As kids, we all had a favorite book that was requested at bedtime, read repeatedly until the spine broke and the pages were torn. For some it was friendly Richard Scarry; for others, silly Dr. Seuss. But for those of us who grew up in the Pacific Northwest, there was always one book on our bedside tables: the sweet story about a grumpy ball of orange fluff named the Wheedle, whose nose blinked red as he snoozed on top of the Space Needle. Lucky for us, that book is still in print, and still causes many kiddos to stare at the top of the Needle and wonder…but are there any iconic Northwest kids’ books for the 21st century? Flip through our gallery and decide for yourself.

Sea Star Wishes: Poems from the Coast

Does winter’s cold and gloom have you missing the rugged, wind-swept Washington coast? This book is sure to cure your beach blues. Written by Seattle-area singer, songwriter, author and poet Eric Ode, this book of poems captures life at a Pacific Northwest beach, from swooping gulls and shy barnacles to giant geoducks and regal sea lions, with a ferryboat and lighthouse thrown in for good measure. Winthrop author and artist Erik Brooks’ whimsical and wonderful illustrations make you feel at one with the nature just bursting out of the pages. Bring out this book the next time you’re yearning for the shore, and you’ll have your little ones dreaming of waves and sandcastles in no time.

Find it at: Albhabet Soup Children's Books

Did we miss your favorite Northwest-themed kids’ book? Let us know in a comment below!

-Erin Cranston
 

Photo credits: Haley Stocking/Sasquatch Books

 
Advertisement
phone-icon-vector
Your daily dose of joy and connection
Get the Tinybeans app