The Adventures of Geraldine Woolkins

Geraldine Woolkins #1

by Karin Kaufman

With beautiful color illustrations.

Young Geraldine longs to have adventures as thrilling as those in the Book of Tales, the book her papa reads to her and her brother Button at night. More than that, she wants to be brave--a seemingly impossible task in a world where ravens throw black shadows over the earth and wolves prowl barren lands in search of their prey. But Geraldine is a mouse. The weakest of ground things. Why was she, who wants so much to be brave, created by God to be small and quivering?

The book’s ten stories follow the Woolkins family—Papa, Mama, Geraldine, and Button—from October to December, as they face their rather human trials and tribulations and Geraldine struggles to understand Very Very Big Hands, the creator of all, including ravens and wolves.

Suitable for readers of most ages. Parents will want to read the book to younger children, preferably after making them a cup of cocoa.

Books in the Geraldine Woolkins

Book 1: The Adventures of Geraldine WoolkinsBook 2: More Adventures of Geraldine WoolkinsBook 3: Springtime with Geraldine WoolkinsBook 4: Book of Volume OneBook 5: Summertime with Geraldine Woolkins

Genres: Childrens, Fiction, Animals, Christian, Chapter Books, Christian Fiction, Kids

145 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 22, 2015

About the author

Karin Kaufman grew up devouring murder mysteries, especially of the cozy kind. Give her a mystery, a comfy couch, her sweet dog at her side, and (preferably) a rainy day, and she’s in heaven. She’s the author of the Juniper Grove Cozy Mystery Series, the Smithwell Fairies Cozy Mystery Series, and the Anna Denning Mystery Series. The Witch Tree, the first book in her Anna Denning series, was a finalist for a Grace Award. Karin also writes children's books in the Geraldine Woolkins and Woolkins Bookshelf series.

For giveaways and news on all Karin's latest releases, sign up for her mailing list at http://www.KarinKaufman.com. And connect with her on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/authorkarinka....

Reviews

[Cynthia · Rating 5 out of 5]

**Below is a review was written by my daughter, who is eleven, an avid reader, and has a mind of her own. I would only add that this is a clever and sweet book you can feel good about sharing (and as an adult, have fun reading) with anyone, big or little.**

Geraldine Woolkins kept me on my toes and I loved every minute of it. It’s about a mouse who dreams of adventure and tries to come closer to God. I loved how she was a new mouse and didn’t know very much. The relationship between her and her brother reminded me of mine with my brother. He was annoying and she wanted to seem smarter than him, but she realized that he was more loving and kind than she expected. I recommend it for kids who are adventure seekers, animal lovers, and adults, basically anyone of any age.

[Diana · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was exactly what was promised in that it is a cozy book for adults and one that can be read and discussed with really young children. It was engaging and delightful as Geraldine gets herself in one mess after another. The lessons of love, caring, sharing, helping your fellow creatures as well as the dangers that can be part of life are in there. Very, very big Hands is portrayed wonderfully for all beliefs. There is so much in this book that it would take a book to write about all the lessons in here that could be shared with readers of all ages. All age groups will benefit from reading this book. I received a copy of this book for my honest review.

[Robin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a totally delightful book for all ages. Geraldine's adventures are exciting and some are scarey. I was so engaged from the first, I didn't want to put the book down. The life of this mouse patterns little children learning obedience and reliance on God (Very Very Big Hands). I found the writing to be excellent and I felt as though I was right there with Geraldine, taking part in all her adventures. I was given a copy by the author in exchange for a fair review.

[Donna Kimpel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adventure for all ages !!!

I absolutely loved reading about the mice family adventures. While the young mice are learning and growing the parents are teaching them lessons they will need to survive. They have many woodland friends that help them get out of some sticky situations. These friends are special in many ways. Once you start reading you will get caught up in the story wanting to see what happens next. One of the lessons from the book is that people may be different from us, but in many ways we are all the same. Helping others and accepting each other's strength and weaknesses is part of life. You will enjoy this book whether you are young or old. I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

A solid 3.5 stars. The kids loved it and so we will probably read the follow up book as well. I rated it down because I found it overly preachy. The lessons are good ones, but it’s obviously and overly didactic to an adult. I strongly prefer more subtle, thoughtful thinking points and this can be accomplished in children’s books so that kids pick up on it over the arch of the story. In this story, the mouse children have adventures and make poor choices and the parents lecture at the end. Repeat with new adventures. The characters do exhibit growth at least and the adventures are fun.

