PIERRE, S.D.—David Volk, co-author of The Mystery of the Round Rocks, a new children’s book from the South Dakota State Historical Society, will be reading and signing the book on Thursday, Sept. 27, from 12-1 p.m. at the South Dakota Cultural Heritage Center.

 

That afternoon from 3:30-4:30 p.m., Volk will also be present for an after-school program at the Cultural Heritage Center.

 

The book, a geological history of South Dakota aimed at first to fourth graders, tells the story of the glacial formation of this state. Written by Volk and Mark Meierhenry and illustrated by political cartoonist Jason Folkerts, the book takes the reader on a journey from huge mountains and vast glaciers to farms, rivers, and thousands of small round rocks.

 

Set on a South Dakota farm near the Missouri River, The Mystery of the Round Rocks finds two young children, Max and Hannah, searching for answers to questions posed by the millenniums-old round rocks they find on their grandpa’s farm. Grandpa helps the two children explore the farm and the region’s history.

 

Meierhenry, Volk, and Folkerts are all well known in South Dakota, and while writing and illustrating a children’s book is a departure from their regular lives and careers, they were all excited to be a part of the project.

 

“I never anticipated writing a children’s book,” Volk said. “I think a lot of people might be surprised that a couple of ex-politicians wrote it.”

 

A five-time state treasurer, Volk served as a cabinet secretary for Gov. William Janklow. Meierhenry, a former South Dakota attorney general, currently practices law in Sioux Falls. Folkerts is an editorial cartoonist for the Sioux Falls Argus Leader and the Rapid City Journal.

 

The Mystery of the Round Rocks is available for $13.95 plus shipping and tax. It can be purchased at the SD Heritage Store at the Cultural Heritage Center. The phone number is (605) 773-6014.