The Wonder of Mushrooms: Where Beauty Meets Science in the World of Fungi

Few books capture the magic of mushrooms as vividly and insightfully as The Wonder of Mushrooms: The Mysterious World of Fungi, written by Maya Jewell Zeller and illustrated by Jenny deFouw Geuder. This book stands apart, not just as a celebration of fungal beauty, but as a bridge between art, science, and the poetic spirit of nature.

A Kingdom of Their Own

One of the book’s most fascinating aspects is its focus on the uniqueness of fungi. While many people lump mushrooms in with plants, Maya reminds us that fungi are their own kingdom—distinct from animals, plants, and bacteria. In fact, fungi are more closely related to animals than to plants, a surprising fact that underscores how much remains to be discovered about these mysterious organisms. With lyrical language, the book introduces readers to the Linnaean system of classification, gently guiding us to appreciate the diversity of life. Fungi, it turns out, rule much of the natural world, making possible the cycles of growth and decay that sustain forests and fields.

A Rainbow of Color and Form

The visual beauty of mushrooms is a central theme, brought to life by Jenny’s enchanting illustrations. The book is a palette of fungal color: from the vivid reds of the crimson wax cap to the glowing yellows of Dyer’s polypore, and the blues and violets of cobalt crust and violet webcap. Mushrooms are not just brown and white—they are a living rainbow, often more vibrant than the flowers above them. But it’s not just color that fascinates. Maya explores the myriad shapes mushrooms take: classic caps and stems, coral-like branches, puffballs, earthstars, and even “bird’s nest” fungi that cradle tiny “eggs.” Each form hints at a unique evolutionary story and ecological role.

Science Beneath the Surface

Beyond beauty, The Wonder of Mushrooms delves into the science of fungi with clarity and wonder. The book explains the vital role of mycelium—the underground network of hyphae that connects trees, recycles nutrients, and even communicates across the forest floor. Fungi are not just decomposers; they are architects of ecosystems, enabling plants to thrive and forests to flourish.
The book also touches on the practical and cultural importance of fungi: from their use in antibiotics and bread-making, to their role in ancient rituals and modern medicine. The section on bioluminescent fungi, like the Jack-O’Lantern mushroom, highlights how mushrooms can literally light up the night, blending science with a sense of enchantment.

A Celebration of Mystery and Meaning

What truly sets this book apart is its poetic approach. Maya weaves in quotes from poets and naturalists, inviting readers to see mushrooms not just as scientific specimens, but as sources of inspiration . The book encourages curiosity, careful observation, and respect for the wild world beneath our feet. The Wonder of Mushrooms is more than a book—it’s an invitation to look closer, to marvel, and to appreciate the intricate, beautiful, and essential world of fungi. Whether you’re a budding mycologist, an artist, or simply a lover of nature, this book will open your eyes to the wonder all around—and beneath—you.

The Wonder of Mushrooms releases September 23, 2025. Preorder at https://advkeen.co/wonderofmushrooms.