Thank you Penguin Random House Canada and Netgalley for this ARC of On a Mushroom Day by Chris Baker and illustrated by Alexandra Finkeldey.

WOW, WOW, WOW, I loved this book! From the beautiful tiny details in the illustrations to the words that just flowed on the pages! The book starts out setting the scene of feeling completely immersed in the forest using all the senses. The illustrations tie into those words seamlessly. I love this aspect of the book because when I read them aloud with my students, it allows them to make connections, makes them feel a part of the story, opens their minds to the wonders of our imagination, and truly appreciate nature. This book was also educational in discussing how mushrooms grow and live which could be used in a great lesson about learning about nature and mushrooms specifically. My favorite part of the book was the true wonder that can be discovered when exploring and the curiosity that someone may have after reading this book. In addition, great resources are provided in the back of the book including facts about mushrooms, a mushroom activity rooted in the book, how to have your own Mushroom Day, and how to be safe when doing so!

This book reminds me of exploring the woods with my family when we went camping as kids. When I saw a mushroom or a fungi, I remember my Mom would say, "There's a Fungus Among Us" and I always thought that was funny. I loved looking at nature and taking my little digital Canon camera to photograph all the mushrooms and nature that interested me. This book brought back that memory for me and that is so special.

This is Chris Baker's first book and I am very excited to see what comes next from this author! I also adored Alexandra Finkeldey's illustrations and I hope to see her work in many other books to follow!

#netgalley #childrensfiction #nature #onamushroomday

Thank you Netgalley for allowing me to read and review this book. These opinions are completely my own.

I'll admit, I hate mushrooms, but this ode to the little fungi is adorable. The illustrations worked so well in making one feel peace and maybe a little love for them. They are truly majestic, even if the taste is disgusting to

I absolutely LOVES the illustration!!! Truly joyous illustrations. I enjoyed how the information was shared in a digestible way.

Thank you to Netgalley and Penguin Random House for a digital ARC in exchange for mine, and my son's, honest reviews.

Sweet and lovely children's book about all the mushrooms you can find in the forest! The artwork is gorgeous, I would frame it and put on my wall. My 4 year old liked learning the different types of mushrooms from the visual glossary in the back of the book! He struggled to conceptualize the more abstract pictures in the book (i.e. little ghosts were flying next to the Destroying Angel mushrooms) but otherwise he followed along with the words and pictures really well.

A cute but informative book about part of our ecosystem commonly overlooked. I really enjoyed the flow of the story and illustrations. Overall I think the information in the back is a fun seek and find throughout the book as well as a safety warning about some mushrooms.

This book is a delightful and visually stunning exploration of a day spent foraging for mushrooms in the forest. Baker's writing is simple yet informative, making it perfect for reading aloud. Finkeldey's illustrations vividly bring the forest to life with rich colors and intricate details, capturing the magical essence of fungi. The book includes useful information about different mushroom types and tips for foraging, making it both educational and captivating for young readers.

These illustrations are GORGEOUS. If I saw this book in a store, I would buy it based on that alone. The storey itself is sweet and informative. Taking it on a hike/picnic through a wooded area might be the most fun ever, its even suggested in the "tips" section. I especially liked the identifications of various mushrooms towards the end. A great resource for learning about mushrooms, for children and adults alike.

Thanks to Penguin Random House and NetGalley for the eARC

I love when I have mushroom days, so this book was perfect for me. The illustrations were absolutely gorgeous. I loved how the author wove in the names of the mushrooms while the illustrator not only drew the mushrooms but also a symbol of the mushroom's name. I was concerned at the end with them eating what they found because that can be dangerous, but the author did include information about which mushrooms mentioned were not safe to eat and other tips for collecting mushrooms. Great book for introducing mushrooms and foraging to kids.

On a Mushroom Day is a wonderful glimpse at a day spent in the woods searching for and spotting many types of mushrooms. I loved the art style - especially the beautiful scenery and the depiction of the animals or beings that each mushroom is named after in the illustrations. Many great messages on taking time to be present in nature with one another, respecting ecosystems by sharing and maintaining, and discovering the small yet fascinating parts of nature.

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.