[Virginia Winfield · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think that children will really love this read to them. It is well written and a good story. It was fun to learn what mice might really be like when they are young. I think there should be more pictures. This was very cute. It was almost a story within a story. I received an ebook copy from the author for a fair and honest opinion.

[Kristy Hetzel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quite a unique book! It has some wonderful little thoughts to ponder in it.

[Katja Labonté · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars & 4/10 hearts. This was such a sweet, adorable, thought-provoking read. Very fanciful and yet perfectly mouse-like. Quentin was wonderful, and Papa and Mama were perfect. There were some funny, childlike remarks and the whole trusting God through the adventures of life was lovely. The only thing I didn’t quite like was that while humans were called Big Hands, God was often called Very Very Big Hands... which takes away His Divinity by making Him just a “bigger human.”

*review to be updated*

[Barbara Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

A delightful chapter book consisting of ten stories that revolve around a fearless family of mice facing the dangers and challenges of winter. Geraldine is the protagonist who was born in April, but now in October is facing the end of the gathering season. She and her brother Nigel have much to learn and experience. Readers are introduced to their friends in the forest, Penelope, the sparrow and Cheddar, a white rabbit. The children love to hear their father Nigel read to them stories from the Book of Tales. These adventures teach them about common sense, trust, gratitude, empathy and sharing. As October wanes, the family and friends celebrate Thanksgiving and the joys of Christmas. On the other hand, the children's curiosity put them in danger of being eaten by wolves and ravens, swept down the river on a log and being destroyed by a forest fire. Charlotte is a sensitive and inquisitive mouse who desires to read, write and explore the world around her. She and her brother share sibling rivalry, but at the same time deeply love and care for one another. Their parents teach them to have faith that Very, Very Big Hands will be there to guide and protect them.

This chapter book is geared toward readers in grades three to six. Some younger children may enjoy individual stories as a read aloud. There are no illustrations; a few simple drawings would add appeal to younger children. I would thoroughly recommend the book as a gentle, sweet read for children who love animals. The many lessons learned and bravery in facing adversity allow for lots of discussion on the topics of developing strong character and interpersonal skills.

[Michael & Photini Holverson · Rating 4 out of 5]

A quaint quick read. Each chapter is an adventure with heights of danger and thrill followed by morals taught. There is referencing of God as “very very big hands” which is disrespectful in my opinion (it’s a mouse perspective though?) and makes for annoying wordiness that could be avoided. All in all it’s a solid four stars. Nothing amazing, slightly memorable for kids and generally just good. Yep, a four.

[Emilee D · Rating 5 out of 5]

I like this book because it’s full of amazing adventures and because it’s about very very big hands (God!) and it’s very peaceful book. It is cozy and fun to read aloud with your family. It is perfect to read from October through December.
Name:Shiloh Drake
Age: eight years old
10/10 i will recommend this to all my friends!

[Ema · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really beautiful tale on bravery, friendship, family, and trusting in God, "The Very Very Big Hands". All from the perspective of the eponymous mouse, Geraldine. My 7 and 6y olds loved every single adventure she had. Beautiful rich language.
Highly recommend for boys and girls.

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I requested a copy of this via inter-library loan to check it out for my children, most especially as a read-aloud for a first grader, and I am so glad I did. Having read it aloud once, this is a book I will purchase for my children to read themselves over the next several years. The Woolkins family is a wonderful model without being perfect. They are loving, if occasionally the mother worries to much. The children mean well, but they a foolish and arrogant at times as all fallen people on planet Earth are. The only perfect character in this book is God, or as the mice know him, Very Very Big Hands. This is an inclusively Christian book - a book which doesn't contradict a Christian view of God and the world but isn't explicitly Christian. There's no Gospel presentation in this one. That's not to say the book falls short there; I don't think the book intended to be different.

