PIERRE, S.D.—A new children’s book from the South Dakota State Historical Society explains to young readers why there are so many small round rocks across the state.

 

A geological history of South Dakota aimed at first to fourth graders, The Mystery of the Round Rocks tells the story of the glacial formation of this state. Written by Mark Meierhenry and David Volk 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.”

 

Meierhenry, a former South Dakota attorney general, received his law degree from the University of South Dakota. He currently practices law in Sioux Falls. Volk holds a bachelor’s degree in education from Northern State University. A five-time state treasurer, he served as cabinet secretary for Gov. William Janklow. Folkerts is a graduate of the University of Sioux Falls and holds a Master of Divinity degree from the North American Baptist Seminary. He 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 from most bookstores or directly from the SDSHS Press by visiting www.shshspress.com or calling (605) 773-6009. For more information visit www.sdkidsbooks.com