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Catherine Ann Russell
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The Pond of Reflection: Fantasy Adventure Fiction about Friendship, Teamwork and Self-Discovery (The Pearls of Wisdom Series Book 1) Kindle Edition

by Catherine Ann Russell (Author), Brooke Connor (Illustrator) Format: Kindle Edition
4.8 out of 5 stars 116 ratings

--- 2024 Book Excellence Awards Winner in Pre-Teen Fiction
--- 2023 Readers' Favorite Gold Medal Winner in Children's Audiobook
--- 2022 Readers' Favorite Gold Medal Winner in Children's Adventure

What Will You See When You Look into The Pond of Reflection?

Journee is no ordinary mouse. She is a princess and daughter of the Great Mouse King, who is incredibly wise and presides over a vast and beautiful kingdom. Princess Journee loves life but has one nagging question:
Who is she?

With her adventurous spirit and her father’s mighty steed to protect her, she embarks on a quest to find herself. The adventure takes an interesting turn when she befriends a sensitive toad and a wise owl who tell her about a mysterious and legendary Pond of Reflection, known to reveal one's true identity.

But first they must find it, if indeed it exists.

Together, Princess Journee and her new friends embark on a perilous quest to find the pond and use its magic to uncover her true identity. Encountering strange happenings in the WhoAmI Forest, their mission is filled with challenges and obstacles that will test their courage, wits, and strength of character.

Will Princess Journee succeed in finding the pond and the answers she so desperately seeks? What will she discover when she finally gazes into its mysterious waters? Who will you see when you look into the Pond of Reflection?

An enchanting adventure for ages 9 and up, The Pond of Reflection explores heartwarming themes of self discovery, teamwork, friendship, problem-solving, courage and empathy. Inspired by the Biblical Proverb 27:19 (NIV), the book communicates that identity and self-worth spring from heart and character, making it ideal for parents, educators and librarians who want to share important moral lessons that will help children unlock their true potential.

Proceeds from book sales support emergency famine relief for infants and children! Find out more at www.basketfulreliefproject.com.

Explore all the books in The Pearls of Wisdom Series:

Book One: The Pond of Reflection
Book Two: The Hyrax Song
Book Three: The Zoe-Chai Seed
Book Four: The Last Storyteller

Read more
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  1. Reading age
    6 - 10 years, from customers
  2. Book 1 of 4
    The Pearls of Wisdom Series
  3. Print length
    102 pages
  4. Language
    English
  5. Accessibility
    Learn more
  6. Publication date
    December 4, 2021
  7. Page Flip
    Enabled
  8. Word Wise
    Enabled
  9. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
  10. ISBN-13
    978-1956693058
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There are 4 books in this series.

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From the Publisher

Pearls of Wisdom Series header books 1-4
Book Excellence quote and image

Pond of Reflection image

Uncover Powerful Lessons in Self Discovery

There is a purpose and a reason to why and how each of us are made. Join Journee the Mouse Princess as she embarks on an epic adventure to discover who she truly is, ultimately learning that the inside-out matters far more than the outside-in.

King's palace reunion image

Discover True Friendship & Team Building

Traverse the Kingdom with Mr. Steed, Mr. Toad and Mr. Owl, Princess Journee’s new friends as they tackle challenges together as a team. Learn how the characters see things from each other’s perspective to reduce the other’s fear, sadness and distress.

Stream Crossing

Unlock Innovation & Problem Solving

Learn to see problems as opportunities for growth and thinking outside the box. Learn how the characters use their unique talents and strengths to solve difficult problems along their quest.

Running on King's High Road image

Face Your Fears With Bravery & Courage

Watch the characters face their fears head-on, demonstrating bravery and persistence in the face of dangerous obstacles. Be inspired to conquer life’s challenges with strength and courage at every turn.

Book with arrows explaining assets
About Author

Editorial Reviews

Review

Catherine Ann Russell's The Pond of Reflection is the first installment in The Pearls of Wisdom Series. This tale beautifully intertwines a coming-of-age narrative with profound lessons drawn from biblical wisdom. The story follows a young mouse named Journee, the daughter of a kind and wise king, who embarks on a quest to discover her identity. At the heart of the book is the compelling message that emphasizes the reflection of one's heart in one's life—a theme that resonates deeply throughout the narrative. The plot unfolds in the Mirrorless Kingdom, where, by royal decree, mirrors are forbidden to help the citizens embrace their inner selves over their appearances. When Journee desires a mirror on the eve of her coming-of-age birthday, her father wisely encourages her to seek her identity from within. This sparks her adventurous quest alongside the loyal Mr. Steed, the humorous Mr. Toad, and the wise Mr. Owl. The journey through various landscapes—including the mysterious Whoami Forest and the enchanting Pond of Reflection—is external and profoundly internal as Journee learns about courage, friendship, and self-acceptance.

