The search for a perfect gift often involves finding something unique, beautiful, and meaningful—an item that sparks curiosity and offers a new perspective. A remarkable candidate for such a gift has emerged: Maya Jewell Zeller’s breathtaking book The Wonder of Mushrooms: The Mysterious World of Fungi, featuring illustrations by Jenny DeFouw Geuder. This volume stands out as a rare find that will captivate a wide audience.
This is not a typical field guide. It’s a lyrical, artistic journey into a kingdom that is often overlooked. Maya’s poetic prose transforms complex science into a magical narrative, while Jenny’s stunning watercolor illustrations bring the vibrant and bizarre world of fungi to life. The book explores everything from the rainbow of colors found in mushrooms—like the crimson wax cap and cobalt crust—to the vast, hidden mycelial networks that form a secret “web beneath the forest floor.“ It’s a gift of knowledge, art, and pure wonder.
The book has earned high praise from authors and experts who have been enchanted by its pages. Kathryn Nuernberger, author of The Witch of Eye, celebrates how the book reveals the fungal world with “poetic and painterly beauty,“ offering a reading experience that is both magical and enlightening.
Lawrence Millman, author of the acclaimed Fungipedia, calls it a “delightful combination of fungal poetry and watercolor illustrations.“ He perfectly captures its universal appeal, noting it’s an ideal gift for anyone intrigued by mycology, “whether that person be a child, an adult, or an elder.“ It’s a book that bridges generations, inviting everyone into the enchanting allure of fungi.
This seamless fusion of art and science is a recurring theme among its admirers. Lesley Wheeler, author of Mycocosmic, praises the book for its brilliant “blend of art and science,“ highlighting how Maya’s poetic language and Jenny’s watercolors create an irresistible invitation to explore this topic.
Adding to this chorus of acclaim, Foreword Reviews offers a thoughtful endorsement from Rebecca Foster, noting: “When it comes to fungi, art and science often overlap,” Maya Jewell Zeller writes, and that is indeed true of her beautiful, beguiling book The Wonder of Mushrooms. The review highlights fungi’s curious nature—more closely related to animals than plants, with 150,000 species, fewer than 10% producing the mushrooms we recognize. It praises the book’s hybrid of poetry and prose, its gorgeous illustrations alternating between close-ups and forest scenes, and its whimsical metaphors, such as mushrooms resembling “a gnome in a hat” or stinkhorns seeming “sprung from a faraway planet.” The review also celebrates the book’s coverage of fungi’s grandeur and longevity, from the massive honey mushroom colony in Oregon to centuries-old fairy rings in France, as well as practical uses in food, dyes, pharmaceuticals, and environmental technologies. Ultimately, The Wonder of Mushrooms is described as “an informative, charming introduction to the kingdom of fungi.”
So, who is this gift for? It’s for the nature lover, the gardener, the artist, the scientist, and the poet. It’s for the hiker who always stops to marvel at a strange mushroom on the trail. It’s for the curious mind that delights in learning something new. It’s for that person who seems to have everything. The Wonder of Mushrooms is more than an object—it’s an experience.
This season, give a gift that truly keeps on giving. Give the gift of wonder.
To some, mushrooms are an afterthought. They’re the humble topping on a pizza, a simple side sautéed in butter, or a background player in a sauce. But these fascinating fungi hold the key to a hidden culinary universe, one packed with savory richness, incredible health benefits, and gourmet potential.
Mushrooms: 50 Tried & True Recipes by Julia Rutland is not just another cookbook—it’s an essential guide that elevates this often-overlooked ingredient to the star of the show. This book champions mushrooms, and it’s an absolute must-have for every modern kitchen.
Your Expert Guide into the World of Fungi
In the world of food, there are few more qualified than Julia Rutland. With more than 25 years of experience in the food and publishing industries, Julia is a seasoned professional whose expertise has been honed in the test kitchens of Southern Living and as a senior food editor for Coastal Living. As a professional food stylist and the author of more than a dozen cookbooks, Julia possesses a deep, practical knowledge of cooking principles and a passion for creating recipes that are both beautiful and foolproof for the home cook. Her membership in Les Dames d’Escoffier, a prestigious organization of women leaders in food, further cements her status as an authority in her field. Julia’s recipes are meticulously tested, thoughtfully crafted, and destined for success.
