ABC, I Like Me!

Written and illustrated by Nancy Carlson, this ABC book includes many characters from her other stories. Together, they use the letters of the alphabet to explore the topic of self esteen.

Wildflowers of the BWCA and the North Shore

For flower "peekers" (not pickers), here is a special guide to the wildflowers of northeastern Minnesota. Written by Mark Stensaas, with color illustrations by Rick Kollath, this guide includes information on 108 species arranged by habitat (hardwood forests, boreal forests, bogs, lakes, marshes, ponds, summer forest, exposed bedrock fields, and Lake Superior shoreline). Each profile is 1/2-1 page in length and has a color illustration of the flower, size information, flowering period, description, and natural history.

Fascinating Fungi of the North Woods

Have you ever been walking in the woods and found a large shelf-like fungi on the side of a tree? This little book is your guide to 118 species of mushrooms and fungi that are found in northern Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan. Organized by gill structure (those blade-like slits under the cap), there are 6 categories found here: gilled on the ground, gilled on wood, gilled on other material, and nongilled on ground, wood, or other material. Written by Cora Mollen and Larry Weber, with color illustrations by Rick Kollath and Bonnie Wenborg, each profile is 1/2 to 1 page in length and includes a color illustration, a brief description of the fungi and its habitat. There is also a notation of the months when it is most prevalent. A ten page introduction provides general information on mushrooms and fungi, and a bibliography and glossary in back make a complete package.

Owls of the North: A Naturalist's Handbook

Although the author of this slim little field guide is from Duluth (David Benson), the birds featured here are not limited to Minnesota, but include ten species found in northern North America and Asia. Each species gets a 6-8 page profile with color photos, information on size, diet, sounds, habitat, range, food, courtship and behavior, etc. Sidebars throughout the book address special topics such as owl's ears, migration, owl surveys, favorite foods, and the 2004-2005 invasion of Great Grey Owls from Canada. In the back is a two page bibliography for futher research. There's a lot of information in a small package here.

Rock Pickers Guide to Lake Superior's North Shore

Have you ever wondered how all those interesting colored rocks found their way to the shore of Lake Superior? This little guide book will provide some basic background on the geology of the region, and provide profiles of 15 types of rocks or other material that can be found along the shore and brief profiles of 12 beaches and the types of rock most common there. Written by Mark Sparky Stensaas, illustrated by Rick Kollath, it is a unique guide to the North Shore.

Birds of Prey of Minnesota

This guide to birds of prey includes information on 33 species, including hawks, eagles, falcons, kites, vultures, and owls. The front of the book has general information on identifying birds of prey, their anatomy, nests, etc. It also includes a "quick compare" guide with illustrations of birds in flight and when perching. Each species has a two-page profile with a color photo, silhouette, range map, description of males and females, nesting habits, migration, and notes from the author, Stan Tekiela. This is an essential resource for library collections.

Butterflies of the North Woods: Minnesota, Wisconsin and Michigan

Okay, it's snowing like crazy in mid-October. Let's go back to summer by checking out the second edition of this field guide (published 2006) for information on 125 butterfly species that live in the Upper Midwest. Each species is given a one-two page profile with a color photo, description, information on similar species, life cycle, wintering information, color map of its range, and its major food. A phenogram shows the time of year that will most likely be seen. The book is arranged by family and provides common and scientific names. The introduction includes general information on behavior, reproduction, and suggestions for observation. The book includes appendices for habitat, favorite foods, recommended binoculars for viewing, and a flight chart by month. Written by Larry Weber, this is an essential resource for library collections.

Mammals of Minnesota Field Guide

If size matters, this small book is packed with information about Minnesota animals. This field guide has information on mice, rats, muskrats, beaver, bats, squirrels, gophers, weasels, skunks, rabbits, hares, porcupine, racoon, opossum, dog and cat families, antelope and dear families, bear, and bison. There are 75 species, all native to Minnesota, except two. It is organized by family, then by size from small to large. Each animal has a four page profile with color photos, silhouette, size, description, habitat, food, mating habits and young, tracks and other notes by the author Stan Tekiela. This is an essential resource for school and public libraries.

Northland Wildflowers

The revised edition of this title was published in 2001, and includes information on over 300 species. It is arranged by color of flower (white, yellow and cream, orange, pink and red, blue and purple, green, brown, and maroon). Typically, there are two flowers featured per page with a brief description, color photo, habitat and range, and other comments. A glossary, bibliography, and index are included. Written by John and Evelyn Moyle, with photos by John Gregor, this is an essential reference resource for school and public library collections.

Pocket Guide to Minnesota Place Names

This book is the abridged edition of Minnesota Place Names; A Geographic Encyclopedia, originally published in 1920. Compiled by Michael Fedo and published in 2002, this resource provides brief descriptions and stories of how 1200 Minnesota places got their names. Entries are in alphabetical order. An appendix lists entries by county. There is an online version at http://mnplaces.mnhs.org/upham. This is an essential resource for school library collections.