Western Springs, Hinsdale landmarks featured in children's book series

Chicago Tribune

19-05-2025

Taylor Tomlinson had very personal motivation when she decided to write a children's book.
'I realized I wanted to become an author when I thought about creating a 'goodnight' book for my son, one that featured local places he knows and loves,' she said. 'It wasn't necessarily a lifelong dream, but it's a personal and meaningful inspiration. I wanted to share the charm of our community with him in a way that was both fun and familiar.'
So, Tomlinson, who has lived in Western Springs with her son, Jax, age 2, and husband, Jeff, who grew up there, began writing the first of her series of books, fittingly titled, 'Goodnight, Western Springs,' which was released in January. 'Goodnight, Hinsdale' was released in late April, and future 'Goodnight' books are planned for La Grange, Naperville, Libertyville and Downers Grove.
Tomlinson bills the series as 'a collection of books that take young readers on whimsical nighttime adventures as they say goodnight to beloved locations across the Chicago suburbs.'
'My goal with the books is to bring the charm and character of Chicago's suburbs to life, helping young readers explore and appreciate the unique communities around them,' she said. 'I hope my books spark curiosity, nostalgia, and a sense of connection — both on the page and beyond.'
Western Springs seemed like a logical place to start with her first book, which includes all of the places Tomlinson and her husband enjoy visiting with their son. Area readers will recognize Western Springs locations such as Tower Green, Spring Rock Park, the Western Springs Metra Station, Casey's Market, Thomas Ford Library, The Fruit Store, Oberweis Dairy / BB's Baby Donuts, Lyons Township High School South campus, Garden Market, Children's Theater of Western Springs, Kirschbaum's Bakery, and Flagg Creek.
Hinsdale Community Pool and a visit from Santa at the village's annual Christmas Walk are among the highlights of 'Goodnight, Hinsdale.'
'The other towns in the series are nearby towns that we also visit often as a family,' Tomlinson said. ''Goodnight, Libertyville' will be a nostalgic book, a love letter, for the town in which I grew up.'
Tomlinson said all of her books in the 'Goodnight' series will be written in a similar style.
'Fun, Dr. Seuss-style rhymes and large, full-page color illustrations of places within each town,' she said. 'All illustrations are done by the same illustrator (Christine F. Maningo).'