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With its vast prairies, roaming herds of buffalo and Native American inhabitants, late nineteenth-century Kansas was a far different state than the one we know today. The Bloody Saga of White Rock takes readers back to the early days of Kansas' statehood, when settlers struggled to claim the land and Native Americans made their last stand for survival on the Great Plains.

White Rock's real-life hero is Tom Lovewell, an adventurer, gold hunter and Civil War veteran. While on his way to make a fortune during the gold boom of the 1840s, Tom falls in love with an area of north central Kansas that he dubs the White Rock Valley and vows to return there someday to settle. Nearly twenty years later, Tom claims a homestead on the unspoiled prairie and begins to make a life for himself and his family. But as he and dozens of other settlers learn, Native Americans, the original inhabitants of Kansas, are determined to hold white men to their promise that none would settle west of the Republican River, which flowed just east of the valley. Tom and his neighbors face a bloody battle for the right to settle White Rock, and although they ultimately triumph, their gain comes at the expense of many settlers' and Native Americans' lives.

Based in part on the diaries of Tom's wife, Orel Jane Lovewell, The Bloody Saga of White Rock recalls the tribulations Kansas' first white settlers faced while accurately portraying a savage yet noble race of people that was unwilling to surrender its way of life without a fight. Adventure, history and western buffs alike will enjoy Roy Alleman's compelling depiction of life on the plains.

"The unassuming title of this atlas does not provide a hint of the diverse richness of its contents. Its abundant maps, its survey of our state's geologic, prehistoric, Native American, and territorial and recent state history, as well as our climate and ecology, are just the beginning of a fact-filled treasure trove. What a wonderful gift to celebrate our state's 150th birthday!" --Paul A. Johnsgard, winner of the National Conservation Achievement Award and author of Those of the Gray Wind: The Sandhill Cranes, New Edition

Accompanied by the stunning photography of Thomas D. Mangelsen, A Chorus of Cranes details the natural history, biology, and conservation issues surrounding the abundant Sandhill Crane and the endangered Whooping Crane in North America. Author Paul A. Johnsgard, one of the leading authorities on cranes and crane biology, describes the fascinating social behaviors, beautiful natural habitats, and grueling seasonal migrations that have stirred the hearts of people as far back as medieval times and garnered the crane a place in folklore and mythology across continents.

A Chorus of Cranes is a gorgeous and invaluable resource for crane enthusiasts, birders, natural historians, and conservationists alike.

Graced with illustrations by the author, Crane Music introduces the two North American crane species. The Sandhill, most often seen, is within easy reach of bird-watchers in the center of the continent. Less visible is the whooping crane, struggling back from near extinction. Paul Johnsgard follows these elegant birds through a year’s cycle, describing their seasonal migrations, natural habitats, breeding biology, call patterns—angelic to the bird-lover’s ear—and fascinating dancing.

The largest and most spectacular migratory concentration of cranes happens each spring when the Platte River valley becomes the staging ground for an amazing gathering of four hundred thousand to five hundred thousand Sandhills en route from the South to the Arctic tundra. Johnsgard describes this incredible event as well as memorable personal encounters with the cranes. His knowledge of them transcends natural history, covering their importance in religion and mythology.

“Mary and John Crane’s flight back toward their nesting grounds in Alaska was starting differently than most years. It wasn’t that they had lost each other again, like they did the year before in Nebraska, but this spring John wasn’t his normal self.” So begins Can You Dance Like John?, Jeff Kurrus’s fictional account of one Sandhill Crane learning to cope with the loss of her mate. Set on the crane’s migration path, this bittersweet story of love, loss, and healing will appeal to all ages. Michael Forsberg’s beautiful color photographs also help entertain and educate readers about Sandhill Cranes.

“. . . and the sky blackened with dark, gray bodies. In the blurry confusion, John lost Mary.” So begins Have You Seen Mary?, Jeff Kurrus’s fictional account of one Sandhill Crane’s faithful search during spring migration for his lost mate. Set on Nebraska’s Platte River, this tenderly woven story of love is also a stirring introduction to these majestic birds, replete with Michael Forsberg’s radiant color photographs. This book will appeal to all ages, for it both entertains and educates readers about Sandhill Cranes.

"When Jacob and his big brother Ethan emerged from their den for the first time, the swift fox pups were greeted by shortgrass prairie in all directions.

'So why do we live here?' Jacob asked. 'There's nothing here.'

'If you think that, you have not been listening very well during the last month," said Mom."

The Tale of Jacob Swift is an endearing story about the struggles and triumphs one family goes through to raise their sons in the harsh, but beautiful, grasslands of North America.

Written by Jeff Kurrus with photographic imagery by Rob Palmer, Jacob is sure to begin the discussion between parent and child regarding the circle of life.

Reflections on the world's largest gathering of cranes

"Some publications on cranes have great illustrations but suffer from unreliable text. Others have fine text but have weak or no illustrations. Steve Martindale has written an excellent introduction to the biology of cranes, and Jude Martindale's paintings are not only anatomically accurate and beautiful, but they also capture the ineffable wonder and feelings of joy that are evoked by the sight and sounds of these magnificent ambassadors of nature." --Paul A. Johnsgard, author of The Sandhill and Whooping Cranes: Ancient Voices over the America's Wetlands.

Welcome to a journey across Nebraska. Relax, take your time, and enjoy the vistas. From Chadron to Falls City, Carhenge to the Wayne Chicken Show, Burwell to Omaha, and everywhere in between, this book captures all that is Nebraska--the people, places, and events that make this state our home. Joel Sartore drove ten thousand miles in a beat-up Chevy truck to record the essence of Nebraska in the images that grace this book. Every page offers readers a chance to reminisce about their own lives and their special times in this great state. If you don't find at least a few photographs that make you smile or remember something fondly, then you haven't been in Nebraska long enough.

Lynne Scott and Laurie Lemrise have created a tale of wonder and anticipation.

Lori knew it was only early February, but after school each day she ran to her chair by the big window excited that maybe...finally...today...was the day.

Find out what Lori is waiting for and what she learns about some very unusual backyard friends. This book is factually informative and is appropriate for elementary school age children.

Profits from the sale of Worth the Wait will benefit the Children's Advocacy Center of Hampshire County in Northampton, Massachusetts.