I found great joy in crafting a book for my grandson this past month. Yet another reminder about how essential it is to make time for creativity, love and joy in these difficult times. Too, I’m trying to model that for my own adult daughters. Our little guy and I had fun sharing his birthday book together.

In honor of Oregon’s 167th birthday today, I thought a few of you might like to share some of the book with littles in your lives. I depersonalized it a bit and replaced a few images with public domain images. While some three-year-olds may not quite have the curiosity that our guy does, others of that age or older might. You too can add your own personal stories! Whatcha think? I’d love to hear from you.

So…here we go! Open the slide show below. Oh, and do look at the recommended adult reads below, too. After all, in the end I do hope you’ll take time to read my books.

Or, if the images are too small to enjoy in the slideshow, visit the book page.

Other work you might enjoy on Oregon’s Birthday?

My Music Man: A memoir weaving multigenerational family stories centered on Oregon’s rivers and landscapes as the author processes grief, acceptance, and the legacy of the author’s father. (2017, book, ebook, audiobook as narrated by Dede.)

Beyond the Ripples – A multigenerational Pacific Northwest mystery sparked by a message in a bottle that leads two women to uncover past secrets and confront unfinished relationships. (2019, book, ebook)

Then, Now, and In-Between: Place, Memories, and Loss in Oregon – A collection of essays blending personal memories and reflections with historical and natural glimpses of life in Oregon. (2020, ebook)

From First Breath to Last: A Story About Love, Womanhood and Aging – A reflective memoir interweaving the lives, wisdom, and experiences of the author and her mother across generations of womanhood. (2024, book, ebook, audiobook narrated by Dede)

A Map of Her Own – A dual-timeline historical novel following two women from different eras who are bound by their struggles for identity, resilience, and meaning along the Columbia River. (2025, book, ebook)

Watch Dede’s presentation at Oregon’s Capitol on February 14, 2019.

With that, let us celebrate our state, imperfections and all, as we work to ensure every resident and habitat feels safe, valued, and cared for.