The Petroglyphs and Pictographs of Missouri by Carol Diaz-Granados & James R. Duncan

The Petroglyphs and Pictographs of Missouri 
by Carol Diaz-Granados and James R. Duncan 
360 pages

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This comprehensive guide to the rock art of Missouri presents major design motifs and links those images to Native American beliefs. Images on rocks depicting birds, serpents, deer, and other designs are haunting reminders of prehistoric peoples. This book documents Missouri's rich array of petroglyphs and pictographs, analyzing the many aspects of these rock carvings and paintings to show how such representations of ritual activities can enhance our understanding of Native American culture. Missouri is a particularly important site for rock art because it straddles the Plains, the Ozarks, and the Southeast. Carol Diaz-Granados and James Duncan have established a model for analyzing this rock art as archaeological data and have mapped the patterning of fifty-eight major motifs across the state. Of particular importance is their analysis of motifs from Mississippi River Valley sites, including Cahokia. The authors include interpretive discussions on iconography and ideology, drawing on years of research in the ethnographic records and literature of Native Americans linguistically related to earlier peoples. Their distribution maps show how motifs provide clues to patterns of movement among prehistoric peoples and to the range of belief systems. Rock art is an aspect of the archaeological record that has received little attention, and the art is particularly subject to the ravages of time. By documenting these fragile images, this book makes a major contribution to rock art research in North America.

Missouri Caves in History and Legend

 Missouri Caves in History and Legend by H. Dwight Weaver - 176 pages

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Missouri has been likened to a “cave factory” because its limestone bedrock can be slowly dissolved by groundwater to form caverns, and the state boasts more than six thousand caves in an unbelievable variety of sizes, lengths, and shapes. Dwight Weaver has been fascinated by Missouri’s caves since boyhood and now distills a lifetime of exploration and research in a book that will equally fascinate readers of all ages.
Missouri Caves in History and Legend records a cultural heritage stretching from the end of the ice age to the twenty-first century.  In a grand tour of the state’s darkest places, Weaver takes readers deep underground to shed light on the historical significance of caves, correct misinformation about them, and describe the ways in which people have used and abused these resources.
Weaver tells how these underground places have enriched our knowledge of extinct animals and early Native Americans. He explores the early uses of caves: for the mining of saltpeter, onyx, and guano; as sources of water; for cold storage; and as livestock shelters. And he tells how caves were used for burial sites and moonshine stills, as hideouts for Civil War soldiers and outlaws—revealing how Jesse James became associated with Missouri caves—and even as venues for underground dance parties in the late nineteenth century.
Bringing caves into the modern era, Weaver relates the history of Missouri’s “show caves” over a hundred years—from the opening of Mark Twain Cave in 1886 to that of Onyx Mountain Caverns in 1990—and tells of the men and women who played a major role in expanding the state’s tourism industry. He also tracks the hunt for the buried treasure and uranium ore that have captivated cave explorers, documents the emergence of organized caving, and explains how caves now play a role in wildlife management by providing a sanctuary for endangered bats and other creatures.
Included in the book is an overview of cave resources in twelve regions, covering all the counties that currently have recorded caves, as well as a superb selection of photos from the author’s extensive collection, depicting the history and natural features of these underground wonders. Missouri Caves in History and Legend is a riveting account that marks an important contribution to the state’s heritage and brings this world of darkness into the light of day.

The Trail of Tears Across Missouri

 The Trail of Tears Across Missouri by Joan Gilbert - 136 pages

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As settlers moved beyond the eastern seaboard during the early nineteenth century, the government forced thousands of American Indians from their ancestral lands. The Cherokees, the largest and most important tribe in the Southeast, fought exile with a combination of passive resistance and national publicity for their plight. Because they had successfully resisted the government's efforts to move them from their homeland, their removal was particularly brutal when it finally came. The Trail of Tears across Missouri is a moving account of the 1837-1838 removal of the Cherokees from the southeastern United States to Indian Territory (now Oklahoma). After providing an overview of the Cherokees' life in the Southeast and of the events leading up to their exile, Joan Gilbert traces the mass exodus state by state from Tennessee to Arkansas. Successive chapters highlight the experiences and the hardships endured by those forced to travel with inadequate supplies of food, clothing, and transportation. It is estimated that four thousand Cherokees, nearly a quarter of the tribe, died. In bringing the grim realities of the forced march to life, Gilbert draws from such primary sources as letters, newspaper stories, and the writings of missionaries, guides, and doctors who accompanied them. She focuses on the Cherokees' experiences as they passed through Missouri, using the journals of Dr. W. I. I. Morrow and guide B. B. Cannon. In addition to chronicling the removal of the Cherokees, Gilbert also brings the story up to date by describing how the nation lives today and how the Trail of Tears has been commemorated.

