Stringbean's Trip to the Shining Sea

Name: Stringbean's Trip to the Shining Sea
ISBN: 9780613182805

For the child dreaming of adventure and connecting with distant family, this sweet story of a boy's independent trip via postcards celebrates independence, curiosity, and love.

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About This Book

When a child is dreaming of their first big solo adventure or missing family far away, this book offers a gentle and encouraging model of independence. Stringbean Coe, a young boy, travels from Kansas to California by himself to visit his brother. The entire story is told through the creative, funny, and observant postcards he sends home. It celebrates curiosity, self-reliance, and the power of family love across any distance. For ages 6-9, its unique scrapbook format makes the idea of a solo journey feel exciting and manageable, modeling a wonderful way for kids to document and share their own experiences.

Freedom & Independence Adventure Curiosity & Wonder Love & Family Self-Confidence & Identity Growing Up Family & Siblings First Day

What Parents Should Know

Mild PerilMild

A young boy travels across the country with a friendly but unfamiliar truck driver. Presented as safe.

Sensitive Topics

The core concept involves a child traveling alone with an adult stranger. This is handled in a completely non-threatening, positive manner, framing the journey as a safe and exciting adventure. It is a secular story with a consistently hopeful resolution. Parents may want to frame this as a story from a different time.