Thematically I think of this book as a lovely bridge between Brambly Hedge and The Green Ember series. Brambly Hedge has very little true danger. In The Green Ember beloved main characters are killed. In Geraldine Woolkins beloved main characters are placed in life-threatening situations, but no one dies. It's nice for sensitive younger ones who aren't ready for more perilous reads. That said, the reading level is probably pretty close to that of The Green Ember. Don't take the relatively gentleness of the story to mean that it's boring, because it's totally not. It's just good for easily scared children as well as others, which is nice as your easily scared kids get older. On a reading level, it's probably pretty close to a book like The Green Ember.

My only dislike about this book was that it could have used an editor in spots, just like my reviews always can. It gets unnecessarily wordy. I dearly hope a publisher will pick it up, edit it, get it illustrated, and turn it into a great series.

[Chris Meads · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a cute book about a family of mice. The main character is Geraldine, a new mouse (a young mouse). She has a younger brother and a mom and dad.

Geraldine learns what it means to have friends, what is dangerous and to have common sense and bravery. She has many adventures and thinks she isn't brave. But her father says otherwise. "When you're scared, that's when you are most brave" he tells her.

This is an enjoyable book. One that can be read to young children at night and for those who can read by themselves. Even adults can have some enjoyment from this little story as I did. I would recommend it to adults and kids alike.

[Vicki Whitfield · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very enjoyable story of a mouse family that faces life with love, respect and spiritual beliefs. A wonderful story to share with your children and discuss the adventures as they unfold. I found my self telling Geraldine don't go there, run, and I grew quickly to care very much for these characters. A wonderful family book.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

A story for all ages!

Well written and very engaging. Children and adults alike will enjoy the adventures of this mouse family and their friends and learn along with them to trust in God.

[Monica Lit · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is story is an adventure of how aeir mother and father mouse are trying to teach their children important lessons in life, dangers, fun, and all along the way ... reminding them that God watches over His creation.

[Jamie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good lessons to learn

I don't normally read many Christian books, but this little book of woodland tales was really sweet and I think it has some valuable lessons for kids. Especially about embracing your own story.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful book! Take the author's advice, get yourself a cup of cocoa and read this to your children or grandchildren or, if you have neither, simply savor the story.

[Courtney Whitfield · Rating 5 out of 5]

My mom and I read it together. We really enjoyed the wonderful characters, their adventures and the lessons they learned along the way. Good book for the whole family to share.

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

"The innocence of Fieval in an American Tail, and the earnesty of Secret of Nigmh" --Ann Hunter

This was a great book! I needed to entertain my 4yo daughter one afternoon, and started reading Geraldine Woolkins to her. Right away I was captivated. 

I believe we can agree that there is always a larger force in the universe at work. Call it Buddha, Karma, Fate; I'm good with whatever your persuasion is.
But for the purposes of this review, I'm going to call that larger force "God". 

The Adventures of Geraldine Woolkins is the tale of a young mouse just beginning to learn about her world. And through the very human trials she and her family face, we come to know Very Very Big Hands (aka God). Geraldine, like us, often struggles to understand how amazing things can happen in our lives, and yet horrible things happen too. Why would such a powerful force allow those things?
"Don't you see me, God? Don't you hear me?" we cry in our darkest moments. But sometimes we must find our own way back in order to grow and understand.

What I really loved about this book was the way the author showed how God takes us all into consideration, even the tiniest mouse. I think that is pretty profound in the scope of things. One of the quotes from the book that helped put this thought into perspective was Geraldine observing her father giving thanks for a branch falling in front of their house (it serves a purpose in the book).
"A branch was such a small thing. And now it was a ground thing, too. A small dead branch, forever on the ground. And Papa thought it worthy of thanks."

