Patrick and Andria Martchink have written and published a children's board book that is sure to become a local classic. Credit: Estes Valley Voice

Hello, “Goodnight Estes Park,” we happily say,
A hometown-made story has found its way.
Created by locals with heart and with art,
Patrick and Andria each played a part.

This illustrated board book, cozy and bright,
Is written for children—but grownups delight.
Though customs delays caused a launch party miss
At The Mountain Shop, don’t worry about this:

Just in time for Christmas, it’s finally here,
For stockings and gifting and holiday cheer.
A rhyming bedtime poem, gentle and kind,
It celebrates Estes—its place and its mind.

Patrick and Andria Martchink have written and illustrated a children’s board book about Estes Park that isn’t just for children. Credit: Patti Brown / Estes Valley Voice

Patrick, a therapist many folks know,
Once served as a Trustee in local Town flow.
Andria, an artist with fashion design flair,
Filled every page with bold color and care.

The fun is discovering what’s tucked inside—
Little “Easter Eggs” hidden with hometown pride.
From Kind Coffee to Ed’s Cantina’s glow,
Brownfield’s and Park Theatre—places we know.

It’s easy to use it for “I Spy” delight,
A scavenger hunt that feels just right.
Like a framed cabin picture—look closer, you’ll see
Friends doing the moves of the YMCA glee.

Andria Martchink points our little Easter Eggs in her illustrations, like the picture over the fireplace in the cabin where a group of people act out the letters Y-M-C-A, a nod to the YMCA of the Rockies -Estes Park Center where Andria works. Credit: Patti Brown / Estes Valley Voice

That wink nods softly, with playful direction,
To YMCA Rockies, another Estes connection,
Where Andria guides crafts with creativity,
Creating her art with great positivity.

The pages roll on like a trolley ride,
Through downtown Estes with wonder inside.
Across Lake Estes, through Moraine Park green,
Up Trail Ridge Road with its breathtaking scene.

Hop on a horse, take the coaster down,
Then soar on the Tram above valley and town.
From Prospect Mountain, the views unfold wide—
An adventure-packed bedtime journey inside.

Landmarks appear that locals all know:
The Stanley Hotel, Birch Ruins aglow,
The Taffy Shop sweet, Macdonald Book Shop, too,
Ride-A-Kart fun with a mini-golf view.

Go-karts run electric, the Casey Train rolls,
Vintage and charming, it whistles to souls.
Wildlife fills pages in collage-like cheer—
Elk, deer, and bighorns begin to appear.

Add pikas and eagles, magpies in flight,
A great horned owl watching softly at night.
Ducks, dogs, cats, a bunny hop by,
Hummingbirds hover, squirrels scamper nearby.

There’s even a bear peeking out from the pine,
A playful surprise by illustration design.
And woven throughout, as the pages embark,
Are the Martchinks themselves—kids and all—through the park.

They wander together, say “goodnight” as they roam,
In a loving tribute to “Goodnight Moon’s” tone.
A bedtime tradition, both local and true,
“Goodnight Estes Park” now says goodnight to you.

“Goodnight Estes” is available locally at Bird’s Nest, Coffee on the Rocks, The Country Market, Estes Park Mountain Shop, These are a few of my Favorite Things, The Grey House, Macdonald Book Shop, Peaks Hallmark, Quality Inn,  Rocky Mountain Conservancy, The Stanley Chocolate Factory, and The Taffy Shop.