Reviews
There are so many incredible books available at the moment that it is impossible to read them all, no matter how hard I try! Here are my thoughts about some of the books I have read and how I think they could be used in school as well as Q and A sessions with authors and illustrators.
Mushrooms and Company
‘A mushroom is a nice detail in a forest, a decorative dwarf under the sturdy wooden giants.’
But, as this fascinating book proves, there is so much more to fungi than this! Crammed with information, it makes an absorbing read.
Translated from Dutch, the book does seem to be aimed at the American market, both in terms of spelling and content; however, this does little to detract from the content. The lively, informal style of delivery is very engaging and sure to fill the reader with a new found enthusiasm for mushroom and other fungi. Divided into seven sections, the book really does cover every aspect of this ‘Marvelously Moldy Network’, explaining just how important mushrooms are to everything! Photographs and cartoon style images mingle with detailed diagrams offer plenty of visual interest to support the text.
Mushrooms are not the only fungi celebrated in this book. Lichen, mildew, mould, yeasts, even truffles and the roles they play are all explored. The book closes with a section encouraging readers to get out and explore with wonderful world of fungi whilst reminding budding mycologists to leave tasting to the experts!
‘Mushrooms and Company’ is a thoroughly enjoyable and informative read!
Mushrooms and Company: How a Marvelously Moldy Network Supports Life on Earth
Geert-Jan Roebers, illustrated by Wendy Panders and translated by Michele Hutchison
Greystone Kids ISBN: 978-1778402227