LOCAL BOOK RELEASE “MISSOURI WEIRD & WONDERFUL”
Reedy Press presents its latest addition: "Missouri Weird & Wonderful," a delightful collaboration by Amanda E. Doyle and Dan Zettwoch
This book is a journey through the quirkiest and most captivating facets of life in the great state of Missouri, all seen through the eyes of a child's curiosity. With its vibrant illustrations and engaging narratives this book takes you on an unforgettable adventure.
The project is a collaboration between best-selling author Amanda E. Doyle and the renowned illustrator and Washington University instructor of illustration, Dan Zettwoch. Both embarked on a state-wide adventure to uncover these hidden gems. From the peculiar monikers of our native amphibians to the groundbreaking ragtime music of Scott Joplin in the early 1900s, and even the birth of an entire branch of medicine, this book may surprise you. Explore the realms of sports, history, wildlife, cuisine, inventions, architecture, natural wonders, and simple, unadulterated fun—all coming to life through these pages adorned with rich, full-color illustrations.
"Missouri Weird & Wonderful" hits bookstores everywhere on October 15th. Read through a blend of interesting topics and oddities, breathtaking natural spots, famous personalities, and groundbreaking inventions, illustrated in a unique doodle-art style and published by Reedy Press.
Here are just a few of the hidden gems that await you within the pages of the book:
1. Black Madonna Shrine and Grottos: Hand-carved into the Ozark rock over several decades by a dedicated Polish priest, this awe-inspiring shrine is a testament to human perseverance and devotion.
2. Big Joel's Safari Petting Zoo: Home to a menagerie of exotic animals, from red kangaroos to camels, this petting zoo offers a unique opportunity to get up close and personal with the animal kingdom's wonders.
3. Jefferson Barracks Telephone Museum: Journey through time as you explore telephonic devices from the 1800s to present day, and marvel at a full-size operator switchboard.
Missouri is also home to its fair share of mysteries! Momo, the Missouri monster, first spotted by three young siblings in Louisiana in the 1970s, has become the Show-Me State's Bigfoot-type legend. And don't miss the chance to witness the enigmatic Spook Light, an unexplained, moving fireball that hangs low on the horizon, best viewed from Joplin, even though it's located across the state line in Oklahoma.
The sports history of Missouri is nothing short of fascinating, with both champions and curiosities aplenty. Did you know that the first monster truck, Bigfoot, was born here? Or that the area's inhabitants were once obsessed with a game called chunkey, which involved rolling stone discs across the ground and trying to throw a spear as close as possible to where the stones stopped? Missouri also had the honor of hosting the first-ever Olympic Games held in the United States in 1904. And make sure to visit Kansas City's Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, the world's only museum dedicated to the rich history of African American baseball.
Missouri boasts the work of numerous renowned architects, from Louis Sullivan to Frank Lloyd Wright. It's also home to some of the oldest human-built structures, such as the earthen mounds of the Mississippian people. Not to be missed is the iconic Gateway Arch, standing tall at 630 feet and dominating the St. Louis skyline.
As you flip through the pages, you'll find a state map that helps you locate these gems within their Missouri settings. And for a fun challenge, take on the "Show-Me State" Scavenger Hunt, sending you back into the book's pages to discover 50 "Easter egg" famous Missourians, from Holy Cow, a rescued bovine, to Geraldine Bunn, the longtime elevator operator at the Jasper County Courthouse.
But the adventure doesn't end with the book! "Missouri Weird & Wonderful" also has its very own game show titled "Do You Know MO?" This exciting show will travel to schools and institutions, including the Missouri History Museum, to give young readers a taste of Missouri's magic and challenge them with some of the most stimulating trivia questions. The show is complete with podiums, buzzers, entertaining hosts, and lively music. Schools can also request a free curriculum guide that outlines the book's alignment with state educational standards.
For more information on "Missouri Weird & Wonderful" and upcoming events, visit reedypress.com. All photos courtesy of Reedy Press.