ON A MUSHROOM DAY

An adult and a child make astonishing discoveries as they explore the forest after the rain.

“On a mushroom day,” a gap-toothed child and a bespectacled adult with long curly black hair streaked with gray trek through the woods. Both wear shorts and boots; both soon have dirty knees. Over the course of this appealing introduction to the world of fungi, readers encounter 12 very different species of mushrooms (identified in the backmatter) and learn about the mycelium, the network of roots that connect fungi with trees and help to nourish the forest. The gentle narrative concludes with the characters sitting down to have mushrooms for dinner. Baker reminds readers in the afterword that only “knowledgeable adults” should pick mushrooms, “and never more than half of what you find.” Quietly contemplative text and delightful illustrations bring this expedition to life. The visuals convey the child’s sense of wonder and active imagination and even add some fantasy: A big cat reclines upon lion’s mane mushrooms, while winged creatures happily cavort in the fairy ring. The earthy illustrations, rendered in acrylic, gouache, and oil pastel, were inspired by actual photos taken in the woods, and the mushrooms are accurate and identifiable. Informative and engaging, this tale is sure to have kids eagerly taking to the outdoors in search of mushrooms—and more.

Downright delicious.