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.

Fascinating Loons: Amazing Images and Behaviors

This handsome book is a combination photo album and text about the Common Loon. Topics discussed include folklore related to the loon, human hazards, physical features and appearance, behavior, diet, communication, nesting, incubation and early days of life, and finally, migration. Written and photographed by Stan Tekiela, this is a complete and interesting study of the Minnesota state bird.

Trees of Minnesota Field Guide

This field guide features information on 93 species (16 conifers and 77 deciduous trees). They are arranged by needle or leaf type and attachment to their branch. Each species has a two-page profile with color photos of leaves/needles, bark, flower and fruit if appropriate. Entries include information on family, size, leaf/needle description, flower, fruit, fall color, habitat, and notes by the author, Stan Tekiela. This is an essential resource for library collections.

Birds of Minnesota and Wisconsin

This field guide has information about 322 bird species found in Minnesota and Wisconsin. The introduction includes brief information on conservation practices, how to attract and feed birds, lists of birding groups in both states, a map and brief description of the top ten sites to observe birds for each state. Each species has a one-page profile with a color illustration, one-paragraph description with more detail for size, status in each state (common, endangered, etc.), habitat, nesting and feeding habits, voice, a range map, and short list of best sites to find each bird. Written by Robert Janssen, Daryl Tessen, and Gregory Kennedy, this is an essential resource for school libraries.

Just Loons

Here is a combination photography and information book about the common loon. The author, Alan Hutchinson, and photographer, Bill Silliker are both from Maine, so the information extends beyond Minnesota, but that may actually expand the usefulness of the book. In addition to excellent photos, the book includes information about the physical features, nesting habits and family, migration, loon calls and song, how to take pictures of loons, and conservation efforts. It is a beautifully assembled book.