The characters are well-crafted, each representing unique traits contributing to the narrative's rich thematic layers. Journee exemplifies a blend of innocence and determination, transitioning from the uncertainties of youth to self-confidence. Mr. Steed is a loyal protector, while Mr. Toad's sensitive nature offers tenderness and humor. The wise Mr. Owl is a guiding force, helping the young heroine to navigate the challenges she faces and instilling lessons that culminate in the search for the Pond of Reflection. Set against a whimsical backdrop, the story's richly illustrated environments, from vibrant forests to serene ponds, offer metaphors for Journee's inner journey. Russell's prose is crisp and evocative, suffused with insightful passages and words to ponder. The structure of the chapters parallels Journee's journey of self-discovery, leading to the pivotal moment at the Pond of Reflection, where characters confront their identities and embrace who they are at their core. The Pond of Reflection might read like a fable for Children, but it contains deep currents of wisdom for readers of all ages. It is one of the best books about personal growth, self-discovery, and enlightenment. Original and spellbinding! Catherine Ann Russell is a wise and gifted storyteller! - Review by The Book Commentary


The Pond of Reflection by Catherine Anne Russell is an enchanting middle-grade fantasy that distills powerful themes of friendship, courage, self-acceptance, and the true essence of who we are, into a captivating adventure.

In The Pond of Reflection, Princess Journee embarks on a quest to unravel the mystery of her true self. As a mouse princess in her father's kingdom, a place with no mirrors, she grapples with the question of who she is beyond her royal lineage. With the protection of her father's mighty steed, she sets out on a journey to find herself. Along the way, she meets an empathetic toad and a wise owl who agree to help her find the legendary Pond of Reflection, a place rumored to reveal one's innermost identity. Although their quest is fraught with obstacles and challenges, their growing friendship and unwavering determination to keep moving forward helps them along the way. Ultimately, Princess Journee learns that who she is has little to do with what appears on the outside and everything to do with what's inside.

The Pond of Reflection is a fantastic read for middle grade readers. Its themes of self-discovery, acceptance, and friendship are universal and especially important today, making it an excellent choice for parents, educators, and young readers alike. The magical elements and quest for identity will captivate imaginations, while the gentle moral lessons encourage empathy and understanding. Russell's writing style is both lyrical and accessible, making it an ideal read for young audiences. Connor's illustrations lend an extra hand in keeping children engaged, and their focus centered on the story. The characters are endearing and serve as positive role models for children. Their interactions showcase the power of friendship that transcends outward appearances. The book is filled with heartwarming moments, both between the characters and for Princess Journee individually, with each chapter revealing new layers of her personality.

The author's creativity shines through as she infuses biblical wisdom into the narrative, emphasizing that true worth lies within. She also effectively steers clear of limiting her audience to Christian children, taking a story that is inherently religious and extracting from it the insights that can apply to children of all faiths and backgrounds. As a result, Russell creates a world where introspection leads to profound connection--a valuable lesson for children indeed. As Princess Journee gazes into the Pond of Reflection, readers are reminded that love and kindness matter more than external circumstances or appearances.

With a treasure trove of wisdom wrapped in an enchanting adventure, The Pond of Reflection is a book that will leave a lasting impression on hearts and minds. It is highly recommended for anyone seeking a heartfelt journey of self-discovery and friendship. - Review by Book Excellence

From the Back Cover

Content in her father's wise kingdom, Princess Journee loves life but has one nagging question: Who is she? Yes, she is a mouse and a princesss, but who is she really? With her adventurous spirit and her father's mighty steed to protect her, she goes on a quest to find herself. The adventure takes an interesting turn when she befriends a toad and an owl who tell her about a legendary Pond of Reflection known to reveal one's true identity. But first they must find it, if indeed it exists. Their friendhip and appreciation for each other grow as they encounter difficulties along the way, and strange happenings in the ancient Whoami Forest.

