A new children’s book about Hillsboro’s beloved forest giant – Oro – is now available for purchase at Parks & Recreation facilities! The book will also be available for sale at the Parks & Recreation table during Hillsboro's Mariachi Opera in the Park event at Shute Park on Friday, July 24. 

Oro the Forest Giant, by local author N.D. Byma, brings the magic of Hidden Creek Park West’s distinct play structure to life through a heartfelt story about friendship, inclusion, bravery, and the joy of exploring the outdoors. The book is bilingual, with each page telling the story in English and Spanish so readers can choose the language that works best for them — or enjoy reading in both languages!

“Being able to write and tell Oro’s story has been an absolute honor. My goal was to create a deeper, more personal connection between Oro and the Hillsboro community and I am incredibly proud of what Alyssa and I accomplished with this book.” - N.D. Byma

Where to Buy the Book

Community members can bring the story of Oro home by purchasing the book for $10 at these Parks & Recreation facilities:

• Hidden Creek Community Center
• SHARC
• Hillsboro Community Senior Center
• Jackson Bottom Wetlands Preserve
• Walters Cultural Arts Center
• Parks & Recreation Administration Building

The book will also be available for sale at Pix in the Park movies this summer.

A Commitment to Inclusive Play

Since Hidden Creek Park West opened in 2023, it has become a gathering place where children of all abilities can play, explore, and create memories together. The park is designed to go beyond Americans with Disabilities Act compliance, providing a space where children who experience cognitive, emotional, sensory, or physical disability can fully engage with play elements.

Learn more about the park’s features and commitment to inclusivity.

About the Author & Illustrator

N.D. Byma is a children’s author and storyteller from Hillsboro, Oregon. His stories are filled with heart, gentle wisdom, and uplifting messages — crafted to help children, young people, and the grownups who care for them, to navigate life’s big questions.

Often illustrated by local artists, his books have been embraced by teachers, counselors, pastors, doctors, parents, and — thanks to a continued collaboration with the Hillsboro Hops — even sports teams! Each story is designed to make big ideas feel simple, and to help readers of all ages feel seen, heard, and loved. Watch N.D. Byma talk about writing the story of Oro on KPTV Fox 12

Alyssa Garcia is an artist and scientist residing in Portland, Oregon. She has always had a passion for art and the natural world, and a dream to be able to combine the two for her career. During the week, she works for NOAA Fisheries and works to protect local endangered and threatened salmon species. On the weekends, you can find her selling her hand-drawn wood burns and Lino prints at local art markets and exploring the many beautiful ecosystems found throughout the state.

In addition to illustrating this book about Oro, Alyssa has created art for local conservation organizations, and a free informational flipbook on how paddlers can help protect Oregon waterways that was published by Oregon Sea Grant. She hopes to continue to grow her experience as a freelance illustrator with other book and science communication opportunities in the near future.