Our Animals Are Amazing in Missouri!
St. Louis’ own Reedy press publishes new book by author and zookeeper Carolyn Mueller Kelly about “Amazing Missouri Animals”.
by Julie Lally / photos provided by Reedy Press
Zookeeper Carolyn Mueller Kelly is the author of several books on St. Louis and Missouri, from their history to their natural wonders. She has spent the last two decades working at the Saint Louis Zoo and learning everything she possibly can about animals. Her new book, Amazing Missouri Animals, introduces young readers to the weird and wonderful wildlife of our state.
From special species to a few famous individuals, this book is a field guide for explorers and animal lovers alike. Carolyn brings to the page animal observations from the perspective of a lifelong nature nerd. Let this book be a guide for both discovering and celebrating the remarkable animals all around us, in our own Missouri home.
Greater prairie chicken.
"The best part about science is that there is always something to learn," says Carolyn. "Even after more than two decades of
working at the Saint Louis Zoo, there were new things I learned in researching this book. So, both adults and children can certainly pick up some fun facts and expand their knowledge of
native wildlife in our state."
Carolyn thinks it's important to become familiar with the wildlife in our own home. Missouri has some incredibly interesting animals, including mammals, reptiles, amphibians, birds, and
invertebrates...there's something for everyone!
"My favorite Missouri animal is the coyote. I am a lifelong carnivore lover, and even worked as a carnivore keeper at the Zoo for over a decade. There were coyotes in my backyard when I was a kid, and I was equal parts terrified and fascinated by them. Now, as an adult I love learning about how we can live alongside predators, like coyotes. I think they are a wonderful species. There is even a breeding pack in Forest Park! I live in Richmond Heights in a very urban neighborhood, and I am always thrilled when I occasionally cross paths with a coyote."
In the book’s introduction, Carolyn uses the famous quote from Senegalese forestry engineer Baba Dioum who said, “In the end, we will conserve only what we love, we will love only what we understand, and we will understand only what we are taught.” This quote has informed a lot of the motivation behind Carolyn's career and inspired this book, as well.
Fox Trotter horse.
"We will only protect what we learn to love. My hope is that reading this book will help kids and adults alike to learn to love some of our native Missouri wildlife, and in doing so they’ll be motivated to keep our state’s wild places safe, spacious, and clean. I hope that Amazing Missouri Animals helps to inspire a new generation of conservationists!"
Some Pages from the Book
Did you know?
Did you know that a bird with the best sense of smell of any animal that has ever lived and a reptile that can breathe out of its butt both live in Missouri? Missouri’s five venomous snakes, clever canids, and a salamander are known affectionately as a “lasagna lizard”. From black bears to bluebirds, Amazing Missouri Animals introduces young readers to the weird and wonderful wildlife of our state.
This book be a guide for both discovering and celebrating the remarkable animals all around us, in our own Missouri home.
Amazing Missouri Animals is available wherever books are sold, hardcover, 8.5 x 9, 96 pages, $27.00
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Carolyn Mueller Kelly
Carolyn Mueller Kelly is the author of several books on St. Louis and Missouri, from their history to their natural wonders. She has spent the last two decades working at the Saint Louis Zoo and learning everything she possibly can about animals. As a lifelong carnivore lover, her favorite amazing Missouri animal is the coyote.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Book Signing
Saturday, March 7, 10:30 a.m. – 1: 00 .pm., Hearth and Soul, 9640 Clayton Road, St. Louis, MO, 63124, Free and open to the public.
Book Signing
Saturday, March 14, 1 - 4 p.m., Barnes & Noble - West County Center, Free and open to the public.
Book Signing
Friday, April 10, Kirkwood Public Library, Free and open to the public.
Presentation & Book Signing
Saturday, April 25, 11 a.m. – 12 p.m.. Neighborhood Reads, 401 Lafayette St. Washington, MO 63090, Free and open to the public