Book takes kids on trip across U.S.

When I talk to folks native to the area, I often find that many haven’t had a chance to travel very far away from home.

Several made it to neighboring states like Montana, Idaho or Oregon, but fewer have made it as far away as the East Coast.

Well, now there is a new series of books for kids which celebrates every state in the nation, so even if traveling isn’t in your budget or your immediate future, you can still get a taste of other states’ local flavor – even those very far away.

The “Discover America” series from Sleeping Bear Press was written by 79 authors and illustrators who describe the folklore, culture and history of each state from A to Z in alphabet form. Stan Steiner, the author of “P is for Potato: An Idaho Alphabet,” will read from and sign copies of his book Thursday at 4:30 p.m. at Borders, 450 W. Wilbur Ave., Coeur d’Alene.

Children attending will receive free postcards featuring the covers of all 50 books, and will be encouraged to write to their friends and relatives who live in another part of the country, explaining about the things they love about their own home state.

The books are $17.95 and are appropriate for kids ages 3 through 10.

For information about this event, call Borders at (208) 762-4497.