Picture books about mushrooms are not new - in fact, they’ve spored out tons of books in the last couple years. Where I think this one excels is the stunning illustrations plus the way the different mushroom species are compared to other phenomenon both real and imaginary that kids will recognize (the elf cup was just about the cutest thing ever!) plus the back matter at the end is going to make this a great resource to use both in the classroom for nature lessons and out and about for the little explorers!

Frolicsome descriptions of mushroom varieties. Interesting facts about nature's "fun-guy". Encourages observing the world and its innate beauty. Stagnant and homely illustrations. Lacks a diverse plot and instead settles for a single interest. Incorporates fantasy realism in a good-natured way. Inspires exploration into the unknown. Brings forth feelings of curiosity. Recommended for those who wish to immerse themselves in the present moment. Overall, an average read.

On a Mushroom Day follows a child through the woods as they search for mushrooms. Full of beautiful illustrations, informative facts about fungi, and a splash of magic - this book is sure to grab the attention of children!

Perfect for children who love nature.

I received an ARC from Penguin Random House Canada | Tundra Books via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

On a Mushroom Day is a beautifully illustrated children's book that follows a child on a walk through the forest searching for mushrooms. Not only is this a lovely story about being observant and respectful of nature, but it is also informative!

yeah I loved this book, from the moment those boots hit the forest floor I was immersed into this magical mushroom world, the illustrations were wonderful, I liked the creative imagery in helping identify the different mushrooms types, at the end I felt like I had lived a mushroom day

My son and I loved this book SO much! The pictures were so beautiful and we felt like we were there. We learned so much about different mushrooms and how mushrooms grow and look. I loved all the advice at the end for having our own mushroom day!

This is my first experience with Baker's work. I was completely enthralled and already look forward to his next work.

While this book is specific in it's theme and direction, it maintains the level of curiosity and whimsy for those who know little about mushrooms to gravitate towards it. I worry this could equally get lost in the picture book area as while it has a small plot, it is largely focused on the one element.

However for those seeking a picture book for their adventurous young child, or a teacher looking for a great tie to a lesson on nature or the planet. This is an excellent fit.

I really love the structure is also set up for those who know little about mushrooms, leave the book coming informed and inspired. Guided by the flow of beautiful illustrations, I can see a lot of adults gravitating to it for their children.

Thank you NetGalley and Penguin Random House for the advance reading copy of this book.

This was a very cute yet informative book.

I read this book and learned a ton, as an adult about mushrooms. I never knew that the mushrooms in my front yard are called Destroying Angels.

This is definitely a book I would read with my toddler and preteen before we venture out into nature so that we’re all educated on the different types of mushrooms but so that we can also be more aware and admire the beauty of them as well.


I volunteered to read this ARC through NetGalley.

After reading this, I am so inspired to put on my Bean boots and take my boys on a mushroom day! This book is so informative about fungi life and shows the potential for an adventure in the woods. The illustrations match the mood of walking through a forest after rain, and I enjoyed the rhythm of the text. I appreciate the tips and further resources and reading to continue one’s learning about fungi. As such, I recommend this to any class going on a field trip or learning about fungi and to a storytime covering environmental themes. I will likely purchase my own copy as a reference and as inspiration to get outside.

Thank you NetGalley and Penguin Random House Canada for this advanced copy. All opinions are my own.

This book was amazing! I loved how it incorporated science and fantasy to create enthusiasm for nature and being outside. The art was absolutely stunning.

I loved this read and I was so excited to share with my children as a mushroom day is something I experienced as a child many times. This book not only has beautiful artwork and characters that bring the fungi to life, it also has a magical way of brining you to a place that so few know exists. There is a wonderful story of mother and child adventuring through the woods. Slowly observing the life and creatures in the first, but also treasuring the time that they know is so limited. This book makes you want to go outside and explore as well as learn more about the wonderful and even elusive things that are mushrooms. Absolutely adored this book.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of On a Mushroom Day written by Chris Baker and illustrated by Alexandra Finkeldey. This book is super fun and gorgeous. Baker writes about a “mushroom” day between mother and child, the pair traipsing through the forest and foraging for different types of fungi. The writing is sparse but informative, perfect for a read-aloud to students. The illustrations are stunning. Finkeldey captures the colors found on a nature walk, the browns, greens, reds, and all in different hues. The forest jumps off the page and you can hear the squish of the loamy dirt by the delicate coloring of each page. Not only are the mushrooms drawn to detail, but they also have a fantastical feeling about them, showing the ethereal nature of the fungi, making the book all the more appealing to young people. The background is full of flora and fauna and the end has back matter that highlights different types of mushrooms, tips on how to forage, and resources to learn more.

A perfect blend of nonfiction and storybook read-aloud. I can’t wait to buy this and read it to my students!

