Visitors to the University of Iowa Mobile Museum will now be able to take home a concrete reminder of their experience—in the form of a coloring book.

The book, illustrated by Missouri-based artist Nik Garvoille, features Rusty the Giant Sloth, a fixture in the UI Museum of Natural History and Mobile Museum mascot, guiding readers through the exhibits and research featured in the Mobile Museum. The young and young at heart will be able to color images of Rusty visiting a Glenwood earth lodge, spying on Ice Age mammoths, and floating in space, all while they read about the valuable impact of UI research and creativity.

“Our hope is that the coloring book will generate a sense of excitement about science and history in young people across Iowa,” says Dan Reed, vice president for research and economic development, who is featured in the coloring book. “We want them to be able to engage with the mobile museum when they visit and then take that experience home with them.”

The coloring book is available for free download at the Mobile Museum website. Mobile Museum staff will also distribute free copies of the coloring book at various times throughout the Iowa State Fair, Aug. 7-17, in Des Moines. The Mobile Museum will be located at the west end of Grand Avenue, next to the DNR courtyard, and will be open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily. More than 10,000 people have visited the Mobile Museum, which features exhibits on Iowa paleontology, archaeology, and history as well as interactive touch screens highlighting UI research, since its launch in April.

Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to attend all UI-sponsored events. The Mobile Museum is equipped with a wheelchair lift. If you are a person with a disability who requires a reasonable accommodation in order to participate in this program, contact the Mobile Museum in advance at 319-335-2898.

Learn more at the UI Mobile Museum website.