Goldie and the Great Pinecone Adventure
Along the forest floor of Train Mountain, where pine needles gather and quiet paths wind between the trees, Goldie Jones discovers a mysterious striped pinecone scale unlike any she has ever seen.
At first, it seems like a treasure meant to be kept. But as small signs begin to shift across the mountain, Goldie realizes that some things are not meant to stay in one place. What begins as a simple discovery soon becomes a journey—one that leads her and her brother, Mitch, beyond familiar trails into places where every choice carries weight.
With the help of new friends and the gentle guidance of those who understand the mountain best, Goldie must decide what it truly means to care for something valuable. Along the way, she learns that doing the right thing isn't always easy—and that courage often begins with letting go.
As the forest quietly responds and balance begins to return, something else takes root—a deeper understanding of responsibility, trust, and the role each small act plays in the greater whole.
Goldie and the Great Pinecone Adventure is a heartfelt woodland story about courage, stewardship, and discovering that what we give back to the world can matter far more than what we keep.
Perfect for ages 5–12, this gentle and engaging tale invites young readers to listen closely, act with care, and discover that even the smallest paws can help shape something lasting.
The Great Pinecone Adventure is remembered in the Saturday Morning Adventure Harold Remembers the Way Home.
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Book details
- Publisher
- Serenity Coloring Co.
- Publication date
- August 4, 2026
- Format
- 6" x 9" illustrated chapter book
- Reading age
- Approximately ages 5–9 (the summary also says "Perfect for ages 5–12")
- ISBN (paperback)
- 979-8-90036-027-0
- ISBN (digital)
- 979-8-90036-026-3
- LCCN
- 2026911928
Primary characters
- Goldie — A curious and adventurous young chipmunk whose enthusiasm and determination keep the Posse moving forward, especially when there is something new to discover.
- Mitch — Goldie's thoughtful older brother and the Posse's careful observer, always ready to study a clue, ask a question, and—of course—write down what he learns.
- Pip — A clever young mouse and loyal member of the Posse whose journey brings an important missing piece back into the adventure.
- Clover — An energetic young chipmunk and Posse member who eagerly joins her friends in exploring the hidden corners of Train Mountain. She lives at Deadwood with her twin brother, Thistle, and their family, publishers of the Leaning Tree News.
- Thistle — Clover's twin brother and fellow Posse member, bringing curiosity, friendship, and another willing set of paws to every adventure. He and Clover come from a family that always seems to know what's happening around the mountain.
- Twig — An adventurous young squirrel whose climbing skills and willingness to explore places others cannot help the Posse make an important discovery.
- Hollis Burrowby — A colorful prairie dog trader whose unusual collection of treasures — and talent for knowing what something might be worth — draws the Posse into a much bigger adventure.
- Charley — Train Mountain's orange tabby cat, whose presence around the mountain is always worth keeping an eye on when you happen to be very small.
- The Train Mountain Elders — A wise and wonderfully varied group of longtime woodland residents who gather at the Elder Story Circle in Stockbridge, sharing memories and stories that help the Posse understand the mystery they are trying to solve.
Key locations
- Prairie Dog Town and Bazaar — A labyrinth of tunnels and passages beneath the lawn near the entrance to Train Mountain, where the prairie dogs make their home. Deep inside, a lively bazaar draws woodland travelers to trade treasures, stories, and useful goods.
- The Stump — The Train Mountain Posse's secret clubhouse and home base, where Goldie, Mitch, Pip, Clover, Thistle, and Twig gather to plan adventures, share discoveries, and keep the treasures they find along the way.
- Stockbridge — Elder Story Circle — A quiet gathering place where the woodland elders share stories, memories, and wisdom from across Train Mountain.
- Burn Pit — A clearing where the humans take pinecones, brush, and other natural debris cleared from the rails and surrounding railway. A rugged corner of Train Mountain where the Posse's latest adventure takes an unexpected turn.
- North Side Planting Area — A peaceful spot beyond Aspen Grove and Dam Three where the Posse plants the Striped Pinecone seed, leaving something behind for the future.
- Train Mountain — The larger woodland setting inspired by the real Train Mountain Railroad in Southern Oregon.
Themes
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