom. The themes of playing to your strengths and joining together to achieve big goals and prevent disaster for all are so timely, I wish every adult would read this book and take to heart its profound lessons as we navigate an increasingly fractious world.
5.0 out of 5 stars Great lessons and beautifully written!
Reviewed in the United States on March 9, 2022
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The Hyrax song is a fantastic read for kids that are now diving into chapter books or for families reading together at night. The story moves along quickly, the characters are fun and engaging, and the lessons inspired throughout are the types that we all want our children growing up with. You won’t be disappointed!
5.0 out of 5 stars More valuable lessons for children
Reviewed in the United States on March 13, 2022
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The Hyrax Song is an inventive and clever story. The narrative, starring Mr. Steed, Mr. Owl, Princess Journee, and other amazing characters are front and center to teach children lessons about selflessness and humanity. This is a book for all ages and a valuable yet fun educational experience.
5.0 out of 5 stars Another delightful book
Reviewed in the United States on March 11, 2022
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Another delightful book about the same whimsical characters that we were first introduced to in Cat’s first book, “The Pond of Reflection” I think this book will teach children as well as adults that anything is possible by working together toward a common goal and that all creatures, no matter their size or makeup have value. I highly recommend this book as not only a teaching tool, but as a delightful book for anyone that still believes in fantasies.
5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful spiritual lessons for children of all ages
Reviewed in the United States on March 12, 2022
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This creative and inspirational book provides valuable and spiritual life lessons to children from 3 to 93 in easily understood language. Beautifully illustrated, it attracts the readers attention. Most importantly, the subtle life lessons are timeless, and just as pertinent today as those in The Bible. Love conquers all. Thank you for this treat!