Lewis and Clark's Journey Across Missouri

 Lewis and Clark's Journey Across Missouri by Brett Dufur - 114 pages

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This beautifully photographed and illustrated book explores in-depth Lewis and Clark’s time in Missouri through journal excerpts, one-of-a-kind maps made by nationally known geographer James Harlan that locate the Corps of Discovery’s campsites, and an along-the-river guide for travelers who wish to explore the historic towns, state parks, and other points of interest. Individual chapters also probe the river then and now, the Native Americans then in the state, the fur trade at the time, the last European settlement on the river, and contemporary flora and fauna of Missouri. The return journey through the state, when the men were speeding homeward, is also included.

Remembering The St. Louis World's Fair

Remembering The St. Louis World's Fair by Margaret Johanson Witherspoon- 96 pages

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Remembering The St. Louis World's Fair by Margaret Johanson Witherspoon is a nostalgic, richly illustrated 95-page retrospective of the 1904 Louisiana Purchase Exposition. Published in 1973, the book features over 100 historical photographs and drawings to capture the charm and magnitude of the massive Forest Park event.

Key Details & Review

Content: The book offers a breezy overview of the fair, from its groundbreaking ceremonies and the leadership of David R. Francis to the massive exhibition palaces and entertainment on "The Pike".
Historical Value: Witherspoon—who was inspired by her parents' firsthand recollections of the fair—created the book to preserve local St. Louis memories just as the city's centennial celebrations were approaching.
Format: Running just under 100 pages, it is heavily visual, acting as a commemorative guide rather than a rigorous academic text. It is highly regarded by World's Fair enthusiasts and collectors of Missouri history.

Dinosaurs, Gravity, and Changing Scientific Paradigms by Theodore A. Holden

Dinosaurs, Gravity, and Changing Scientific Paradigms by Theodore A. Holden - 108 pages

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The book Dinosaurs, Gravity, and Changing Scientific Paradigms explores radical fringe hypotheses, questioning how giant dinosaurs could survive under modern gravity. It argues that Earth's gravity may have been significantly weaker during the Mesozoic Era, relying on "Expanding Earth" theories to explain the immense size, weight, and blood-pumping mechanics of mega-sauropods.

LEGO Animal Atlas: Discover the Animals of the World

 LEGO Animal Atlas: Discover the Animals of the World by Rona Skene - 80 pages

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An atlas of animals with 60 bricks to build four exclusive mini-models: panda, penguin, giraffe, and kangaroo.

Discover the planet's amazing animals with specially commissioned LEGO(R) models and maps. Which animal gobbles up 4,000 clams in one meal? Where can you find a snail as big as a baseball? The LEGO Animal Atlas has answers to these questions and a whole lot more. The book is packed with fascinating facts, images, and building ideas for more than 110 models of the world's most awesome animals.

A detailed LEGO map, dotted with charming micro-build creatures, introduces each of the continents. The maps are followed by colorful spreads featuring up to seven LEGO animals in their habitats. From a cute koala in the Australian outback to a mighty lion prowling the African savanna, this book showcases many of the world's favorite animals--plus some unusual sights, such as the bizarre blue-footed booby and the mysterious giant squid.

The models are built with mostly standard bricks, and tips and breakdowns will inspire children to create their own animal models. A combination of clear photos, authoritative text, fun facts, and classic LEGO humor helps children learn as they build and play their way around the animal world.

The LEGO Ideas Book New Edition: You Can Build Anything!

 The LEGO Ideas Book New Edition: You Can Build Anything! by Hannah Dolan - 200 pages

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A brand new edition of the best-selling LEGO(R) book of all time - with hundreds of all-new models!

Unlock your imagination with this colorful treasury of more than 200 new building ideas created by LEGO(R) fan builders. Learn tips and tricks to become a better builder. Find out how professional LEGO designers get their ideas and meet the fan builders. Get inspired to make your own LEGO creations with ideas to build your own dream home, create an alien sports center, grow your own brick-built rooftop garden, and much more. What will you build?

Packed with stacks of ideas, there's something for everyone!

- A daring pirate adventure.
-Perfect pets.
-Games and challenges for the whole family.
-Easy-to-build dinosaurs.
-Ancient and modern landmarks.
-Things-that-go from trains and monster trucks to planes and spacecraft.
-Animals, aliens, and all kinds of critters.
- Dragons, legends, myths, and movie-worthy scenes.

Includes ideas for all ages and abilities from kids to collectors. There's something for everyone to explore and love.

Everything is Awesome: A Search-And-Find Celebration of Lego History

Everything is Awesome: A Search-And-Find Celebration of Lego History by Simon Beecroft - 32 pages

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A uniquely illustrated search-and-find format, perfect for LEGO® fans young and old!

