Did you know that Illinois's state fossil is the weird-looking Tully Monster, which had eyes on a pair of stalks and an elephant-like trunk that ended in a toothed claw? Or that Idaho's state fossil is the stocky Hagerman horse, named for the town where its bones were found? Fossils can be found in every state, and this engaging guidebook brings these ancient organisms to life. Each state entry contains details about the state fossil; an illustration of what the vertebrate, invertebrate, or plant looked like; a photograph or drawing of the fossil; and a state map showing where it can be found. Potential fossil candidates are proposed for states that do not yet have official state fossils, along with instructions on how to get state fossils designated. An appendix lists museums and parks where these fossils can be studied first-hand, making the book a fun resource for fossil enthusiasts and future paleontologists of all ages.

Delve into this unique look at meteorites that have been found in almost each of the 50 US states, and discover how these treasured rocks from space fell down to Earth. With each state entry, award-winning author and mineral and fossil expert Yinan Wang presents details about several meteorites that are worthy of becoming official state meteorites. Since no state has an official state meteorite, this kids' guidebook explores each state's "unofficial" meteorite, along with its interesting backstory of why it was selected. ; More than 150 illustrations and photographs showcase these marvels from outer space; Meteorites have not been found in all states so helpful suggestions are given on where they might be found; Suggestions and guidance are provided so that the reader can lead the way in getting one designated; Museums and parks with meteorites are listed in the appendix From the Lafayette Mars meteorite found in a drawer in Purdue University to the 26-pound space rock that smashed into the trunk of a car in Peekskill, New York, immerse young science students in an encyclopedic yet easy read that is great for aspiring meteoriticists.

How many states claim quartz as their official state gem? This guidebook answers this question and more as it explores the treasures that are designated official state gems and minerals. More than 150 photographs showcase these marvels, from the Star Blue quartz of Alabama to the jade nephrite of Wyoming. Each state entry is presented with details about the state gem and mineral, with pictures of each, and a map of the state showing where the gem or mineral can be found. Some states do not yet have designated gems or minerals, and suggestions and guidance are provided so that the reader can lead the way in getting one designated. Museums and parks with minerals are listed in the appendix so readers can go see specimens in person. Encyclopedic yet easy to read, this book is great for mineral and gem enthusiasts and future geologists of all ages.