Lottie and the Hotel by the Sea
A Calming Story for children
Lottie and the Hotel by the Sea was inspired by the real Royal Hotel in the beautiful seaside town of Whitby, North Yorkshire. This charming hotel, overlooking the coast, sparked the idea for Lottie's heartwarming adventure about courage, belonging and finding home. This illustrated artwork celebrates the connection between the story and the place that inspired it, inviting readers to discover both the magic of the book and the timeless beauty of Whitby. Penelope Willis is the author of comforting stories, comforting quotes and gentle reflections for children and families.
Lottie and the Hotel by the Sea is a calming children’s bedtime story by author Penelope Willis about new experiences, gentle reassurance and finding a sense of home, even when you are away.
Written by Penelope Willis, a children’s author with over 30 years of experience supporting young children’s emotional wellbeing, whose calming bedtime stories are trusted by families around the world.
Lottie and the Hotel by the Sea was inspired by the real Royal Hotel in the beautiful seaside town of Whitby, North Yorkshire. This charming hotel, overlooking the coast, sparked the idea for Lottie's heartwarming adventure about courage, belonging and finding home. This illustrated artwork celebrates the connection between the story and the place that inspired it, inviting readers to discover both the magic of the book and the timeless beauty of Whitby. Penelope Willis is the author of comforting stories, comforting quotes and gentle reflections for children and families.
About the story
Lottie and the Hotel by the Sea is a quiet, comforting story about new places, gentle change, and finding a sense of belonging wherever you are. Through soft imagery and calming storytelling, children are reminded that even when something feels unfamiliar, they can still feel safe and at home.
This calming picture book offers emotional reassurance and helps children feel settled, supported, and understood, especially during travel or new experiences.
In a cosy hotel room overlooking the sea, Lottie watches the world outside her window, and something quiet and reassuring begins to grow.
When Lottie stays at the Royal Hotel in Whitby, she finds herself drawn to the view from her window. As she gazes out across the sea, something quiet and comforting begins to unfold, helping her feel safe, calm, and gently at ease in a new place.A gentle, reassuring story written to help children feel settled, secure, and quietly confident when they are somewhere unfamiliar or away from home.
This soothing story supports bedtime routines and helps children feel safe, comforted, and deeply at ease.
Find Lottie at The Whitby Bookshop
There's something rather special about finding Lottie in the very seaside town that inspired her story.
I'm delighted that Lottie and the Hotel by the Sea is stocked at The Whitby Bookshop, nestled in the heart of beautiful Whitby, North Yorkshire.
If you're visiting this lovely coastal town, do pop in and discover Lottie for yourself. ❤️
Discover Lottie and the Hotel by the Sea on Amazon
You can also enjoy Lottie and the Hotel by the Sea as a gentle, soothing read-aloud on my Under the Moonlight podcast.
Set in the beautiful seaside town of Whitby, this comforting children's story explores new places, unfamiliar feelings and the reassurance of finding somewhere you feel safe.
Perfect for bedtime, quiet moments or winding down after a busy day, this free children's story is a lovely way to share a little seaside magic together.
Listen to Lottie's story below.
If your little one enjoyed Lottie and the Hotel by the Sea, I'd love to invite you to download Lottie's FREE printable activity pack.
Inside you'll find a collection of fun seaside themed activities inspired by the story, perfect for little hands and curious minds. Whether you're reading together at home, enjoying story time in the classroom, or looking for a gentle activity on a rainy afternoon, I hope it brings a little extra joy to your day.
Simply click the link below to download your free activity pack and continue the adventure.
Perfect for children who:
• are experiencing new places or travel
• feel unsure or unsettled away from home
• need extra comfort at bedtime
• benefit from calm, reassuring stories
• love gentle, seaside-inspired storytelling
From the author
I wrote Lottie and the Hotel by the Sea for children who may be experiencing new places, unfamiliar surroundings, or moments of quiet uncertainty. As someone who has spent many years working closely with young children, I understand how deeply they feel the world around them. This story was created to offer gentle reassurance, helping children feel safe, supported, and quietly guided, even when they are away from home.
My hope is that this book becomes a comforting companion at bedtime, and a story children return to whenever they need calm, connection, and reassurance.
Penelope Willis
This felt like a real pinch-me moment 🥹
Holding Lottie and the Hotel by the Sea in The Whitby Bookshop meant more than I can say.
Every journey begins with a single quiet moment, and sometimes, looking out at the sea is how we find where we truly belong.
Created with warmth and understanding, Lottie and the Hotel by the Sea is a story children can return to whenever they need comfort, reassurance, and a gentle sense of being held and guided.
Lottie falls asleep dreaming of all the things she saw through the window, from the harbour below to the lights in the dark. It is a calm, comforting ending that feels just right for bedtime.
Lottie and the Hotel by the Sea is a gentle children’s picture book by Penelope Willis, set in Whitby, perfect for bedtime reading and for children learning about new places, travel and finding where they feel safe. Like all Calming Stories for Little People books, it offers reassurance, warmth and emotional comfort for young readers.
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For the moments when a child feels a little unsure…
and needs to feel safe, comforted, and gently at home wherever they are.
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