Every now and then, I come across a picture book that captures my heart before I've even finished reading the first few pages. The Little Blue Cottage by Kelly Jordan was one of those books.
I was immediately drawn in by its beautiful artwork. Every page felt warm, nostalgic, and full of little details that invited me to linger just a little longer. By the time I reached the end, I wasn't just in love with the illustrations, I had fallen in love with the story too.
The Little Blue Cottage tells the story of a much-loved seaside cottage that has been part of one family's life for generations. Year after year, the cottage welcomes family members back through its doors as they celebrate holidays, mark milestones, and create treasured memories together. As time passes, the cottage weathers storms, seasons, and change, quietly witnessing the story of the family that loves it. With heartfelt storytelling and stunning illustrations, Kelly Jordan reminds readers that the places we gather often become some of the most cherished parts of our family story.
One of the things I love most about family history is discovering the places that brought generations of a family together. Maybe it was a farmhouse, a small apartment, a grandparent's kitchen, or a little blue cottage by the sea. These places become much more than buildings—they become the backdrop for birthdays, family dinners, holidays, reunions, laughter, and even tears.
When we think back on our childhood, we often remember places before we remember dates. We remember the porch where we watched summer sunsets, the table where everyone squeezed together for dinner, or the bedroom we shared with our siblings. Those ordinary places become landmarks in our memories because they are where life happened.
Reading The Little Blue Cottage reminded me that every family has places worth remembering. Even if the building is gone or has changed over the years, the stories created there remain. As we share those stories with our children, we help them understand that they are part of something much bigger than themselves—a family story built one memory, one gathering, and one generation at a time.
Activity: A Place That Feels Like Home
Think of a place your family returned to again and again. It might be a grandparent’s house, a family cabin, a favorite campsite, a beach, or even a particular room in your childhood home.
Draw a picture of that place, then add a few details that made it special. Who gathered there? What did you do together? What sounds, smells, or traditions do you remember?
Invite your children or grandchildren to ask questions about your drawing. As you answer, write down one memory you would like them to carry with them.
to download/print the activity page just click here or on the image below
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