Fungi Grow

Fungi Grow has beautifully detailed illustrations of fungi. This informational text is perfect for upper elementary readers with great vocabulary that is defined in easy-to-understand terms and a pronunciation guide so you can sound out the hard words. I like that it mentions the dangers of eating wild mushrooms as well as the scientific discoveries being made about the mushrooms that may help reduce toxic waste materials. I gained a newfound respect for the role fungi play as decomposers in our environment. Overall, this was an interesting read about Fungi with resources and fun facts in the back to extend your learning.

I was delighted to share this book with my children. We love the outdoors and seeing all the mushrooms pop up after the rainy season! Fungi Grow is a great, age appropriate introductory read.

The text is written in a child friendly manner, but does not shy away from the dangers of eating random mushrooms found outside, as well as telling children how spores spread. I like how the author "compared" the mushrooms to flowers/plants, making it easier for kids to comprehend the parts of a mushroom.

The extras at the back of the book, regarding additional sources, a glossary, and the importance of mushrooms was fantastic. I learned quite a bit from this short picture book.

The illustrations were breathtaking. They have a very whimsical and fairytale feel, while still showcasing real mushroom species.