More Than Recipes: A Mushroom Education
What sets Mushrooms apart is its holistic approach. Julia understands that great cooking starts with great understanding. The book opens with a fascinating journey into the very nature of mushrooms, revealing that these organisms are biologically more closely related to animals than to plants. The book contains:
Mushroom Varieties: Go beyond the familiar button, cremini, and portobello. Julia demystifies exotic and wild varieties like lion’s mane, chanterelles, maitake, and king oyster, detailing their unique flavor profiles and best uses.
Practical Kitchen Tips: Learn professional secrets to selecting the freshest mushrooms at the market, the best methods for storage to prolong their life (hint: it’s not a plastic bag), and how to clean them properly without making them soggy.
Mushroom Nutrition: Discover why mushrooms are considered a superfood. They are low in calories but packed with essential nutrients like potassium, selenium, and vitamin D. Julia highlights the incredible health benefits, including their potential to boost immunity, support brain health, and lower the risk of chronic diseases.
A Feast of 50 Meticulously Tested Recipes
At its heart, Mushrooms is a celebration of flavor, and the 50 recipes within are a testament to the ingredient’s incredible versatility. This cookbook is for everyone from a devoted carnivore, a seasoned vegetarian, or someone simply looking for healthy recipes.
Comfort Food Classics: Indulge in hearty, soul-warming dishes like Mushroom Bourguignon, a rich Creamy Mushroom Casserole, or a classic Beef-and-Mushroom Stroganoff.
Innovative Plant-Based Meals: Prepare to be amazed by plant-based alternatives that will fool even the most dedicated meat-eaters. Recipes like Lion’s Mane Mushroom “Crab“ Cakes; Portobello “Bacon,” Lettuce, and Tomato Sandwiches; and King Oyster “Scallops” showcase Julia’s culinary genius.
Elegant Appetizers and Mains: Impress your guests with sophisticated dishes like Roasted Mushroom Crostini with Herbed Ricotta, Chicken-Mushroom Tetrazzini, or a show-stopping Mushroom-and-Spinach Lasagna.
From savory soups and stews to gourmet vegetarian entrées and one-pan chicken dinners, this collection unlocks deep, umami-rich flavors in every meal.
Why Mushrooms Belongs on Your Shelf
Julia Rutland’s Mushrooms is more than a cookbook; it’s a comprehensive resource that will fundamentally change the way people cook. It contains the knowledge of a botanist, the techniques of a professional chef, and the inspiration of a true food lover. It’s a guide to making meals more delicious, more nutritious, and infinitely more interesting.
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.
When it comes to introducing kids to the wonders of nature, few topics are as unique and captivating as fungi. From the colorful mushrooms that dot forest floors to the hidden networks of mycelium beneath our feet, fungi are an essential (yet often overlooked) part of our ecosystems. Mushrooms & Fungi for Kids: An Introduction to Mycology by Ariel Bonkoski is a groundbreaking book that fills a much-needed gap in children’s nature literature.
If you’re a parent, teacher, or nature enthusiast looking for an engaging, educational, and safe resource for kids, this book is a treasure trove of information and activities.
A One-of-a-Kind Resource for Young Nature Lovers
There aren’t many books about fungi specifically written for kids. While nature books for children often focus on animals, plants, or the general outdoors, fungi are frequently left out of the spotlight. Author Ariel Bonkoski recognized this gap and created a book she wished she’d had as a child. With its kid-friendly language, vibrant illustrations, and hands-on activities, Mushrooms & Fungi for Kids makes the world of fungi accessible and exciting for young readers.
The book begins with an easy-to-understand introduction to mycology, explaining what fungi are, how they grow, and their vital roles in ecosystems. From decomposing organic matter to forming symbiotic relationships with plants, fungi are nature’s unsung heroes. Ariel’s enthusiasm for the subject shines through, making the science of fungi both fun and approachable.
One of the standout features of Mushrooms & Fungi for Kids is its emphasis on hands-on learning. The book includes a variety of creative projects and activities designed to spark curiosity and encourage exploration. Kids can make spore prints, create mushroom rainbows, and even experiment with ultraviolet light to discover which fungi glow in the dark. These activities are not only educational but also incredibly fun, making the book a perfect companion for family hikes, classroom projects, or backyard adventures.
Importantly, the book also includes clear safety guidelines. Ariel emphasizes that this is not a guide to collecting mushrooms to eat. Instead, it’s a resource for learning about fungi in a safe, respectful way. Parents will appreciate the book’s reminders to respect local rules about picking mushrooms and to always handle fungi with care.
