A golden field of clues awaits in the heart of the Midwest! When the Golden Ear Trophy disappears right before the Iowa State Fair, Max, Caleb, and Uncle Joe race to uncover who snatched the symbol of Iowa’s pride. Their search takes them through rolling cornfields, towering silos, and small-town festivals , where every stalk and scarecrow seems to hide a secret. Could the thief be a rival farmer? A sneaky fair contestant? Or something even cornier? Kids will learn how Iowa’s rich soil and hardworking farmers help the state produce over two billion bushels of corn each year , fueling everything from breakfast cereal to biofuel. This fun mystery weaves together agriculture, science, and teamwork with a dash of laughter and discovery. Celebrate a beloved collage for each location brought to life with vibrant, layered mixed-media art that every kid loves! Each scene stacks hand-painted papers, colored tissue, and cut construction-paper shapes to create rich textures and a joyful, handcrafted feel. Every spread includes a playful seek-and-find , inviting young readers to spot cleverly hidden objects tucked into patterns and edges—building observation, focus, and delight with every page turn. Perfect for family read-alouds, classrooms, and gift-giving, this style turns art into an interactive adventure. 📘 Educational Themes: Iowa’s farming and corn production - The science of crops and biofuels - Teamwork and observation - Geography and Midwest culture Part of the Adventure Detectives: Discover the USA series — where each state hides a new clue-filled mystery to explore!