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The Zoe-Chai Seed is book 3 in The Pearls of Wisdom Series: stories inspired by a Biblical Proverb.

Scarcely six months after their epic adventure in The Hyrax Song, Journee and her friends find themselves on a hunt for the mysterious Zoe-Chai seed. The legendary tale of this seed had been kept alive for generations in the grasshopper world. Legend said that if planted, the seed could feed the entire kingdom and neighboring locust army forever. But where could they find it? And more impossibly, where could they plant it in the perfect location and under the perfect conditions with just a week until the required full moon and rare alignment of the celestial planets: Alzar, Tupa, Zader and Mias? No matter how daunting the quest, Journee and her friends are ready to crack ancient riddles and sleuth out answers, no matter how dangerous the task becomes. There is only one thing certain in this adventure. It will be a test of courage, loyalty, sacrifice, and resolve.
The Zoe-Chai Seed is a children’s series chapter book geared for ages 9 and up, and a great read-to for younger kids.

Reviewed by Bernadette Longu for Readers’ Favorite, April 2022

The Zoe-Chai Seed (Pearls of Wisdom – Book 3) was written by Catherine Ann Russell and illustrated by Brooke Connor. What a wonderful way to teach children about loyalty and true friendship with a story about a kingdom of animals of all sorts who live harmoniously with each other and have a mouse for a king. The fact that the adventures are conducted by the king’s daughter Journee and that the king encourages her and helps her in the adventures with her friends is delightful. I like to think that it would encourage children to explore the world around them with the help of an adult with a lively imagination.

When I read it, I thought what a lovely book to share in schools and with grandchildren. The Zoe-Chai Seed by Catherine Ann Russell is well written for a young audience. Just before the journey to find the wonderful seed gets too long, another adventure or mishap helps keep the attention of the young reader. The illustrations are wonderful, especially the map at the beginning of the book which is a delightful way for youngsters to trace the adventure of Princess Journee, Mr. Steed, Mr. Owl, Mr. Toad, and Mr. Hopper from the Locust Army. I found it a delightful story and really enjoyed it, especially the message it sends to each child that love and generosity of spirit are more important than many other things we think are important. Thank you for a lovely book for children. It is well worth reading, especially in a classroom, or on a cold winter’s afternoon to loved ones in front of a warm fire, sharing hot chocolate and marshmallows.