Recommended reading on nature related topics from librarians at the Toledo Lucas County Public Library.

Fungi Grow
By: Maria Gianferrari 

Find at your library: [print] 

Above ground, below ground, all around, fungi grow. They root and fruit and twist and twine everywhere on earth. Some are edible, some are medicinal, some are even poisonous. Step into this book and discover the amazing array of mushrooms and see how they multiply. Learn how fungi heal and help humans. Explore the incredible underground fungal network that helps forests thrive. And so much more!  -- Publisher's description 

When a Tree Falls
By: Kirsten Pendreigh 

Find at your library: [print] [hoopla eBook]  [hoopla audio] 

This lyrical picture book explores the life of a tree from its days lifting up toward the light housing wildlife in its boughs, to doing much of the same thing from a very different vantage point: this time, after having fallen, either due to wildfire or drought or from just living out its long life. A tree’s second act is often as a nurse log, which is key to a forest’s survival. Nurse logs provide a nutrient-rich space for new seedlings to thrive, and with better access to light and nourishment from the decaying trunk. They shelter small animals and host different species of fungi, lichens, mosses and ferns. And, over time, a new tree’s roots wrap around the log, beginning the cycle anew –Provided by publisher. 

Fungi As Fashion
By: Joyce Markovics 

Find at your library: [hoopla eBook] 

Did you know that fungi can be made into shoes and clothing? Fungi as Fashion explores some of the surprising uses of these fascinating and wearable organisms. Readers will also uncover the fundamentals of fungi and loads of fun facts. For budding mycologists and curious minds, this beautifully designed book is an essential read! -- Bibliocommons 

Mushroom Gastronomy
By: Krista Towns 

Find at your library: [print] 

Whether you forage for elusive mushrooms in the woods, at your local grocery, or farmers market, or are new to cooking with them, Mushroom Gastronomy is a long-awaited new cookbook that will prepare you for an exciting culinary journey into the world of edible mushrooms. The book explores 25 of the most popular edible and delicious mushrooms. Stunning photographs introduce each variety, including their unique nutritional values, ideal cooking methods, culinary tips, and flavor pairings, making this book a go-to resource for anyone interested in cooking with mushrooms. Written by a mushroom expert and culinary writer, Mushroom Gastronomy contains over 100 easy-to-execute, innovative, and classic recipes to please vegetarians and carnivores alike, for appetizers, soups and broths, main dishes, desserts, and even cocktails–all celebrating the delicious and mysterious mushroom. – Bibliocommons 

Fungi: The Hidden Architects of Life
By: Sylvan Mycora 

Find at your library: [hoopla eBook] 

The secretive world beneath our feet. Uncover the enigmatic world that hums quietly beneath our feet and among the towering trees–a world woven by the incredible architects of life: fungi. Fungi: The Hidden Architects of Life is more than just a journey through the forest floor or the forgotten spots of our planet. It's an exploration of an ancient kingdom that transforms, rejuvenates, and sustains life as we know it. Venture into a realm where every decaying leaf, every exquisite mushroom, is a testament to the brilliance of these silent engineers. Discover the complex networks of mycorrhizal partnerships that support lush forests and understand how fungi's omnipresent touch can aid agriculture, environmental sustainability, and even medicine. From their role as nature's recyclers in soil health to their surprising presence in everything from bread to antibiotics, fungi are indispensable yet often overlooked heroes. Imagine a life enriched by this intricate knowledge–a life where the flavor of fine cheese, the resilience of crops, and the promise of new medical breakthroughs are all seen through the lens of the fungi's influence. Learn about historical figures and modern pioneers who dedicate their lives to unraveling the mysteries of this kingdom, furthering our understanding and potential for innovation. Explore the cultural tapestry in which fungi are both muse and myth, feature in art, literature, and folklore; they inspire and caution in equal measure. Embark on a quest to understand the challenges facing mycologists today, from identifying new species to safeguarding biodiversity for future generations. Embrace the excitement of impending discoveries as technology paves the way for new fungal applications, poised to redefine the boundaries of what is possible. -- Bibliocommons 

The Beginner’s Guide to Mushrooms
By: Britt Bunyard 

Find at your library: [book] [hoopla eBook] [Libby eBook] 

The Beginner's Guide to Mushrooms is your ultimate guide to mycology. Whether you've never picked a mushroom before in your life or you've been cultivating mushrooms at home for ages, the expert advice in this comprehensive mushroom manual will transform your practice. -- Bibliocommons