New children's book celebrates Forest Park's 150th anniversary

Kids can learn about St. Louis' historic and legendary Forest Park in a new book that tasks them with finding various park features.

"Finding Forest Park," written by Amanda Clark and illustrated by Audrey Westcott, is now available online and at the Missouri History Museum in Forest Park and its release joins the celebration of the park's 150th anniversary.

"Finding Forest Park was created to playfully celebrate 150 years of not only Forest Park's big historic moments, but also the everyday memories and beloved traditions the community has created and shared along the way," Clark, public historian at the Missouri Historical Society, said in a statement. "Local illustrator Audrey Westcott brought these memories to life through engaging illustrations and a detailed seek-and-find that invites readers of all ages to explore the park's rich history."

The official description of the book reads:

"Finding Forest Park brings St. Louis's favorite green space to life for explorers ages 3 to 7. Readers will experience all kinds of moments from the park's history, from the 1904 World's Fair to modern-day trips to the zoo. Along the way, children will hunt for objects as they learn how one of America's great city parks took shape. Playful illustrations from the Missouri History Museum's exhibit 'Yours Forever: Forest Park at 150' combine different eras with different seasons, and fun facts turn history into a game of discovery.

"'Finding Forest Park' is a dynamic mix of seek and find, picture book and history adventure that bridges generations by introducing kids to the park's beloved traditions and celebrating all there is to see and do.

Books are available for purchase for $10.99 at the Missouri History Museum's shop, MoHistory.org, through the distributor, the University of Chicago Press; and area bookstores.

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