Whether your child is a budding mycologist or just super fascinated by nature, mushroom-themed books are an excellent way to introduce kids to the magical and mysterious world of fungi. These educational children’s books offer fun and exciting ways for kids of all ages to learn about mycology, foraging, mushroom identification, ecology, and more.
The Mushroom Fan Club
by Elise Gravel
The Mushroom Fan Club brings quirky mushrooms to life through vibrant illustrations and funny side notes. Elise Gravel’s playful drawings showcase some commonly loved mushroom species, from puffballs to chanterelles, with amusing commentary and fun facts.
Mason Goes Mushrooming
written by Melany Kahn, illustrated by Ellen Korbinski
Mason Goes Mushrooming is more than just an engaging story; it’s a beginner’s guide to mushroom foraging for young readers. Throughout the storybook, Mason searches the forest floor across the seasons for edible mushrooms like morels, chanterelle, lobster mushrooms, and black trumpets. Mason’s mushroom-hunting adventure educates kids about the fascinating world of wild mushrooms while teaching the importance of safety and respect for nature. The book includes four kid-friendly recipes and a brief identification guide for those just starting off on their foraging knowledge.
Fungus is Among Us!
written by Joy Keller, illustrated by Erica Salcedo
Fungus is Among Us! is a playfully illustrated rhyming book that introduces kids to the hidden world of fungi, from the air we breathe to the food we eat. The book offers a range of kid-friendly fun facts and even includes a Q&A session with a real mycologist.
Spring Forage!: Earth Folk Tales
written by Kypriana Daniels, illustrated by Antonia Pylaeva
Spring Forage! follows Tara of the Dandelion Folk and Mel the Honey Bee through the Appalachian Foothills, discovering wild plants and the magic of springtime. This whimsically illustrated picture book teaches young readers about sustainable foraging and emphasizes the importance of respecting the natural world and all the resources it provides.
Humongous Fungus
written by Lynne Boddy, illustrated by Wenjia Tang
Humongous Fungus introduces kids to the mesmerizing world of fungi—from tiny microbes to the largest living organism on the planet. The book features engaging infographics filled with fun facts and valuable information about fungi including their life cycles, uses in environmental remediation, and their overall importance in keeping ecosystems afloat.
Mushrooms of the World
by Jeanette Bowers and David Arora
Mushrooms of the World breaks down the complicated mushroom identification process into an enjoyable and accessible activity. Featuring 92 different mushroom species from around the world, this unique identification book shows mushrooms in their natural habitat, with detailed descriptions for beginners. For older children, this book offers a fun, hands-on way to get familiar with mushroom species and study their visual characteristics.
Fungalphabet: The ABC’s of Fungi
by William Brown.
Fungalphabet takes babies and toddlers on an A to Z adventure of the fungal kingdom, with colorful illustrations and easy-to-understand descriptions. This is the perfect book for young readers and future mushroom enthusiasts for teaching the basics of what fungi have to offer.
Fungarium: Welcome to the Museum
by Katie Scott and Ester Gaya
Fungarium is aimed at older children, teenagers, or even adults who want to dive deeper into the world of mycology. The non-fiction book is set up in the format of a museum tour, guiding readers through four different galleries dedicated to giving an inside look at fungal biology. The intricate and stunning illustrations offer a visual experience that shows all the beauty and complexities of fungi.
Mushroom Rain
written by Laure K. Zimmermann, illustrated by Jamie Green
Mushroom Rain takes young readers on an enchanting journey through the forest, where mushrooms grow. With poetic prose and stunning visuals, the story explores the world of mushrooms in a way that feels both magical and educational. The book also includes a glossary, additional fungi fun facts, and a science activity.
Funky Fungi: 30 Activities for Exploring Molds, Mushrooms, Lichens, and More
by Alisha Gabriel and Sue Heavenrich
Funky Fungi is a hands-on guide with 30 creative activities aimed at teaching young readers about the different types of fungi around us, including molds, lichen, and mushrooms. With its engaging experiments, the book provides several engaging and memorable ways to learn about fungi at home.
Teaching kids about the wonders of fungi
It’s never too early to start learning about mushrooms. Introducing children to the wonders of fungi at a young age helps keep them curious and connected with nature. Educational mushroom books for kids can inspire young readers to get outdoors, safely identify different mushroom species (with parental supervision, of course!), and appreciate how important fungi are for the health of our planet and ecosystems. Plus, maybe you’ll learn something new yourself!
