Cedars House, Valley Green Inn, the Thomas Mill covered bridge and even the statue of Tedyuscung are characters in “Good Night Wissahickon Valley Park,” a children’s book created by Friends of the Wissahickon.

The book, published by Good Night Books (goodnightbooks.com), tells the tale of a family of four who begin their visit in the morning at the north end of the park and stop at several beloved landmarks as they make their way south. By the end of the book, night is falling as the family says, “Good night, Wissahickon.” 

Friends of the Wissahickon was meticulous about making sure the illustrations and content were accurate. 

“We want to develop a sense of wonder and exploration for everyone who visits the Wissahickon,” said Maura McCarthy, Friends of the Wissahickon executive director. “This book helps educate children about the park and brings the park to life.”

“Good Night Wissahickon Park” goes on sale officially at a Saturday, Sept. 10, event at the Wissahickon Environmental Center, from 10 a.m. to noon. There will be live readings by community leaders, special Wissahickon animal visitors, face-painting and hikes for children. The book costs $9.95, and proceeds go to Friends of the Wissahickon.

“‘Good Night Wissahickon Valley Park’ will become a favorite for children throughout the area — for kids who already know the park and for those who have never visited the park before,” McCarthy said.

Over 1 million visitors come to the park each year.

For more than 90 years, Friends of the Wissahickon has protected and preserved Philadelphia’s Wissahickon Valley Park. This 1,800-acre urban wilderness has more than 50 miles of trails winding through the spectacular wooded gorge formed by the Wissahickon Creek, which provides drinking water to one in three Philadelphians. FOW and its volunteers make the Wissahickon cleaner and more enjoyable, and help maintain its wild beauty and delicate ecosystem. Proceeds from the sale of “Good Night Wissahickon Valley Park” will help support these efforts to protect this public resource for current and future generations.

To RSVP for the Sept. 10 event, or to order the book for retail or bulk sales, contact Giulia Morrone at morrone@fow.org.