Is the Pond of Reflection magic? Is it simply a solitary place to reflect on who you are? What will the legendary water show Journee and her friends? And more importantly, what will the Pond of Reflection show you when you look into its mysterious water and reflect on your own heart?

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B09N2TKLF7
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Basketful Relief Project
  • Accessibility ‏ : ‎ Learn more
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ December 4, 2021
  • Edition ‏ : ‎ 2nd
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 8.9 MB
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 102 pages
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1956693058
  • Page Flip ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Book 1 of 4 ‏ : ‎ The Pearls of Wisdom Series
  • Reading age ‏ : ‎ 6 - 10 years, from customers
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.8 out of 5 stars 116 ratings

About the author

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Catherine Ann Russell

Catherine Ann Russell

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Catherine Ann Russell is a multiple-award-winning children’s book author, entrepreneur and the founder of the Basketful Relief Project (BRP).

She has published three children’s picture books: Get to Bed!, The Little Book of Why, and Picco and Wren Three, with an upcoming fourth book, Boo Bear’s Light: An A B C Adventure. She also writes fantasy-adventure for tweens called, The Pearls of Wisdom Series. Books 1-4 of this series are published and include: The Pond of Reflection, The Hyrax Song, The Zoe-Chai Seed, and The Last Storyteller.

Catherine founded the Basketful Relief Project in 2019 to help address infant and child famine crises. At least 10% of proceeds from the sale of each book directly support reputable organizations established to distribute food and medicine to children experiencing war, food scarcity, or catastrophe displacement.

A multi-faceted talent, Catherine started her own digital multimedia company called Spike Productions after a successful career as a research scientist at the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

Catherine lives in Lyons, Colorado, with her husband, Ed, and several farm animals, including two burros named Nikki and Norman.

To find out more about the Basketful Relief Project (BRP), visit: www basketfulreliefproject com.

Awards & Honors

Book Excellence Award Winner in the Pre-Teen Category

Reader’s Favorite Gold Medal in the Children’s Adventure Category

Reader’s Favorite Gold Medal in Children’s Audiobook Category

Reader’s Favorite Silver Medal in the Children’s Fable Category

Customer reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars
116 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find this book a great read-together book for parents and children, with an enchanting story that works well for both young and adult readers. The book features meaningful messages about emotions and values, with interesting characters and lovely illustrations that bring the story to life. Customers appreciate the writing style, with one noting it's particularly engaging for reading aloud.

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Book for childrenStory qualityMessageCharacter developmentIllustrationsWriting style
47 customers mention "Book for children"47 positive0 negative

Customers find this book to be a great lesson for young readers, particularly enjoying how it works as a read-together book for parents and children throughout elementary school.

"...Ann Russell is a delightful and whimsical tale that takes young readers on a charming adventure with a relatable young mouse in search of her true..." Read more

"...The plot is simple but it poses some philosophical questions that resonate with deep emotions long after the end of the book...." Read more

"...It will be fun for both of you and there is an opportunity to learn something, since this book is based on an important proverb." Read more

"...The chapters are short enough for children to read without getting bored and easy enough for them to read independently or as practice reading with..." Read more

39 customers mention "Story quality"39 positive0 negative

Customers praise the enchanting and heartwarming story of the book, noting that it works well for both children and adults, with an interesting plot and engaging adventure quest elements.

"...of Reflection" by Catherine Ann Russell is a well-written and enchanting story that offers a valuable lesson in self-discovery, friendship, and the..." Read more

"...The plot is simple but it poses some philosophical questions that resonate with deep emotions long after the end of the book...." Read more

"This is a charming tale that will be great for young readers, since it is easy to follow and has plenty of colorful characters...." Read more

"...The story would enhance creativity and children's imagination." Read more

23 customers mention "Message"23 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the meaningful messages in the book, describing it as a heartwarming parable that discusses various emotions.

"...for her target age group, with a mix of humor, adventure, and heartfelt moments that keep young readers engaged...." Read more

"...described them with such ability and imbued them with such an ample range of feelings that it is very easy for the reader to empathise with them...." Read more

"This is a delightful children's story, but it also contains an important theme message, and if the child recognizes what it is, it will make a great..." Read more

"...It is a gentle reminder of how to see what is important, A timeless and loving hug that one can embrace back and carry with them throughout their..." Read more

21 customers mention "Character development"21 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the character development in the book, finding them interesting, with one customer noting the relatable dialogue and another highlighting the use of personification.

