Popular science at its best. A broad approachable book covering the classification, physiology, ecology as well as pretty much (yes, all) uses of fungi: for gustatory (and other) pleasure, as dyes, as crucial components of bioremediation efforts, as a source of medicine. Its greatest focus is on mushrooms, and on getting you out there, paying attention to the natural world in your vicinity. Includes interview snippets with mycologists, foragers and amateurs.

I really like the use of QR codes and the broad reference to digital tools.

P.S. I don't really like the title. But, eh.

Only a little biased with this one, but it's a beautiful guide to the world of fungi! Gorgeous images, approachable writing, and enjoyable for all regardless of your familiarity with fungi.

All it takes for me as a passionate fungi identifier and mushroom forager is to see the word "fungi" in print and I inhale the information, hoping to learn something new. And I did with Dr. Fun Guy's Passport to Kingdom Fungi which is chock full of helpful illustrations...and these are no ordinary illustrations but cell drawings, an aroma wheel, how to photograph, lichen anatomy, sustainability, tables and graphs and more. I especially enjoyed the fungal tree of life. The photographs are easily identifiable and sometimes personal with people gleefully holding up their mushroom finds, grinning from ear to ear. The vast majority of my own photos are of mushrooms!

I liked learning which mushrooms hooked Dr. Walker as a child. Interestingly, the parrot mushroom was one of mine, too. He describes what mushrooms are and how they differ from plants and animals. He explains where they are found, roles in the environment, relationships with other organisms, the five basic forms of fungi, number of species in the world, taxonomy, reproduction, dyeing, ideal growing conditions, learning trees and habitats, foraging best practices, allergies to mushrooms, and biochemistry (one of my favourite bits). Dr. Walker's writing is conversational and witty at times, too. A pleasure to read. The tables which list mushroom toxicity (symptoms, toxin, duration, treatment, etc.) are incredibly useful. Likewise, so are the edibility ratings (we all have our favourites; I forage and eat at least 25 excellent to choice mushrooms in Europe and am grateful to live in white and black truffle territory). My first two mushroom years were spent photographing and identifying and only then, armed with much experience going on forays with experts, I finally began harvesting, preparing and eating them. I attend as many mushroom festivals as possible. The more we learn, the more we realize there is to know, especially considering our knowledge is of only a fraction of what is out there.

Happy to say, I did learn new information in this book. I feel a little bit smarter and am already chomping at the bit for autumn when my world is fungi. If you are contemplating embarking on this wondrous world, get your hands on this book. If you are experienced, you will learn something, too. QR codes are included which are linked to further resources. Brilliant.

Dr. Fun Guy's Passport to Kingdom Fungi is a scientifically correct and layman accessible guide to fungi by Dr. Gordon Walker. Due out 22nd April 2025 from Penguin Random House on their Ten Speed Press imprint, it's 320 pages and will be available in paperback and ebook formats.

The layout is logical and easy to follow. Beginning by defining the characteristics of fungi (not just mushrooms!) the author carefully builds up to larger interconnections and the roles fungi and fungal systems carry out in their respective ecosystems. It's surprisingly easy to follow, and felt at times like an engaging narrative as the very best nature/science writing does. It's not rigorously annotated, but the author has included a glossary, an abbreviated bibliography/resources, and many QR code links for online content. There is also a charming amount of poetic whimsy and philosophy encapsulated in the author's prose. It's a pleasant mix. The photography and illustrations are clear and well rendered throughout the book.

Educational and edifying without being stodgy or tedious, readers will likely learn a lot and come away from the book with a much deeper appreciation of the finely tuned and wondrously interconnected web of life encompassing all of us. Absolutely recommended for fans of science/nature writing, and especially to fans of Stephen Jay Gould and similar.

Five stars.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

Very easy to follow along and fun to read! Learn different classifications and how to do so yourself

Thank you to NetGalley and the author for an ARC of this title. I'm not sure what it is about mushrooms that I love to much, but when I see books like this I can't help but be fascinated by them more and more. The illustrations in this book are fantastic, but I also loved that there were real photographs as well. I don't think I've seen a book that showcased both of those. I also really enjoyed the small diagrams. This guide had it all. From fundamental information about mushrooms themselves, to foraging and eating them, and the responsibility that we have toward them and nature. I do believe that we need mushrooms almost, if not as much, as we need the bees. For mushroom and nature lovers alike, this is a good one to keep on your shelf! Guides like this have always drawn my attention, and I will definitely be recommending this book for purchase at my shop.

James' rating: 5 out of 5 illuminating stars! ✨

My love for science started in 6th grade when the subject expanded into a deeper look into the life around us. I have always loved the flora and the Kingdom Fungi has been a source of fascination and intrigue for me which prompted me to read this book when I came across it.

This is a very well rounded book (I can't emphasize how true this is!) which starts from the very basics of the fungal kingdom and also takes a comprehensive role in guiding you through the fascinating world of fungi. The pictures and illustrations are quite detailed and honestly, very beautiful. I loved every moment of reading this book.

I was especially intrigued by the mention of mycobiome which is one of the things I'm looking into irl. We also look into the fungal ecosystem, their biodiversity and their phenomena which were quite enlightening and were really fun to read. The foraging information was quite detailed, which I loved and the individual look into the toxicity of mushrooms were also quite fascinating to read. The author did such a great job in covering every single aspect of Kingdom Fungi.

Fungi are such an intricate part of our lives and I personally think they're quite understated. They're just so... cool! I would absolutely recommend this book to all fungi lovers and really just anyone who is curious about the Kingdom of Fungi. You'll love it! The book is available for pre-order now!

Thank you @fascinatedbyfungi and @tenspeedpress for a fun and informative ARC!

QOTD: Do you find mushrooms around you? What's your favorite way to eat mushrooms or a dish you love? (Yes, you can mention your favorite bread or cake lol.)

P. S. - I was wondering why the author's name sounded familiar... He shares his name with a character from Supernatural lol.

Any Mushroom Enthusiast will admire this well-thought-out, informative, and enlightening guide to the wonderful World of the Fungi Kingdom. "Dr. Fun Guy" is both expert and enthusiastic, articulate in delivering information, and accompanies the enjoyable text with clear photographs identifying the various species of Mushrooms [so escape the toxic, enjoy the edible!].