Mammals: A Guide to North American Species

by Herbert S. Zim, Donald Frederick Hoffmeister, James Gordon Irving (Illustrator)

An accurate and fascinating introduction to more than 200 of the most common species of mammals in North America, including information Habits and habitats, family trees, raising young, foods, enemies, and more. Full-color illustrations accent features that help you to recognize each animal in its natural environment. Range maps show where various species can be found. 218 full color illustrations.

Genres: Science, Reference, Nature, Nonfiction, Animals, Field Guides, Childrens

160 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1955

About the author

Herbert Spencer Zim (July 12, 1909 – December 5, 1994) was a naturalist, author, editor and also known as the fonder and editor in chief of the Golden Guides series of nature books. He wrote or edited more than one hundred scientific books, and in a thirty-year career teaching in the public schools introduced laboratory instruction into elementary school science. He is best known as the founder in 1945, of the Golden Guides, pocket-size introductions for children to such subjects as fossils, zoology, microscopy, rocks and minerals, codes and secret writings, trees, wildflowers, dinosaurs, navigation and more. He was the sole or co-author for many of the books, which were valued for their clarity, accuracy and attractive presentation helped by the illustrations of James Gordon Irving. He continued to work on the Golden Guides series until Alzheimer's disease forced him to slow down in the 1990s. He died in 1994 at Plantation Key, Florida.

Reviews

[K · Rating 4 out of 5]

As Golden Guides go, this one is surprisingly appealing for all ages. I may be showing my birder bias, but I don't think anyone other than the most committed rodentiphile needs much more information on North American mammals than what fits neatly in this little book. Okay, Peterson is actually my go-to for mammals just because I know it's complete, but this Golden Guide is just about as useful. After all, how much do I care about which pocket-gopher or vole species is the one that's endemic to my 200-mile radius when I'm not going to see any member of either of those families in my lifetime anyway?

[Foxtower · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my go to book when I want to figure out what the heck that angry little fuzzball chasing me across the backyard is (a muskrat). I love the illustrations, and it includes little maps of common areas of the U.S. where the critters live. It also has a very nice key in the front so I can easily find what it is I'm looking for.

[Steve · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s an excellent book for learning the basics about North American mammals. It’s aimed at children, but adults can still learn quite a bit from it. As always with this book series, the illustrations are fantastic.

[Misbah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Beautifully illustrated book. Enjoyed reading about different mammals as a kid.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

My daughter loves this book!

[Brian Hutzell · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I was a child, I had quite a collection of Golden Nature Guides. Rereading this one takes me back to my Cub Scout days! It’s a bit dated, and the whole book sports an anthropocentric viewpoint that seems to judge animals primarily on their usefulness to humans. The color illustrations are as charming as ever, however. As the book that helped nurture a love of nature in a younger me, Mammals still holds a place in my heart.

[elissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have a 1955 edition of this that I bought on a family vacation in the 70's (for $1.95).

[Bookwyrmgyrl]

I grew up loving these little Golden Nature Guides, and this one is a classic from my childhood.

[Fredrick Danysh · Rating 3 out of 5]

A small guidebook by Zim on the mammals of North America. Excellent for children.

[Itzel · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent little guide even if it is a bit old. This book made me become more interested in studying animals and plants.

[Dad · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have used this book many times for identifying mammals and to learn about them. The Golden Nature guides are classics.

[Nathan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this as a gift when I was a young boy and have finally read it cover to cove. It contains simple mammal identification information.

[EchoHouseLibrary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love these just for the illustrations!

[Ron · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favourite Zim book ever. Great info and illustrations.