"...The story's pacing is well-crafted, and the dialogue between the characters is both relatable and endearing...." Read more

"...Through her encounters with different charming and memorable characters, she will learn important and valuable life lessons...." Read more

"...for young readers, since it is easy to follow and has plenty of colorful characters...." Read more

"...Journee is a very relatable character for kids; she is also a good role model for them...." Read more

14 customers mention "Illustrations"14 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the lovely illustrations in the book, with one noting how effectively they bring the story to life.

"...There are also illustrations that are a little treat and break up the narrative a bit...." Read more

"...One can spend time gazing on these beautiful images while hearing the story of their thoughts, fears, love, courage, and celebration of each other!..." Read more

"...With beautiful illustrations, you’ll journey along with her. Upon seeing her reflection … oh wait-—I can’t tell you—!..." Read more

"...and likeable read, sweet characters, great storyline, and beautiful illustrations...." Read more

13 customers mention "Writing style"13 positive0 negative

Customers find the book well written and easy to read, with one customer noting it's great for reading out loud.

"...conclusion, "The Pond of Reflection" by Catherine Ann Russell is a well-written and enchanting story that offers a valuable lesson in self-discovery..." Read more

"...them with such an ample range of feelings that it is very easy for the reader to empathise with them...." Read more

"...for children to read without getting bored and easy enough for them to read independently or as practice reading with minimal adult supervision...." Read more

"...The book is probably a bit long for a weak reader, but it is very well-written...." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • Richard Hindmarsh, MD
    5.0 out of 5 stars A captivating story of discovery
    Reviewed in the United States on October 23, 2023
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    "The Pond of Reflection" by Catherine Ann Russell is a delightful and whimsical tale that takes young readers on a charming adventure with a relatable young mouse in search of her true self. This heartwarming story is geared toward children aged 6 to 10 and carries valuable life lessons beneath its enchanting narrative.
    The story follows the journey of a young mouse who believes that she can discover her true identity by gazing at her reflection in either a mirror or a still pond. With this belief firmly in mind, she embarks on a quest alongside her loyal animal friends, each of whom has their own unique qualities and quirks.
    Russell's writing style is accessible and appropriate for her target age group, with a mix of humor, adventure, and heartfelt moments that keep young readers engaged. The story's pacing is well-crafted, and the dialogue between the characters is both relatable and endearing.
    In conclusion, "The Pond of Reflection" by Catherine Ann Russell is a well-written and enchanting story that offers a valuable lesson in self-discovery, friendship, and the true nature of identity. This book is a perfect choice for children aged 6 to 10 who enjoy whimsical tales with meaningful messages.
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  • Celeste S
    5.0 out of 5 stars Friendship and self discovery
    Reviewed in the United States on April 26, 2022
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    The Pond of Reflection written by Catherine Ann Russell is a beautiful book that will captivate young and old alike. It is book 1 in the series Stories Inspired by Biblical Proverbs. This one in particular teaches readers about the search for the self and the importance of friendship regardless of our possible differences.
    The Pond of Reflection tells the story of Journee, a mouse and a princess.
    Although she is certain of these things, she needs to discover her real identity so she embarks on a journey to find a legendary pond where she will supposedly find the answers to her questions. Through her encounters with different charming and memorable characters, she will learn important and valuable life lessons.
    The characters are believable and very well constructed. The writer has described them with such ability and imbued them with such an ample range of feelings that it is very easy for the reader to empathise with them. The plot is simple but it poses some philosophical questions that resonate with deep emotions long after the end of the book. It is a perfect book for children, although I must say that I enjoyed a lot too.
    Helpful
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  • mint tea
    4.0 out of 5 stars A treat to read!
    Reviewed in the United States on July 27, 2022
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    This is a charming tale that will be great for young readers, since it is easy to follow and has plenty of colorful characters. There are also illustrations that are a little treat and break up the narrative a bit. Look at this book with your kids or ask them to read it to you. It will be fun for both of you and there is an opportunity to learn something, since this book is based on an important proverb.
    One person found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report
  • George
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great for children
    Reviewed in the United States on August 1, 2024
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    First, I love that the illustrations in the book remind me of the children's books I used to read when I was younger. The chapters are short enough for children to read without getting bored and easy enough for them to read independently or as practice reading with minimal adult supervision. Journee is a very relatable character for kids; she is also a good role model for them. This is something that I recommend teachers, parents, and family members to let their kids read. Her adventure and the friends she met along the way to seek the pond are the real stars of the story. The story would enhance creativity and children's imagination.
    Helpful
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  • Ian J. Miller
    5.0 out of 5 stars Delightful
    Reviewed in the United States on July 25, 2023
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    This is a delightful children's story, but it also contains an important theme message, and if the child recognizes what it is, it will make a great start to the rest of their lives. The story is about a princess that happens to be a mouse who goes on a quest to find out who she is. Yes, she knows her name, and that she is a princess, but she realizes there is more to "who am I?" than those trivial aspects like name, rank and serial number. There are some neat drawings, but they tend to come out too small on a kindle. The story progresses with the princess riding out on a horse, she meets up with a toad and an owl, and they all seek out the pond of reflection, and have adventures on the way.
    The book is probably a bit long for a weak reader, but it is very well-written. The characters of the friends show the princess a little of who they are, and gradually the story evolves as they each make discoveries. An excellent child's book.
    2 people found this helpful
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  • Joy J. Wolf
    5.0 out of 5 stars Such a delightful story for all!
    Reviewed in the United States on September 13, 2022
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Such a delightful story, one that could be embraced by children and adults alike!
    This book sends a message for all people and all creatures. It is a gentle reminder of how to see what is important, A timeless and loving hug that one can embrace back and carry with them throughout their life.
    The descriptions lend themselves to a curiosity for children to learn about their natural world. They will be inspired as their adult-guides have a golden opportunity to teach them of real ecological terms used by scientists and yet embracing the magical creativity as the characters journey through the beautiful landscapes.
    The illustrations of the characters are lovely and match the story perfectly. One can spend time gazing on these beautiful images while hearing the story of their thoughts, fears, love, courage, and celebration of each other! A very special book indeed!
    Helpful
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  • Be Light
    5.0 out of 5 stars A Delightful Tale that will bring joy to all ages
    Reviewed in the United States on March 27, 2024
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    The Pond of Reflection is a delightful tale about a young girl (who happens to be a mouse) coming of age, who is the daughter of a king. The king allows no mirrors in his kingdom. “Journee” goes on an adventure to discover who she is. She includes several animal friends along the way who wish to help her with this quest. Each animal aids her in discovering something about herself, and thus themselves. They face challenges along the way that force them to work together as a team.