Beautiful, charming, wonderful, delightful, soothing. This book is perfect! It's all about what might happen on "a mushroom day" - a day in the woods for spotting mushrooms. I had a lot of mushroom days as a kid, and now as an adult whenever I'm with my brother (who founded a mushroom club) and my dad (who holds the annual family "who can find the first morel" competition). My brother sent us the pictures he took on his fancy film camera on our last family vacation, and I really shouldn't have been surprised that half of them were of mushrooms. But anyway... This book was simply wonderful! It starts with some of the senses you might use on a mushroom day, like what you might feel, hear, and smell. Then it goes through some of the mushrooms you might see, such as chicken of the woods, jack o' lanterns, or dryad's saddles. I'm absolutely obsessed with how the text is paired with the illustrations here - for chicken of the woods, there's a depiction of little chickens hanging out amongst the mushrooms. The text doesn't really explain to us that these are the mushroom names, it just says "you might see some chickens perched on a log" and so on. This is so simple and so clever to me. It's a wonderful execution and a delightful treat. At the end, there's an index of all the different mushrooms mentioned and some tips for how to have your own mushroom day. The illustrations are phenomenal and the text is calming. This one is going to end up in my storytime collection for sure and will be front facing on all my displays.

(Thank you for the e-ARC! I work for Indianapolis Public Library as a Children's Librarian. I didn't see a listed preference for when to post reviews, so I will post this review to Goodreads within about a month of publication and will post to my library's public catalog after the book is acquired/published.)

What a great book!
I love the art style, and the use of natural colors like brown and white are so lovely and warm in this book!
The guide at the back that gives readers info about each mushroom they meet in the pages of the book is just wonderful, and the resources in the back are incredibly helpful. I will be recommending this book to teachers and STEM students who are interested in learning more about mushrooms and the natural world.
Excellent book!

One day after a rain, a boy and a woman go to the woods where they spot many many mushrooms. They observe them closely and take a few home to eat.

This book has a lovely poetic rhythm, even though it doesn't rhyme. It points out some really cool facts about mushrooms and illustrates them in a way that's friendly for kids. Even if they're not mushroom enthusiasts, this book encourages readers to observe the world with all their senses and admire it for just being itself.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC. All opinions are my own.

On a Mushroom Day is a beautiful book from the start. The illustrations are just warm and inviting. The method of explaining mushrooms and their interconnected systems is really special. I recommend this for all curious people, especially the kids who want to get to know the nature in the world around them. This book is pure joy and beauty.

What a fabulous picture book. The art is stunning.
We feel that we're in the forest hearing and smelling it. The narrative focuses on all senses and to appreciate each moment.
I like the gloomy mood of the color palette chosen for this book. Fall and rainy and cozy.
There are amazing illustrations at the end explaining each mushroom to educate us further, including tips, facts, resources, and further reading. My favorite mushroom is the Green Elfcup. They are rare and I've never seen them in the forest but they are beautiful.
Thank you, Publisher and Netgalley for this e-arc.

This was a really cute story about a family going out to gather mushrooms in the forest. The illustrations are bright and vibrant. The writing is short and sweet but inspires a lot of whimsy. There are a couple pages at the end with pictures of the various mushrooms in the book along with brief descriptions of them. My daughters enjoyed this book.

Thank you to Penguin Random House Canada for gifting my family with an ARC to review! We enjoyed it.

Book Review: "On a Mushroom Day"

"On a Mushroom Day" is a delightful and informative read that will captivate both young readers and adults alike. With its captivating illustrations and charming narrative, this book manages to strike a perfect balance between entertainment and education.

The captivating illustrations in "On a Mushroom Day" breathe life into the story, enhancing the reader's experience and creating an enchanting visual journey. The intricate details and vibrant colors not only add to the book's aesthetic appeal but also serve as a valuable tool for identifying various mushroom species.

One of the most engaging aspects of the book is the interactive game that encourages readers to identify specific mushroom species throughout the pages. This hands-on approach not only fosters an immersive reading experience but also promotes active learning and critical thinking.

Furthermore, the book's emphasis on responsible foraging practices, particularly the warning about adults being the only ones to pick edible mushrooms, underscores its commitment to imparting essential knowledge and promoting safety.

Overall, "On a Mushroom Day" is a charming and informative piece that effortlessly weaves together an engaging storyline, stunning illustrations, and valuable educational content. Perfect for nature enthusiasts and curious minds, this book is a must-read for anyone looking to embark on a magical journey through the world of mushrooms.

I really like to read books about nature geared for young children. As an adult, I learned more about mushrooms than I ever knew before. The illustrations are gorgeous and really capture the look of a forest walk. The text is just right to share information about mushrooms without losing the reader’s interest. A big cheer for the extra informative pages at the end of the book.