Encouraging a Lifelong Love of Nature and Science
One of the book’s greatest strengths is its ability to inspire a deeper connection to the natural world. By highlighting the beauty, diversity, and ecological importance of fungi, Mushrooms & Fungi for Kids encourages kids to see the world through a new lens. Whether they’re spotting a bright-orange chicken-of-the-woods mushroom or learning about the underground networks of mycorrhizal fungi, young readers will come away with a greater appreciation for the hidden wonders of nature.
For kids who love science, this book is a gateway to the exciting field of mycology. Ariel introduces readers to the tools and techniques used by mycologists, from identifying mushrooms to making spore prints. The book also encourages participation in citizen science projects, such as uploading fungal observations to platforms like iNaturalist.
Kid-Friendly Approach: The language and illustrations are ideal for young readers, making complex concepts easy to understand. Hands-On Learning: Packed with fun activities that encourage kids to explore and engage with nature. Safety First: Clear guidelines ensure kids can learn about fungi in a safe and responsible way. Unique Focus: With so few books about fungi for kids, this resource fills an important gap in nature education. Inspires Curiosity: Encourages a lifelong love of science, nature, and discovery.
Mushrooms & Fungi for Kids: An Introduction to Mycology by Ariel Bonkoski is an invitation to explore the magical, mysterious world of fungi. Whether a child is a budding scientist, an outdoors enthusiast, or simply curious about the natural world, this book is the perfect resource to fuel their curiosity. With its engaging content, fun activities, and emphasis on safety, it’s a must-have for any young explorer’s library.
Mushroom Finder is a new addition to the Nature Study Guide Finders series started by May Theilgaard Watts in the 1930s. Author Jacob Kalichman is a field mycologist who maintains suggested common names and associated guidelines for North American fungi.
When did your interest in fungi begin?
It started abruptly in 2010. I had already been interested in finding and identifying bugs and snakes for a few years, so it wasn’t a big leap. But I had never paid attention to wild mushrooms before a family trip to coastal Northern California, at a perfect place and perfectly rainy time for them. I tried mushroom hunting on the first day there and got hooked immediately.
What is your favorite fungi?
I can’t pick a favorite species, but I have a favorite category of many thousands of species, which is the largest group of mushrooms, the agarics (mushrooms with gills). I picked them to focus on because I wanted a huge-but-tasteful challenge. Agarics would be the obvious candidates for the “peak” of fungal evolution, but only a few genera get a lot of attention. Mushrooms are famously diverse and plastic, but somehow the biggest group, the agarics, are surprisingly well-defined. The boundaries with other groups aren’t too fuzzy, and the variation within the group isn’t too extravagant.
Can you share a personal anecdote about your experiences with researching fungi?
No, I’m not a good storyteller because I make things as boring as possible. The more you think you understand the patterns or the possibilities, the less surprising any particular events are. I’ve managed to make all my personal experiences boring, but not mushroom identification. It’s still far from obvious how to categorize even the familiar mushrooms by simple field features, which is why it’s exciting, and why everyone should buy copies of Mushroom Finder. There’s no fluff, and everything weird in it is included because the mushrooms really are intractably weird.
What was the most challenging aspect of researching fungi?
Real fungal researchers, scientists conducting studies and doing lab work, have a lot more challenges than I have. One of the most challenging things for me, personally, is just finding the time and motivation to actually go mushrooming. It’s so much easier to stay home and study by just reading and browsing photos. When you go out, you have to worry about gas, weather, bugs, rangers, photography, and making collections, but it’s worth it for learning faster. A picture is worth a thousand words, and a mushroom in the hand is worth a hundred mushroom pictures.
How do you cater information to both beginner and more experienced mushroom foragers?
Maybe I should learn to distinguish them, but I haven’t yet. As far as identification goes, I don’t see much of a difference between beginners and experts. There’s such an incredible number of species—and there’s so much variation within each one—that every identifier is guaranteed to be a beginner regarding thousands of species.
The features that distinguish lookalikes within one group are different from the features that distinguish lookalikes in another group. And there isn’t a lot of well-developed terminology for field features. So I don’t think “general mushroom ID expertise” is as meaningful as one might assume. Someone who knows a species doesn’t need to read about it, and someone who doesn’t know the species does, regardless of what else they know.
What advice do you have for a beginner?
You might be able to have the most fun by setting the lowest expectations. Mushroom identification is really hard in general. You’ll never be able to identify everything you find, to species, by sight. But some are easy. The more time you spend, the more you’ll recognize. Don’t go hunting for any particular species; spend some time with whatever you find. Everything is something!
