Fungi Grow by Maria Gianferrari illustrated by Diana Sudyka

In this book you will discover so much about fungi and mushrooms. How spores are distributed and threads called hyphae which are a little like roots. The colours used on some pages almost look damp which are the perfect conditions for fungi to grow. The only extra I wanted in this book was a list of all the fungi they mention - so many have such quirky and interesting names. 

At the back of this book there is a glossary, a fact page, a list of sources, a further reading list for children, and a long list of websites. Kirkus say this book is thin on detail but I disagree - the really terrific thing about this book is that it is sure to be a jumping off point fueling more curious questions about all forms of fungi.

In a school library it can be easy to think of your nonfiction collection only in terms of syllabus topics but really your collection should be way more eclectic.  I don't imagine many classes study mushrooms, but they are so fascinating, and I am sure a curious child and their parents will thoroughly enjoy this book which is enhanced with scrumptious illustrations. If you visit a library and browse near Dewey number [579.6] I wonder how many other books you will find about fungi? Here's one that is quite old but it could easily be in a school library as these Read and Wonder (later called Nature Storybooks) are so fabulous and most school libraries added titles from this series to their collection. 

Just for fun here are some of the fungi Fungi Grow by Maria Gianferrari - cotton rot fungus; pear-shaped puffball; stinkhorn mushrooms; yellow morel; deer mushroom; chanterelle; and rusty-gilled polypore. See inside Fungi Grow here. 

... readers will come away dazzled by the kingdom’s huge variety of forms and colors, a bit more informed about fungi’s potential uses for industry and waste disposal, and properly warned off from eating any found mushrooms without an expert’s OK.  Kirkus

This vibrantly illustrated picture book sheds a comprehensive light on the often-overlooked mushroom. At first glance, this is a book for younger readers, but each page also features more detailed facts and information about the fascinating fungi world that older elementary students will appreciate as well. … A noteworthy addition to all collections and a book that is sure to enthrall young biologists. School Library Journal

Read more about the science of fungi here.

You can see other books by Maria Gianferrari here. I previously mentioned Diana Sudyka when I talked about this book: