We have curated a diverse selection of mushroom books that will captivate young minds and foster a deep appreciation for the fascinating world of fungi. Whether you are homeschooling, planning a nature study, already have a budding mycologist on your hands, or simply seeking an engaging read for your little ones, these mushroom books for kids are the perfect addition.
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Mushroom Board Books for Little Explorers
Introduce your little ones to the enchanting world of mushrooms with these delightful board books. Designed specifically for young children, these books feature vibrant illustrations and simple narratives that will engage their senses and spark their curiosity.
The Magnificent Mushroom by Meredith Jo Hansen Favero
Not your basic baby board book! This sturdy and brightly illustrated board book is the best way to introduce babies and toddlers to mushrooms. The artwork is simple yet stunning, with vibrant colors and easy-to-see shapes. We love this book because the mushrooms aren’t a sideline to another story – this book is all about the fungi!
Thirteen mushroom species are featured, and each species has its own page, with beautiful drawings and a rhymed poem that keeps kids enchanted. Each page also features additional scientific or surprising information about mushrooms. So, when you, the adult, are reading, you won’t get bored. And you might learn a few things yourself, too.
This book is available as a board book and paperback book for slightly older children. The board book version is only available through the author’s website; the paperback is available through Amazon.
Baby Mushroom: Finger Puppet Book by Yu-Hsuan Huang
This delightful finger puppet book is filled with color, charm, and an adorable mushroom finger puppet. This book allows inquisitive babies and toddlers the chance to explore their growing world through touching and feeling. The story is simple yet engaging: a slice of forest life for the baby mushroom. Small hands have the opportunity to build motor skills with the finger puppet, which peeks into every page. Or, even better, let mommy and daddy animate the finger puppet while reading. It’s a great introduction to the world of mushrooms. The soft plush finger puppet is attached to the back cover to ensure it doesn’t get lost.
Mushroom Story Books for Young Kids
Storybooks have the power to transport young readers to imaginative worlds while imparting valuable lessons and knowledge. These mushroom storybooks combine enchanting illustrations with interesting stories and educational material, making them perfect for bedtime reading or independent exploration.
There’s Wondrous Fungus Among Us by Larissa Lynn Wood
The illustrations in this book are spectacular; they look simple, but there is so much detail that it is just a joy to look at. This easy-to-read storybook introduces children to the world of fungi and its incredible diversity. It is an excellent shorter bedtime read or, possibly, your child’s first reading book.
Fungalphabet: The ABCs of Fungi by William Brown
The Fungalphabet is a book with 26 characters representing each letter of the alphabet, each connected to the first letter of a mushroom species’ common name. It is an entertaining and educational resource for young learners to explore fungi and nature. The book includes details on the edibility or toxicity of each mushroom, its common name, scientific name, and other relevant and interesting information.
The colorful and vibrant illustrations draw the child into learning without them even knowing it. It’s a must for any young mushroom or nature lovers and beginning foragers. Engaging and educational, yes, please!
Mason Goes Mushrooming by Melany Kahn
There are very few (or any?) books about kids mushroom foraging. Mason Goes Mushrooming is the first of its kind, taking readers on a journey to forage for edible mushrooms in Vermont’s lush landscape. Young Mason and his four-legged companion, Buddy, search for morels in spring, chanterelles in summer, and black trumpets in autumn.
Author Melany Kahn encourages readers not to be afraid of mushroom foraging and to learn, regardless of their age. And, of course, to verify all their findings with their parents before eating anything! Four recipes are included that highlight the flavor of the mushrooms featured, as well as a brief identification guide for novice foragers.
This is a great starter book for young foragers and an excellent bedtime story book with breathtaking watercolor illustrations.
The Magnificent Mushroom by Meredith Jo Hansen Favero
This book is available as a board book and paperback book for slightly older children. The board book version is only available through the author’s website; the paperback is available through Amazon. Learn more about the book in our blurb under Board Books.
“The Mushroom Fan Club” by Elise Gravel
This engaging book combines informative content with playful illustrations, making it a delightful read for young mushroom enthusiasts. The fungi have googly eyes and personalities, giving the book a comic feel – something many kids will appreciate. Children will discover the diversity of mushroom shapes, colors, and textures and learn interesting facts along the way. It also very importantly teaches that you shouldn’t eat random mushrooms!
The Fungus Among Us by Jessica Dawn Birks
This captivating rhyming book will transport your child to the forests and moors as they explore the hidden world of mycelium, the underground web that sustains our planet. They’ll learn about the different mushrooms, from the delectable oyster mushroom to the eye-catching lion’s mane. With whimsical pictures and delightful verses, this book is the perfect way to get acquainted with the wonders of foraging and the magic of the mushroom kingdom.
Mushroom Folktales: Enchantment with Stunning Illustrations
Featuring captivating narratives and stunning illustrations, these books are a treasure trove of imagination and folklore.
“Tales of the Mushroom Folk” by Signe Aspelin
Step into a whimsical world where mushrooms come to life and embark on their own adventures. This mushroom folktale features charming illustrations that will captivate readers of all ages. Join the porcini family, the chanterelles, and many others on their magical journeys. Each little story is easy-to-read and ripe with educational tidbits to keep the kids intrigued.
“Children of the Forest” by Elsa Beskow
This is a captivating tale of a family of small folk living in a woodland area, showing their daily activities and connections with the wild creatures around them. The narrative is charming, and the illustrations are breathtakingly beautiful, reminiscent of the “art-nouveau” style of the early twentieth century.
