05/07/2026
The latest issue of Chalk Lily News - Issue 5, May 2026
New Release: Fossils of the Rock Chalk!
A spinoff of Old Man of the Fossil Beds, this shorter book (98 pages), Fossils of the Rock Chalk: Bones and Beasts of Cretaceous Kansas, focuses squarely on the specimens as they appear in museums, alongside artistic renderings of the creatures themselves. Most of the featured Cretaceous animals are from a mural by the author's brother, Chuck Bonner. The book's foreword was written by a professional paleontologist, Dr. J. D. Stewart, also a Kansas native. Created with middle- to high-school students in mind, this book works as an introduction to Kansas paleontology and geology for any reader, from 10 to 100! Not only does it answer the question of where the Rock Chalk chant originated (hint: it's connected to KU's early professors), but it also lists museums around the state where you can view Kansas fossils.
Book description: Journey back in time to the Kansas Cretaceous Period, 67 million years ago, when mosasaurs and pterosaurs roamed the seas and skies. Fossils of the Rock Chalk is a captivating guide to the ancient creatures of the inland sea that once covered the middle of North America. As you flip through its pages, you'll feel like you're walking through a museum, surrounded by swimming reptiles, flying reptiles, bony fishes, sharks, birds, and invertebrates, all brought to life with stunning illustrations and photos of fossils.
How to Find Chalk Lily Books
Both Old Man of the Fossil Beds and Fossils of the Rock Chalk are available in casebound (hardcover) and paperback options, searchable on the internet. Old Man is available as an e-book, and the Rock Chalk e-book will be available soon.
Reading Options
To request a copy from your local library:
Ask your library to order either title from their Ingram Content/Lightning Source account. Libraries get wholesale pricing (55% off retail price) for paperback formats.
To get your own copy:
Order a signed copy directly from the author. Send a note to the author at [email protected] with your address and how you would like the book inscribed. Ms. Thomas will send the book at cover price plus shipping and will contact you if there are any other questions about your order.
Order from an online retailer such as Barnes & Noble, Amazon, or Thriftbooks.
Request from your favorite bookstore; they may also order the title for you from their Ingram Content/Lightning Source account.
Chalk Lily has Moved!
As of May 1, 2026, Chalk Lily Books' base of operations has moved from New Orleans, Louisiana, to Bayou Vista, Texas. Our mission and our work remains the same!
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Thanks for being a part of the Chalk Lily Books Reading Family!
Chalk Lily Books
www.chalklilybooks.com