Find hidden toys, pirates, ghosts and more in fantastic scenes based on classic LEGO® playsets. This full-color hardcover activity book will entertain LEGO® fans ages 6 to 8 as they pour over the highly detailed scenes! With its focus on the iconic toy’s history, this book will make a great gift for LEGO® fans and collectors of all ages.

Taylor Swift: Unofficial Search & Find Biographies

Taylor Swift: Unofficial Search & Find Biographies by Gus Morais - 40 pages

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Are you ready for it? This one-of-a-kind biography takes you on a visual exploration of Taylor Swift’s groundbreaking career, celebrating every album era, iconic outfit, and unforgettable moment. From singing “Tim McGraw” at the start of it all to her Midnights confessionals, this book is packed with Easter eggs that only her most loyal fans will uncover.

Dive into masterfully illustrated spreads, each inspired by a pivotal era in Taylor’s life. Seek her out in the snake-adorned chaos of Reputation, find hidden treasures among the glitter-dusted allure of 1989, and follow a trail of butterflies and rainbows through the dreamy world of Lover. Each page brims with secret details Swifties will instantly recognize—can you spot the “13”s or the infamous cardigan? Don’t forget to look for cameos from Meredith, Olivia, and Benjamin Button!

This isn’t just a game; it’s a love letter to Taylor’s evolution—from fearless teen to worldwide pop icon, through heartbreaks, triumphs, and re-recordings. Relive the defining moments that have shaped her narrative, from her first Grammy win to her iconic vault door teases and surprise album drops. Find your way through every glitter-drenched, heartbreak-tinged, revenge-laced era Taylor Swift has gifted us. Swipe on that red lipstick, put on your headphones, and start your scavenger hunt—because where Taylor goes, we follow.

Find It! Explore It! Ocean by National Geographic Kids

 Find It! Explore It! Ocean by National Geographic Kids - 48 pages

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This unique search-and-find adventure lets kids explore and learn about the objects and creatures they find and their habitats with fun facts and awesome photographs.

This fact-filled, search-and-find adventure activity book takes kids under the sea in search of more than 250 hidden pictures of narwhals, sharks, sea turtles, sunken treasures, and more.

Kids will dive into incredible ocean scenes, from tropical coral reefs to Antarctic penguin colonies to the deep, dark bottom of the sea. Each location is illustrated with lush, jam-packed art, with plenty of marine animals and fascinating objects to spot.

But that's not Turn the page, and find stunning, full-color photographs of the creatures and habitats just spotted, as well as awesome information and fun facts about them.

The perfect boredom-buster for curious kids and animal lovers, this interactive book will keep young readers entertained as they learn!

Find It! Explore It! Animals by National Geographic Kids

 Find It! Explore It! Animals by National Geographic Kids - 48 pages

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This unique search-and-find adventure lets kids explore and learn about the objects and creatures they find and their habitats with fun facts and awesome photographs.

This fact-filled search-and-find adventure activity book takes kids around the world in search of more than 250 hidden pictures of animals.

Kids will crisscross the planet to explore some of Earth's most unique animal habitats, from the Amazon rainforest to the African savanna to the Australian bush. Each location is illustrated with lush, jam-packed art, with plenty of animals to spot.

But that's not Turn the page, and find stunning, full-color photographs of the animals just spotted, as well as awesome information and fun facts about them.

The perfect boredom-buster for curious kids and animal lovers, this interactive book will keep young readers entertained as they learn!

Is This Normal? More Girls' Questions, Answered by the Editors of The Care & Keeping of You

 
Is This Normal? More Girls' Questions, Answered by the Editors of The Care & Keeping of You by Darcie Johnston - 119 pages

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This helpful resource book is filled with over 100 letters from real girls like you with questions about their changing bodies, and expert answers to each one. Plus, the back of the book features tips on how to talk to your parents about puberty and other touchy topics.

I Eat Poop. A Dung Beetle Story by Mark Pett

I Eat Poop. A Dung Beetle Story by Mark Pett - 42 pages

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Dougie has a secret: he’s not a ground beetle.
He’s a dung beetle, and he loves eating poop.

Dougie knows he should be proud. Dung beetles help process waste and do other extraordinary things! But Dougie also knows that if anyone at school saw his lunch, he’d be an outcast.

One day, the lunchroom bugs out over a classmate eating poop, and Dougie must make a choice. Can he stand up for his friend—and for his true self?

I Eat Poop. is packed with important social emotional learning themes and is great for classroom or at home discussion. Read I Eat Poop. for conversations about:

*Bullying and being kind
*Standing up for your friends and speaking up for your beliefs
*Being proud of your culture and heritage
*Embracing diversity and accepting and celebrating differences

The book also includes incredible, STEM-related facts about bugs.