From renowned Swedish author-illustrator Elsa Beskow, this delightful seasonal story is perfect for young children to learn about the wonders of nature. Summer brings swimming and berry picking; autumn is for playing with fairies and collecting mushrooms; winter is for sledding and nourishing the animal friends; and the best surprise of all comes in spring!
This beautifully illustrated book takes readers on a journey through the seasons, showcasing the wonders of nature and the importance of living in harmony with the environment.
The Mushroom Garden Book by Adam Oehlers
Enter into this fantastical mushroom adventure land with a brilliant story and absolutely stunning artistry. Buy it for the story or just to gaze at the incredible illustrations. This is one of those books that inspires curiosity as it transcends natural experiences. Artist and writer Adam Oehlers works with watercolor, ink, and pencil to create the fantastically intricate world of The Mushroom Garden, which is a feast for the eyes.
Mushroom Educational Books For Younger Kids (5-10)
These educational books delve a little deeper into the science and anatomy of fungi. Perfect for older children or those with a keen interest in the natural world, these books provide in-depth information and stunning visuals.
“Humongous Fungus” by Lynn Boddy
This captivating book explores the incredible diversity of mushrooms, their life cycles, and their ecological importance. With stunning illustrations and engaging text, readers will gain a deeper understanding of the vital role fungi play in our ecosystems. This vividly illustrated book bridges the gap between the “storyline” and the complexities of biology. It has little blurbs of facts but nothing too complicated. And the beautiful drawings make it look like a story book, not a boring science book.
“Molds, Mushrooms, and Other Fungi” by Steve Parker
This comprehensive guide provides aspiring mycologists with the knowledge and skills needed to identify fungi of all types. The photographs are detailed and abundant, and the information is presented in sidebars with large print, making it easy and accessible for younger kids to understand. Just the photographs alone are enough to draw a child’s curiosity.
This is a common library book focused more on education than fun or stories. It is the first step to a child becoming an absolute fungi pro. Or, it might be the book that triggers their interest in this weird and wacky fungi kingdom.
Funky Fungi: 30 Activities For Exploring Molds, Mushrooms, Lichens, and More by Alisha Gabriel
This book is perfect for any reader, young or old, who is passionate about mushrooms. It is loaded with intriguing information and fascinating STEM activities. The vivid illustrations and captivating information make this a must-have resource for those interested in discovering the world of fungi. Through a variety of activities, readers can learn about the many uses of fungi, from medicinal purposes to sneaker materials.
Mushroom Educational Books For Older Kids (11-15)
Fungarium: Welcome to the Museum by Katie Scott and Ester Gaya
In the Welcome to the Museum series, artist Katie Scott presents us with intricate illustrations of some of the most interesting living creatures on the planet – fungi. Examining all types of fungi, from those that can be bought at the grocery store to the likes of penicillin that have had an immense effect on humanity, this collection is a comprehensive guide to what fungi are and their pivotal role in the global ecosystem.
This exquisite compilation resembles a 19th-century natural science tract and is accompanied by vivid illustrations with descriptions that intrigue. Not only is the text authoritative and educational, but the artwork is also stunning. This captivating book will be a great addition to STEM collections.
The Enchanted Forest: An Illustrated Biology Book About Mushrooms and Fungi For Beginners and Smart Kids by Hans Joachim Kuhlmann
This book includes the most stunning photography and lots of big fungi words and concepts. It provides all the information you’d learn in a textbook without the boring textbook layout. It’s for beginners who really want to dive into the specifics of species, genus, family, and kingdom, and all the mushroom nitty gritty.
The information is broken down into smaller bits to make it easier to digest and accessible to beginners of all types. Best of all, though, is the accompanying photography and illustrations that highlight each section – a windfall for visual learners! This is a must for any kid interested in pursuing mushrooms or mycology further in their educational career.
The Best Mushroom Identification Books BY Region
Kids of any age can use these foraging and identification books to figure out what they’ve found in the woods or back yard. They’re all fun to flip through and look at all the incredible diversity. Make sure you get the books that will be most helpful for your child by choosing the appropriate region. Many mushrooms are extremely specific about where they’ll grow.
Additional Resources for Learning About Fungi
If you and your children are eager to learn even more about fungi, these additional resources will deepen your understanding and provide hands-on learning experiences.
Nancy B Science Kits – Mighty Microbes Lab and Germ Kit
Take your exploration of fungi to the next level with the Nancy B Science Kits’ Mighty Microbes Lab and Germ Kit. This hands-on kit allows children to conduct experiments and learn about bacteria and fungi on a microscopic level. It’s a fantastic resource for budding scientists!
Mushroom Growing Kit
Experience the wonder of mushroom cultivation firsthand with a mushroom growing kit. These kits provide everything you need to grow your own mushrooms at home, allowing children to witness the entire lifecycle of these fascinating organisms. Plus, they can enjoy the fruits of their labor by cooking and eating the harvested mushrooms.
“Mushrooms of the World” by Jeannette Bowers and David Arora
Discover the diverse world of mushrooms through coloring! “Mushrooms of the World” features intricate illustrations of various mushroom species from around the globe (92 species!). This coloring book also includes informative descriptions and fun facts about each mushroom, making it a perfect resource for budding mycologists. This is in part because it was written by a mycologist, David Arora, who is beloved among mushroom enthusiasts for his foraging books.
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