    With beautiful illustrations, you’ll journey along with her. Upon seeing her reflection … oh wait-—I can’t tell you—! Suffice it to say, Journee finds what she’s looking for.

    While this book was written for middle-grade readers, it will bring joy to all ages.
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Top reviews from other countries

  • Joanne
    5.0 out of 5 stars Delightful story
    Reviewed in Canada on March 8, 2025
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    What a wonderful story of self discovery told through a delightful tale of a mouse, horse, toad and owl. The illustrations capture the adventure in a happy way. Even though this is a children's story I loved it and I am a grandmother.
    Report
  • JoAnn Niebur
    5.0 out of 5 stars A sweet book
    Reviewed in India on December 13, 2021
    Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
    This is a sweet story about identity and a loving king. Great for young readers or for reading to younger children.
    Report
  • Caleb Russell
    5.0 out of 5 stars Children Will Love This Book
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on March 24, 2024
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    A very thoughtful story, well-written, about a princess, a mouse named Journee, who desires a mirror to see what she looks like and to learn about herself. Her father, the King, tells her that it's more important what is on the inside that reveals much more about someone versus a mere reflection. Nevertheless, Journee goes on a journey with her friends searching for a pond of reflection that's said to exist.

    I'm quite sure the book will be loved by children all over. And I loved the cover art and interior art. Recommended.
    Report
  • Meera Jhogasundram
    5.0 out of 5 stars When you are loved for your heart…
    Reviewed in Germany on February 4, 2022
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    The superficiality of appearances is beautifully contrasted with the depth of character. The only way to live life is to experience it with whole-hearted involvement. This book teaches young learners the importance of being true to yourself. It shows that identity is a product of social expectations. What is your expectation for yourself? What is most important to you? The story prompts you to answer these questions. Your inner harmony will be reflected in your physical appearance. That is true beauty. A meaningful read!
    Report

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