Bear’s Big Iowa Adventure – A Book for Children of All Ages

When Bear moves to a new home, everything feels big and unfamiliar until she sets out to explore and meets a few new friends along the way. With the help of Bird, Raccoon, and Mouse, Bear discovers the beauty of Iowa’s prairies, caves, lakes, and fields while learning lessons about courage, patience, and care. Set across Iowa’s towns, cities, and rolling landscapes, this story highlights the unique places and natural beauty that make the state feel like home. Bear’s Big Iowa Adventure is a whimsical journey through the landscapes and communities that make Iowa special. Through friendship and curiosity, Bear learns what it means to “love your place” and to find joy in the world right outside your door.

About the Book

This book was created by three senior architecture students at Iowa State University (see bios below) who wanted to share their love for Iowa through storytelling and design.

None of us had ever written or illustrated a children’s book before, so this project was an exciting opportunity to learn, experiment, and bring our creativity to life in a new way. What began as a class assignment became a fun and meaningful way to celebrate the beauty of the place we call home.

We hope this story inspires young readers to “love your place”, to look around, explore, and find joy in the landscapes, buildings, and communities that make Iowa so special.

The animals and scenes in Bear’s Big Iowa Adventure were inspired by native Iowa species and real cities and landscapes across the state. As part of our research, we asked people at local libraries, “What do you love about Iowa?” and many of their responses appear in the book’s illustrations, celebrating the people, places, and love that make Iowa feel like home.

How Can I Buy the Book?

Bear’s Big Iowa Adventureis available worldwide online and in your favorite bookstore around the corner. You can also order directly from us (use the links below), depending on which entity you want to support more: author, bookstore, or publisher.

Library, Bookstores, and other Institutions

Our books may be purchased in bulk for promotional, educational or business use by libraries, bookstores, and other institutions. Please use our online order form to purchase books at a 50% discount. All other customers, please use the links below.

Available in paperback, casewrap hardcover, and digital versions (ePub and Kindle formats).

If you prefer buying directly from us, please use the Add to Cart button below, otherwise use the links further down which will take you directly to the specific online Amazon store listed for your country.

IngramSpark Links

Hardcover Book

Bear's Big Iowa Adventure

Feilmeier, Kylie and Jensen, Alexis and Krall, Lila

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Paperback Book

Bear's Big Iowa Adventure

Feilmeier, Kylie and Jensen, Alexis and Krall, Lila

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Amazon Links

Paperback (US $12.95)

Hardcover, casewrap (US $21.95)

Digital, Apple Books (US $7.95)

Worldwide

Digital, Kindle (US $7.95)

Product Details

Publisher ‏ : ‎ Hog Press
Publication date ‏ : ‎ November 6, 2025
Language ‏ : ‎ English
Print length ‏ : ‎ 42 pages
ISBN ‏ : ‎978-1-68315-154-8 (paperback)
ISBN ‏ : ‎978-1-68315-155-5 (hardcover)
Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 12.2 ounces (paperback)
Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 8.5 x 0.2 x 11 inches

About the Authors and Illustrators

Kylie Feilmeier grew up on a farm near Westside, Iowa, where her appreciation for Iowa, its land and its people, started. She enjoys playing cards and laughing with her family and friends, baking, and painting in her free time.

Alexis Jensen grew up in the town of Dike, Iowa, where she cultivated a sense of community that comes with small-town life. She enjoys cooking, running, and spending time with friends and family.

Lila Krall grew up on a farm in West Branch, Iowa, where her love for animals, especially pigs and goats, first began. She enjoys baking, traveling, live music, and drinking coffee.