Northern Michigan Children’s Books to Read with Your Littles
Whether you live in Northern Michigan or just love to visit, there’s a book for that. As a Traverse City local, I love reading Traverse City and Northern Michigan children’s books to my kids and sharing the Michigan love. Not only do we get to enjoy story time with something close to home, but we’re supporting local authors! Read on for some of our favorites with easy links to purchase!
Tallulah: Mermaid of the Great Lakes
Description: Tallulah doesn't look like the other young mermaids living in the ocean. And when all the other mermaids go on a quest to find the special gemstones that make their tails sparkle with color, Tallulah doesn't find her gemstone at all. When Turtle suggests that Tallulah searches the Great Lakes she is eager to give it a try, even though the other sea creatures believe mermaids don't belong in lakes. Tallulah explores the Great Lakes from north to south and east to west, until she finds a beautiful Petoskey stone and she realizes that she is finally exactly where she belongs. Reading age: 2-7
Good Night Michigan
Description: Good Night Michigan highlights Detroit, the scenic Upper Peninsula, Sleeping Bear Dunes, Tahquamenon Falls, Mackinac Island, Henry Ford, Air Zoo, Ann Arbor Street Fair, Frankenmuth, and college sports. Young readers will feel the pride of Michigan as they travel around the state exploring iconic landmarks, sights, and must see attractions.
Reading age: Baby to 3 (although my kindergartner still loves it!)
Purchase it here!
The Legend of Sleeping Bear
Description: It started with a mother's love... Fleeing from a forest fire, a mother bear urges her two cubs into the watery shelter of a vast body of water. Though it will be difficult, she knows if they can swim across to the opposite shore, they will be safe. With calls of encouragement and steadfast love, Mother Bear guides her cubs across the great lake, Lake Michigan. And the story of what happens once Mother Bear reaches the far shore becomes the legend behind the natural wonder known as Sleeping Bear Dune.
Reading age: 7-10
Purchase it here!
The Legend of Michigan
Description: Long, long ago, the ancient people of the forest gathered around warm fires and told the tale of a time long past, when the land known as "Michigane" was covered with ice and snow. For thousands of years the cruel North Wind ruled the land North of Up North, chasing away the gentle, benevolent winds from the East, West and South. Winter stayed the whole year round, so nothing could live in Michigane. Not until an old warrior and a young boy traveled through the frigid cold with nothing but warm hearts and an old pair of mittens was there hope that the frozen land would eventually come to life. Reading age: 4-8
Purchase it here!
The Legend of the Petoskey Stone
Description: The Legend of the Petoskey Stone focuses on the naming of this unique fossil, found only on the shores of Lake Michigan. From the ancient, warm sea that covered most of the state, through Native American history and the history of the town named after a great chief, The Legend of the Petoskey Stone is a welcome addition to the fables so richly told and illustrated by this much-loved and honored children's book team.
Reading age: 8-12
Purchase it here!
M is for Mitten
Description: Where was the first mile of highway paved? Who was the 38th President of the United States? What is the nation's most remote National Park? What was the first bottled soda pop in this country? Find the answers to these questions and many more in M is for Mitten: A Michigan Alphabet. Author Annie Appleford has written M is for Mitten: A Michigan Alphabet to acquaint children with the most important people, places and items that have helped mold Michigan into the tremendous state it is. Reading age: 2-8
The Legend of Leelanau
Description: The young maiden Leelinau is forbidden from going into the Spirit Wood. But Leelinau so enjoys her time spent there with the Pukwudjinees (the tiny fairies of the forest) that she risks playing with them time and time again. The legend explores the resistance many of us harbor of entering adulthood.
Purchase it here!
‘Twas the Night Before Christmas in Michigan
Decription: It's the night before Christmas in Michigan and you're nestled snug in your bed. Your stocking is hung by the chimney with care―will Santa visit YOUR HOUSE? Follow Santa's journey to Holland, Traverse City, Ann Arbor, and more in this magical retelling of a classic children's Christmas book starring landmarks like Mission Point Lighthouse and Mackinac Bridge.
Reading age: 1-5
Purchase it here!
Did I miss any of your favorites? Shoot me a note and let me know! And don’t forget to follow along on Instagram to stay in the know on upcoming Northern Michigan events and family friendly activities!