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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 6, 2006
CONTACT: Martyn Beeny, (605) 773-8161, martyn.beeny@state.sd.us
Classic fairy tale to be released by South Dakota State Historical Society Press
PIERRE, S.D.—L. Frank Baum’s fairy tale, The Discontented Gopher, takes place around Aberdeen where Baum once made his home. At the Oz Festival, June 9-10, the South Dakota State Historical Society Press will unveil the preliminary artwork for a new version of this classic American fable.
Set during the gopher-bounty era, the tale tells the story of Zikky the Gopher, who lives in corn fields and endures danger in the farmlands familiar to all northeastern South Dakota residents. Artist Carolyn Digby Conahan has updated Baum’s original story with new illustrations. Conahan’s interpretation of Zikky will be revealed during the festivities at Storybook Land in Aberdeen.
Staff from the South Dakota State Historical Society Press will formally announce the fall publication of this book, first in its new Prairie Tales series for children, at the festival on June 10. The second book in the series will be Zitkala-Sa’s Dance in the Buffalo Skull, planned for late 2007. The Press will also preview another upcoming children’s book at the festival, Tatanka and the Lakota People: A Creation Story, illustrated by Donald F. Montileaux. Both books will be available in September and will sell for $16.95 each.
For more information, or to pre-order, please contact the South Dakota State Historical Society Press, 900 Governors Drive, Pierre, SD 57501. Call (605) 773-6009, or email sdshspress@state.sd.us
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The South Dakota State Historical Society is an office of the Department of Tourism and State Development and strives to help the state meet the goals of the 2010 Initiative by enhancing history as a tool for economic development and cultural tourism. The society is headquartered at the South DakotaCulturalHeritageCenter in Pierre. The center houses the society’s world-class museum, the archives, and the historic preservation, publishing and administrative/development offices. Call (605) 773-3458 or visit www.sdhistory.org for more information. The society also has an archaeology office in Rapid City; call (605) 394-1936 for more information.