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Mushroom Magic, or There’s a Fungus Among Us!

About Blog Post Jan 10, 2024 by SCLSNJ Staff
Mushroom Magic, or There’s a Fungus Among Us! Created by Linda Tripp, collection development librarian Mushrooms are everywhere! The trend that began several years ago stayed strong in 2023, and all signs point to fabulous fungi continuing to increase in popularity and exposure in 2024. From being featured on fashionable and fun interior decor, to appearing in unexpected places like desserts and drinks (mushroom cocktails, hot chocolate or coffee anyone?) it’s quite clear that the popularity of mushrooms has not peaked. In fact, Delish.com’s list of “25 Food And Drink Trends You’ll See Everywhere In 2024” states that consumers seeking meat-alternatives will find “mushroom's savory-meaty capabilities” showing up in products such as mushroom-based jerky, cutlets, bites, and steaks. Researchers at leading universities such as Johns Hopkins are studying how “psilocybin, a naturally occurring psychedelic compound found in 'magic mushrooms,' allows it to penetrate the central nervous system and the scientific and medical experts are just beginning to understand its effects on the brain and mind and its potential as therapeutics for mental illnesses.” Stay on trend and explore these titles about fungi from the Library’s collection: “Cooking With Mushrooms: A Fungi Lover's Guide to the World's Most Versatile, Flavorful, Health-Boosting Ingredients” by Andrea Gentl
Offers nearly 100 home-cook-friendly recipes that optimize the flavors, textures, and healing powers of mushrooms for inspired meals any time of the day
“Entangled Life: How Fungi Make Our Worlds” by Merlin Sheldrake
Bringing to light science's latest discoveries and ingeniously parsing the varieties and behaviors of the fungi themselves, this new edition, abridged by the author, features over 100 full-color images that bring the spectacular variety, strangeness and beauty of fungi to life as never before.
“Fantastic Fungi: How Mushrooms Can Heal, Shift Consciousness & Save the Planet” edited and introduction by Paul Stamets
The world's preeminent mushroom and fungi expert is joined by leading ecologists, doctors, and explorers to show how fungi and mushrooms can restore the planet's ecosystems, repair our physical health, and renew humanity's symbiotic relationship with nature.
“How to Forage for Mushrooms Without Dying: An Absolute Beginner's Guide to Identifying 29 Wild, Edible Mushrooms by Frank Hyman
Expert advice and easy-to-follow guidelines for identifying which mushrooms can be safely eaten and which ones to definitely avoid.
“In Search of Mycotopia: Citizen Science, Fungi Fanatics, and the Untapped Potential of Mushrooms” by Doug Bierend
Introduces the reader to an incredible, essential, and oft-overlooked kingdom of life--fungi--and all the potential it holds for our future, through the work and research being done by an unforgettable community of mushroom-mad citizen scientists and microbe devotees.
“Mystical Mushrooms: Discover the Magic & Folklore of Fantastic Fungi” by Aurora Kane
Defines the beauty of mushrooms by focusing on their magical connections and symbolic meanings through folkloric tales and superstitions throughout the world.
“National Audubon Society Mushrooms of North America” by Jim Cirigliano, editor-in-chief
This National Audubon Society field guide is a complete identification reference to mushroom, with full-color photographs, detailed descriptions of cup, stem, flesh, and spore print; and authoritative notes on growth characteristics, habitat, and conservation status.
“The Psilocybin Handbook for Women: How Magic Mushrooms, Psychedelic Therapy, and Microdosing Can Benefit Your Mental, Physical, and Spiritual Health” by Jennifer Chesak
This informative guidebook from journalist Chesak is packed with everything you need to know about psilocybin, including its history, potential medicinal and recreational benefits, and the latest evidence-based research.
Share these books with young mushroom enthusiasts: “Fungarium” by David L. Hawksworth, Laura M. Suz, Pepijn W. Kooij, Kare Liimatainen, Tom Prescott, Lee Davies, and Ester Gaya; Illustrated by Katie Scott
Introduces readers to the world of fungi and why they are among the planet’s most remarkable living organisms, explaining the vital role they play in medicine, agriculture, and the environment.
“Fungi Grow” by Maria Gianferrari
Discover when, how, where, and why fungi are growing all across the world in this poetic and illuminating nonfiction picture book.
“Funky Fungi: 30 Activities for Exploring Molds, Mushrooms, Lichens, and More” by Alisha Gabriel and Sue Heavenrich
This award-winning “Hands-On Science” book is full of facts about fungi plus fun activities.
“Mason Goes Mushrooming” by Melany Kahn
With his four-legged pal, buddy, Mason hunts edible mushrooms through lush Vermont landscapes as he scores morels in springtime, chanterelles and lobsters in summer, and black trumpets in autumn.
“The Mushroom Fan Club” by Elise Gravel
Combining her love of exploring nature with her talent for anthropomorphizing everything, Gravel takes readers on a magical tour of the forest floor and examines a handful of her favorite alien specimens up close.
“Mushroom Rain” by Laura K. Zimmermann
Through lyrical text and colorful detailed artwork, the mysterious and sometimes bizarre world of mushrooms is explored. Back matter includes a glossary and science facts.
“See a Mushroom Grow” by Kirsten Chang
This book for new readers highlights what mushrooms need to grow, how people can use mushrooms, and the mushroom's life cycle.
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