Magnificent Mammals

This year, as we're planning to study Land Mammals, I thought this book would make a great supplement to our science studies once again, and I was not disappointed. About the Sea Creatures book, I said: " . . . a full-page picture (in full color) on the left hand side, and an information page on the right. In addition to the information, each page also contains a box with extra information about each creature, such as scientific name, length, weight, life span, special design features, and a "did you know?" fact. The color pictures are real photographs, and are bright and eye-catching. The information is easy to read, yet very informative and interesting." That same description holds true for the Magnificent Mammals book as well. Some other things that I like about this book are the fact that they don't just share about common, everyday mammals; but, instead, include some more unfamiliar mammals such as the two-toed sloth and the echidna. The back of the book contains an appendix with sketches of each mammal's footprint and a handy-dandy glossary of terms. I've come to expect quality, educational products from Master Books and New Leaf Publishing. I can trust them to include God and Creationism, which is something I really appreciated when using books to educate my children. The very first paragraph in the introduction by the authors sums it up perfectly: "It seems that no matter what book about wildlife we read, God isn't even mentioned. Wildlife programs are full of indoctrination in evolution. This book erases all evolutionary concepts and gives God the glory for His creation." And to that I say emphatically "Amen!"

My children love this book! As a matter of fact, it is written as a team effort, by the Answers in Genesis staff. The staff includes many Ph.D. scientists who are very respected in the scientific community. Included in this list are: Please notice all of the (Dr. & Ph.D's) in front of many of these great scientits names: Brian A. Catalucci, Dr. John Baumgardner,Donald Chittick, Ph.D, Dr. David Crandall,Buddy Davis,Dr. David DeWitt ,Dr. Donald DeYoung, James Gardner, Ken Ham, Bodie Hodge, Bill Jack, Carl Kerby, Dr. Jason Lisle, Dr. David Menton, Dr. Tommy Mitchell,Dr. Terry Mortenson, Michael Oard,Dr. Gary Parker,Dr. Georgia Purdom,Mike Riddle "Uncle Robbie" Robinson, Dr. Andrew Snelling, Geoff Stevens, Dr. John Whitcomb, Paul Taylor, Simon Terry ... If you need their personal biographies, you can go to AnswersinGenesis.org Anyone who would criticize this book as "non-scientific" needs to "INSPECT what they EXPECT" and be careful to back up their view point with true facts, not just empty words.

This is a wonderful book that surveys thirty different mammals. Each page spread includes a quality photo of the animal being discussed, as well as a box containing some basic information (classification, size, life span), a special (Creationism) design feature, and an interesting fact about the animal. The introduction includes a brief discussion of some problems with evolutionary theory, and observations of how specific animals show intelligent design, however these observations are included throughout the book for each animal covered. The main text of each page flows nicely, making the pages a little more readable than the typical fact book. In looking at each animal, it is not always as clear what region of the world the animals come from, however most of the animals are easily recognizable (for adults or older children). The book is not indexed, but the table of contents is sufficient for finding the animals you wish to read about. There is also a neat little appendix with footprint sketches of some of the animals, a glossary of animal-related terms used in the book, and a bibiliography. Although I like Pocket Factfiles: Mammals better for variety, I appreciate the Creation viewpoint of this book, and the steady reflection of animals as products of intelligent (and very creative!) design. Because it has less detail than other animal fact books, I would use this book with younger (elementary/middle grade)children, those looking particularly for a Creation perspective, or someone with a particular interest in animals.