Ginnie and Geneva Series by Catherine Woolley

When shy Ginnie moves and enrolls at a new school she is unnerved by outspoken and lively Geneva but eventually - and with the help of a winsome cat - they become best friends.

It sometimes seems to Ginnie that the other girls are prettier or smarter or more sure of themselves than she is. She is enchanted at the prospect of spending a summer at the lake, but when she gets there she discovers there is one thing that stands between her and complete enjoyment: she doesn't know how to swim! With even the smallest children swimming or jumping fearlessly off the float, Ginnie feels that her feeble efforts make her conspicuous... moreIt sometimes seems to Ginnie that the other girls are prettier or smarter or more sure of themselves than she is. She is enchanted at the prospect of spending a summer at the lake, but when she gets there she discovers there is one thing that stands between her and complete enjoyment: she doesn't know how to swim! With even the smallest children swimming or jumping fearlessly off the float, Ginnie feels that her feeble efforts make her conspicuous. But Ginnie's practice and determination help her find her way among her friends. At last Ginnie finds out how much fun she can have when she learns to accept herself and even laugh at herself. less

Ginnie and Geneva are best friends - they walk to and from school together every day and play together every afternoon. Geneva's companionship means a great deal to the less self-confident Ginnie - until the new girl comes. Then all Geneva's time and interest seems to be devoted to Marcia, and Ginnie feels lonely and hurt. At first she is miserable, but gradually she develops other resources. Ginnie finds out what happens when she seeks her own solutions to her problems.

The name of the doll was Lady Vanderbilt, and she was very beautiful. Her gown was of lavender taffeta, and around her neck she wore a pearl. When Ginnie and Geneva heard about her, they longed to see her, but the doll had disappeared thirty years ago and no one knew where she was. Then, suddenly, she appeared at a church auction, and for a tantalizing moment the girls thought she would be theirs... moreThe name of the doll was Lady Vanderbilt, and she was very beautiful. Her gown was of lavender taffeta, and around her neck she wore a pearl. When Ginnie and Geneva heard about her, they longed to see her, but the doll had disappeared thirty years ago and no one knew where she was. Then, suddenly, she appeared at a church auction, and for a tantalizing moment the girls thought she would be theirs. But a twist of fate took her away once more, and it required all Ginnie's ingenuity and determination to find the doll and solve her mystery. less

When Ginnie and Geneva want to earn extra money for Christmas, they think first of baby sitting. Initially, most of the mothers feel they are too young. But suddenly, a few mothers begin to show confidence in Ginnie. From wheeling a baby around the block in his carriage, she graduates to entertaining the toddlers, Susan and Tommy, for an afternoon... moreWhen Ginnie and Geneva want to earn extra money for Christmas, they think first of baby sitting. Initially, most of the mothers feel they are too young. But suddenly, a few mothers begin to show confidence in Ginnie. From wheeling a baby around the block in his carriage, she graduates to entertaining the toddlers, Susan and Tommy, for an afternoon. Her success with these two difficult three-year-olds lead her at last to the grandiose scheme of starting a day nursery, an endeavor in which Geneva turns out to be a disruptive element! But Ginnie is undaunted and once again tests her abilities and comes up with unexpected rewards. less

Ginnie competes in a juvenile cooking contest, yearning to win a prize for a truly elegant recipe.