I think the best way to learn is to go mushrooming with someone who’s already familiar with it. You’ll learn what they tell you (obviously), but you’ll also find out how they find mushrooms, how they look at them, how much they know (you can learn it too), and how little they know (you don’t have to know everything).
What do you hope nature enthusiasts and amateur mushroom hunters learn from your book?
It’s supposed to be a useful first step for identifying whatever fungus or fungus-like thing you’ve just found.
It’s about broad categories, groupings with visibly different forms, which are likely to be studied by different people. I hope it’s a good illustration of how many of those categories there are. It’s pretty comprehensive and doesn’t rely on a “miscellaneous” grouping. That means we ended up with as many categories here as there are species in some other guides.
What are some common misconceptions about mushroom hunting?
One misconception is that picking a mushroom “kills it.” Picking is usually as harmless as picking an apple off a tree. The mycelium is a network of threads underneath, in the soil or wood, that will go on living and producing more mushrooms.
Of course, the actual mushroom you pick will no longer be able to release all the spores it naturally would have. Also, hard shelf-like conks on the sides of logs and trees are usually perennial, so be aware that it could take many years for another to reach the same size.
Another misconception is that it’s all about ingestion. A lot of enthusiasts go mushrooming like bird-watchers, not for food—just for the fun of finding, photographing, and identifying whatever species happen to be there. It’s for enjoying nature, building skills, contributing to knowledge, the thrill of a scavenger hunt, etc.
What are some practical tips or techniques for safely identifying mushrooms in the wild?
Identifying mushrooms is always safe, and so is touching and smelling them, but eating mushrooms isn’t always safe. Don’t eat a mushroom unless you’re absolutely sure of its identity and edibility. Maybe ask yourself, “If I eat this and wake up terribly sick in the hospital the next day, would it be crazy to consider that it might be because of the mushroom?” If the answer is no, I think you shouldn’t eat it. Comparing features in books probably isn’t enough for that. Ideally, you should have some amount of experience in the woods, and confirmation from someone else who has more.
What are some safety tips you have for foragers?
Don’t get lost!
What is one surprising fact about mushrooms that readers might enjoy?
It’s perfectly safe to taste a small, fresh piece of even the deadliest mushroom, as long as you spit it all out. Tasting like this, with a nibble and spit, is a normal part of identification for several groups of mushrooms.
A number of people (including me) have chewed up and spit out big, hearty bites of deadly mushrooms with no apparent symptoms, but I wouldn’t recommend it. Accidentally swallowing any amount could mean hospitalization or worse.
How do you see the field of mushroom hunting evolving in the next few years?
I think it will get easier in several ways. We’ll have more and more DNA-sequenced, photographed collections, which we can use to get a better idea of what species we have and how to distinguish them in the field. AI will keep getting better at identifying mushrooms from photos.
The difference between mushroom foraging (for food) and mushrooming (for curiosity, photography, etc.) will keep getting more clear, like the difference between bird hunting and bird-watching.
I think common names will be suggested, improved, settled on, and used a lot more. We’ve lagged badly behind plants and animals and settled for scientific names in lots of “common” situations. But I think we’re finally moving toward catching up.
In what ways do you think this book contributes to the larger conversation and understanding of the role of fungi in our ecosystem?
This book isn’t about ecology, it’s about identification. It’s a tool for identifying fungi, as well as an unusual way to see how diverse the forms you can find and identify are. I hope it does what any field guide does, which is to sacrifice a bit of mystery in exchange for some familiarity, fun, or beauty. I’m really happy with Roo’s illustrations, because they provide all three. Some fungi are important, and all fungi interact with other species, but not everything about fungi is important, or about the other species. If you enjoy this book, I think it has done its job.
Find the entire Nature Study Guide Finders series at naturestudy.com.
Have you ever spotted weird and colorful mushrooms while walking in the woods and wondered what they were? A fascinating new book called Mushrooms & Fungi for Kids: An Introduction to Mycology, by Ariel Bonkoski, is here to help young nature enthusiasts explore the amazing world of fungi!
Unlike most mushroom books that focus on which mushrooms you can eat, this book takes a different approach. It’s all about discovering how cool and unusual fungi can be—from bright-purple mushrooms to ones that look like coral growing on trees. The author wrote this book because she wished something like it had existed when she was a kid. Surprisingly, Ariel didn’t even like mushrooms growing up! It wasn’t until she was working at a restaurant as a young adult that she learned about the incredible diversity of wild mushrooms beyond the plain white button mushrooms at grocery stores.