Another theme the author explored that I'm a big fan of (and also explored in my own book, A Piece of Sky) was bravery is not the lack of fear, but how you react in the midst of it. What you do when presented with opportunity, no matter how frightening, can change your life.

My only complaint was that Geraldine's mother got on my nerves at times, but I chalk that up to being a mom who is more off-hands with her parenting. I think I'm more like Geraldine's father, who mostly was "You're having an adventure!"
Yes, there are sad parts in our own adventures, but there are grand and joyful ones too. Make your adventure a great one!

"God sees you, Geraldine."
And I hope the rest of the world will, too. Because I want a sequel!

[Amber · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a pleasant little book. It is about a family of mice, especially a "new" girl mouse named Geraldine. She wants to be brave, like her father, but she is young and just learning about the big world, and about stories from the Book of Tales, from which her family draws lessons for life. She also has a lot to learn about Very, Very Big Hands, who created the world. With a little imagination, there are lessons for both children and adults in these pages. I like the family of mice in this book and a lot about the family relationships, as well as the way they help others outside their family. I like that the parents pass on experience and wisdom to their children, and that there are spiritual analogies to draw. Overall, I think it could make a good read aloud. There are a couple things I would want to discuss in passing with the kids, but I would probably be okay with even younger independent readers reading this one on their own if they so choose. It's pretty sweet and wholesome.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

An answer to wishful thinking! I really wanted an audiobook about and set during the Autumn that was captured the season and had adventure. This was perfect! My kids loved it and asked as soon as we got in the car, "Can we listen to Geraldine?" or they chanted "Geraldine! Geraldine!"
The voice took me a moment to get used too... at first, I thought the narrator was a little soap opera-y but I started to enjoy it and more importantly, so did my kids. I think it captured the intenseness of the moments Geraldine was going through and it worked well with the story.

[Kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved reading this to my kids. It was such a sweet story and it was nice to be able see an example of healthy family relationships, and how they interact with each other. Also it's a good example of overcoming scary things and learning from your mistakes. This would be a perfect read for November it starts out in the fall and then moves on to winter. I love how it talks about the responsibility of preparing for winter and the joys of warm fires, sledding, warm soup and the holidays. A nice cozy read with a bit of adventure mixed in. Looking forward to the next one.

[Amber White · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved reading to my boys

This is a wonderful book to read to kids showing how God shows up in peoples homes and adventures, big and small. Both my 8year old and my 10year old boys enjoyed it and immediately asked if there are more books about Geraldine Woolkins when the book was done. I also enjoyed reading it. Little lessons through out.

[Cyndi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bedtime story

My favorite daughter and I have read this book every night for about the last 2-3 weeks. We look forward to it. I appreciate the morals and reverence to God. It's hard to find a book such as this. We have enjoyed this book very much and hope to find more like it.
We give it 5 stars!

[Aimee · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Adventures of Geraldine Woolkins is a pretty good book. It's a nice story about a small mouse that wants to go on big adventures like in The Book of Tales the Papa mouse reads them. But in the end she realizes that she doesn't need to have big adventures like the ones in The Book of Tales but her own adventures even if they might only be small ones and that they can come to her in each day.

[Andrew · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review from my son:

Q: Did you like it?
A: Yes, I liked it.

Q: Would you another in the series?
A: Yes, when I'm done reading the other books I want to read then I'll maybe read another one.

Q: If you were trying to tell someone about the book what would you say?
A: A lot of things happen, and there is a lot of adventure.

Q: Would you recommend another kid read it?
A: Yes.

[Jen Immel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a beautiful story. The vocabulary that Karin used throughout the story was elliquaint. The storyline was full of wonderful lessons and powerful thoughts to ponder. I loved the fact that Geraldine grew in her relationship with God. This story is one that can easily be enjoyed by all, no matter how young or old. I look forward to reading the last two books in this series.

[Malissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I know this book has mention of god in it and that might turn people who are not religious off of this book. But as an atheist, I've been one for at least 10 years I'll tell you I really enjoyed this book. It does mention god but not in a preachy way, more like just part of their beliefs in the story. This is a very cozy read and I would definitely reccomend it.