Book Reviews and More: Jumping into Joy - Theresa Linden - Caitlyn and Peter's Rosary Adventures Book 1

Saturday, 8 February 2025

Jumping into Joy - Theresa Linden - Caitlyn and Peter's Rosary Adventures Book 1

Jumping into Joy

Caitlyn and Peter's Rosary Adventures Book 1

Theresa Linden

Kelsey Doherty (Illustrator)

Silver Fire Publishing

ISBN 9781734992977

ASIN B0DTZR75XZ

Jumping into Joy - Theresa Linden and Kelsey Doherty - Caitlyn and Peter's Rosary Adventures Book 1

This story marks the 40th time I have read a book by Linden, and I have read her contributions to anthologies numerous times as well. My children are well past the reading age for this book, but I love Linden’s writing so much I decided to give it a read anyways, who knows hopefully someday I can read it with grandkids.

The description of this volume states:

“Jumping into Joy is the first in this Rosary-themed chapter book series.

Nine-year-old Peter dozes off while his family prays the Rosary. His friend Caitlyn encourages him to use his imagination. He’s not sure what she means until she takes him through the Portal to the Rosary Mysteries. At first Peter doesn’t see the ancient town of Nazareth. But as Caitlyn describes their surroundings and the teenage girl carrying a water pot, Peter begins to see it too! Hey, is that Mary?

Peter uses his problem-solving skills, and Caitlyn refers to her Rosary Journal as they try to discover the virtues attached to each mystery of the Rosary. Once they discover the virtue, they zip to the next mystery!

Prayer is more important than ever—and not just for adults. Children have the potential to become great prayers warriors and to grow in virtue by using Our Lady’s gift of the Rosary. We know that the Rosary is more than a recitation of words; it is also a meditation on the lives of Jesus and Mary. Children have a unique ability to use their imagination. Following lively characters, this Rosary-themed chapter book, geared toward children ages six to nine, will show readers how to use their imaginations to meditate on the mysteries and will encourage them to pray for particular virtues.

After the story, find Bible verses and virtues specific to each mystery, along with a “Prayer before the Rosary” for children.”

This story is really interesting and a unique twist on the time traveller motif. In some ways it is similar to Lisa M. Hendey’s Chime Travellers Series or the Mr. Baker’s Book Series by Andrew Votipka and even Douglings Adventures by Carissa Douglas. The main difference is that in this volume and I assume series is that the children are witnessing events but often appear to not be seen or hear. And there are jumping through events from the Bible for the mysteries of the Holy Rosary.

The story begins with a Rosary being said at a Home-school meet up. And Peter has fallen asleep again. After the Rosary, Peter and Caitlyn head out to the woods to play. Caitlyn challenges Peter to use his imagination to meditate while thinking on the mysteries of the Rosary. She uses her journal to pull out factions and quotes from the bible. Soon they are witnessing the events the woods are transformed into the desert, and cities of Israel. And with each mystery they realize there is a virtue being shown and they work to figure out how the mystery links to a virtue and how that virtue should be worked on in their own lives.

This is an excellent little read. It is a great volume and one that would be a great addition to any home, school, or church library. I cannot help but conclude that this is a much younger version of Caitlyn and Peter that we encounter in the West Brothers Series when they are teenagers.

This is another great volume from the masterful pen of Linden. It is written for a younger audience than many of her books, but appears to tie some of them together. It is a great read in what looks like it will be a wonderful series.

Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2024 Catholic Reading Plan!