After discovering a bright-orange chicken of the woods mushroom online, Ariel was hooked. She joined mushroom identification groups and started learning everything she could about fungi. On a hiking trip in Minnesota, she spotted her first wild mushroom—a lobster mushroom—and her passion for mycology (the study of fungi) took off from there.
Today, Ariel is one of North America’s most active mushroom identifiers. She teaches mushroom identification courses at colleges, schools, and nature centers across the continent. Based in Duluth, Minnesota, she’s known for her friendly and enthusiastic teaching style that makes learning about fungi fun and accessible.
The book is packed with colorful photos and interesting facts about different types of mushrooms and fungi. Readers will learn about mushrooms that glow under ultraviolet light, fungi that look like tiny birds’ nests, and slime molds that can actually move! There are also fun hands-on projects kids can try, like making spore print art and creating mushroom wreaths.
The book emphasizes safety while encouraging curiosity. Ariel is clear that this isn’t a guide for collecting wild mushrooms to eat—that requires much more advanced knowledge and direct mentoring from experts. Instead, it’s about appreciating fungi through observation, photography, art projects, and citizen science.
Whether you’re interested in nature photography, citizen science, or just love discovering weird and wonderful things in nature, this book offers a kid-friendly introduction to the fascinating kingdom of fungi. As Ariel says in her preface, “The world of mushrooms and fungi is a lot more fun, colorful, and flat-out weird than we think.“
Parents and educators will particularly appreciate the book’s strong emphasis on safety and responsible nature exploration. The author repeatedly stresses that this is not a guide for collecting edible mushrooms, addressing a key safety concern. Instead, it encourages supervised learning through observation, photography, and structured activities. The book includes clear warnings about where collecting is permitted and emphasizes getting parental permission before attempting any projects. The hands-on activities, like the DIY Bioblitz and spore print art, can be done as family activities or classroom projects, making the book a valuable resource for both home and school settings. Additionally, the book introduces young readers to citizen science platforms like iNaturalist, providing opportunities for guided engagement with the scientific community while learning about nature. This combination of safety consciousness, supervised hands-on learning, and educational value makes it an excellent choice for adults looking to nurture a child’s interest in natural science.
The Nature Study Guides Finder series is a timeless favorite in the outdoors world. These guides have been loved by nature fans for ages, offering valuable insights and tips for identifying various plants and animals. With a recent update to the look, the series now carries a fresh, modern design and introduces two new titles—Mushroom Finder and Bird Nest Finder. There are also five titles in the series that have recently received updates with new editions.
New Titles
New to the series is Mushroom Finder, written by Jacob Kalichman, an expert field mycologist known for his extensive work on North American fungi. This pocket-size guide is perfect for foragers and outdoors enthusiasts looking to identify mushrooms in their natural habitats. Jacob’s expertise ensures readers get accurate and reliable information, enhancing their foraging adventures. The book includes stunning illustrations from Roo Vandegrift, who currently works as the Plant Pathologist at the USDA Plant Inspection Station. Roo’s detailed art captures each mushroom’s unique traits, making identification easier and more fun.
Bird Nest Finder is another exciting addition, written and illustrated by Dorcas S. Miller, a seasoned author within the Finder series. Dorcas has previously written Track Finder, Scat Finder, Winter Weed Finder, Berry Finder, and Constellation Finder, which have sold over half a million copies. Bird Nest Finder focuses on aboveground nests in Eastern North America, providing essential information for bird-watchers and nature lovers. The author’s deep knowledge and detailed illustrations make this guide a valuable resource for anyone interested in the nesting behaviors of birds.
Revived Classics
Along with the new books, five previously out-of-print books are back on the shelves. These revived classics include:
Bird Finder (originally published in 1990) by Roger J. Lederer—an essential guide for bird-watchers, with detailed descriptions and illustrations of various bird species
Pacific Coast Bird Finder (1977) by Roger J. Lederer—identifies common and noteworthy birds of California, Oregon, and Washington
Desert Tree Finder (1974) by May Theilgaard Watts—a must-have for desert explorers, providing detailed information on identifyingtrees and tree-like cacti of the desert southwest
Pacific Coast Mammal Finder (1987) by Ron Russo—identifies mammals by sight, as well as by their animal tracks, burrows, nests, scat, scratch or chew marks, and skulls/jaws; great for wildlife enthusiasts
Pacific Coast Fish Finder (1990) by Ron Russo—identifies marine fish of the Pacific Coast; ideal for anglers and nature lovers
Not only did this classic series get a new, updated look, but it also expanded its collection, solidifying its status as a go-to resource for outdoors enthusiasts, nature lovers, and foragers. Whether readers are experienced naturalists or budding explorers, the Nature Study Guides Finder series has something for everyone. Discover the beauty and intricacies of the natural world with these expertly crafted guides.
