Library Book: The Scrambled States of America

A wacky cross-country adventure starring the fifty states! "Well, it was just your basic, ordinary day in the good old U. S. of A. States all over the country were waking up, having their first cups of coffee, reading the morning paper, and enjoying the beautiful sunrise. All the states, that is, except for Kansas." At the first annual "states party," Virginia and Idaho hatch a plan to swap spots so each can see another part of the country. Before the party is over, all the states decide to switch places. In the beginning, every state is happy in its new location. But soon things start to go wrong. Will the states ever unscramble themselves and return to their proper places? Packed with madcap humor and whimsical illustrations, this quirky story-starring all fifty states-is chock-full of introductory facts and silly antics that will make learning geography as much fun as taking a vacation.

Laurie Keller is the illustrator of Marty Frye, Private Eye and Toys! Amazing Stories Behind Some Great Inventions. A freelance artist who graduated from Kendall College of Art and Design, Ms. Keller has always felt destined to write a book about the reorganization of the states. In first grade she rearranged her teacher's seating chart to best meet her needs. It was only a matter of time before she moved on to bigger things.

"Charming."--The New York Times "It's hard to imagine a more engaging (or comical) way to learn the 50 states and their locations than in this auspicious debut from Keller."--Publishers Weekly (Starred Review) "Will elicit laughs from all those who thought geography was boring."--Kirkus Reviews "A wacky and absolutely painless look at geography."--School Library Journal