Great for the Holidays
The Nature Study Guides Finder series is the perfect gift for the holiday season. These pocket-size guides are packed with expert content in simple form, making them ideal for anyone who loves the great outdoors or is just beginning to develop an interest in nature. They’re designed to be portable, so adventurers can easily take them on outings and identify the wonders they come across. These books make thoughtful gifts that spark curiosity and deepen appreciation for the natural world, making them perfect as stocking stuffers or special gifts under the tree.
Discover why these guidebooks have become staples that continue to thrive in their popularity with nature lovers.
Environmental Education: The History of Nature Study Guides
May Theilgaard Watts, the daughter of a landscape gardener, attended the University of Chicago for botany and ecology (graduating in 1918) and later attended the Art Institute of Chicago. May became involved with a group that worked on preserving the natural landscape in the Midwest. In the 1940s, she became a full-time naturalist at the Morton Arboretum, where she developed an education program that included classes in gardening, nature literature, art, botany, ecology, creative writing, and geology.
In this role, she created the first Nature Study Guides for her students, who were, at first, teachers. The classes were such a big success that they were requested by Girl Scout leaders, homemakers, and families. The groups continued to grow; soon, doctors, dentists, botany professors, nursery workers, farmers, nurses, principals, and Boy Scouts were in attendance.
Today, these guides also have a wide range of audiences, including professionals, academics, hobbyists, and children. The guides have remained invaluable resources for decades.
Will Barnett photo of May Watts
Staying Relevant: How These Guides Adapt to Changing Environments
Nature Study Guides have been a favorite resource for more than 60 years and continue to be revised and updated. The most recent changes include updates to the range maps. The hardiness zones have also been adjusted due to climate change, and these details offer more accuracy. The scientific names and families of particular species have also been corrected, and new ones have been added.
The most noticeable recent change is the look; however, they remain recognizable as the classic guides that people have come to trust. While the books cover different regions, they are all part of the series, most using dichotomous keys. Along with the outside look, the icons inside have been tweaked for easier recognition.
Testimonials: Lasting Stories of Connections with Nature
“This Nature Study Series is hard to beat for the person wishing to know plants and understand the differences in physical characteristics. All this comes at a very reasonable cost.”
“I like the whole series of these books. They use deduction to figure out what you’re looking at— be it flower, tree, or animal.”
“I love these mini reference books! They take up very little space on the shelf and are lightweight enough to throw in a day pack, which is much easier than trying to find data or see a screen on a smartphone while you’re out hiking or picnicking.”
Guidebook Gems: Highlighting the Most Popular Editions
Tree Finder by May Theilgaard Watts is the most popular book in the series. People pass it down from generation to generation or purchase it for their kids and grandkids. The range of users is diverse. Below are a few consumer reviews to highlight the trusted guide.
“Even the pros use this book. I’m a certified arborist with 19 years in the green industry. This was one of the books I used to lock down my tree ID skills. I have also used this book to teach future arborists, as well as Boy Scouts and Scout leaders.”
“I had one of these 50 years ago when I studied in elementary school and have always liked it. It makes identifying trees fun!”
“As a certified forester, this is exactly the book we used at West Virginia University for ‘keying’ trees. It’s a great beginner’s book for tree identification. I’d highly recommend it.”
“I first read this in high school for my leaf collection project. I have since purchased this book for my children. I want them to be able to identify trees they ask about on our hikes. It is a wonderful book for all ages.”
Additional Nature Education: New Books by Expert Authors
While the Nature Study Guide series has many classics, two new books are being added this October. Bird Nest Finder, by Dorcas Miller, helps readers identify more than 70 species of birds and their nests. Dorcas is a well-known expert and author of five other guides in the series. Similar to other books in the group, it uses a dichotomous key to help identify aboveground nests by answering questions about their type, size, material, and location.
Another new book in the series is Mushroom Finder. This guidebook provides a dichotomous key to identify fungi by answering questions about the location; appearance; or shape, such as the cap, spores, and stem. The step-by-step instructions can help readers identify more than 300 types of mushrooms that are at least 5mm tall or wide, have tangible thickness, and are fresh. The author is Jacob Kalichman, an expert in his field and a USDA plant pathologist.
