Pocket Nature: Mushroom Hunting: Forage for Fungi and Connect with the Earth

by Emily Han, Gregory Han

Discover the quiet joy of mushroom hunting with this delightful field guide to identifying mushrooms and reconnecting with the natural world.

For the mycologically curious, this take-anywhere handbook is the perfect thing to toss in a backpack and bring on a mushroom hunt. Learn how to identify fifteen common types of mushrooms and forage safely—not necessarily for consumption but rather as a practice in curiosity, mindfulness, and peaceful observation.

Mindful reflections and shroom-inspired rituals, such as brewing reishi hot cocoa, invite you to reconnect with the earth and consider what we can learn from these incredible specimens. Filled with charming illustrations,  Mushroom Hunting is your doorway to the mysterious and magical world of these earthy life-forms.

​MUSHROOMS ARE More closely related to humans than they are to plants, fungi are fascinating organisms. Over a hundred thousand different species have been identified, though as many as five million may exist globally. Learn more in this insightful book! With tips for hunting and detailed profiles of fifteen different types of common shrooms, this mushroom book is a lovely, accessible entry point to the world of mycology.

GREAT GIFT  Petite, gorgeously illustrated, and written in an inviting tone, this approachable guide makes a great gift or self-purchase for mushroom lovers. Package it together with hiking boots,   Lion's Mane capsules,   mushroom-themed clothing, or other books in the Pocket Nature series, such as Leaf Peeping   (a perfect duo for nature walks!).

EASY WAY TO SPEND MORE TIME More and more people are turning to the outdoors as a place to escape and unwind. Foraging for mushrooms is an enjoyable pastime that not only gets you outside and gets your body moving but also calms your mind. With mindful activities sprinkled throughout, Mushroom Hunting is a mushroom identification book and much more—it is an invitation to spend time in nature, quiet your racing thoughts, and honor our incredible earth.

PERENNIAL + The topics covered in the Pocket Nature series are perennial—beaches, clouds, sunsets, stars, mushrooms, and leaves will always be there to enjoy and admire. With new titles coming out every season and each affordably priced, there will be ever-new opportunities to grow a charming collection that looks great on the shelf.

Perfect

Genres: Nonfiction, Nature

128 pages, Hardcover

Published August 8, 2023

About the author

Emily Han is a naturalist, herbalist, and educator helping people cultivate their attention and connection with the earth. Based in Altadena, CA, Tongva/Kizh land, her work focuses on intersections of ecology, culture, food, and plant medicine. She is the author of Wild Drinks and Cocktails, Wild Remedies, and the forthcoming Mushroom Hunting.

Reviews

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is more style over substance, with a quick overview of its subject and some cute illustrations. It's a rough guide to where you're likely to find mushrooms while out and about and a reminder to take the time to enjoy the outdoors while you're there.

The tone is quite young (it reads as if it's for a YA audience) and since it doesn't go into much detail it's an ideal gift if you have someone who likes cottagecore and is curious about going to hunt for them but hasn't started yet. It's very much a book for newbies/beginners or those more interested in the aesthetic of mushrooms than actually using them for food. (It is also an American book, though it does touch on some of the rest of the world it focusses mainly on the American experience so YMMV with what you can get out of the more informative side of it.)

[Matthew King · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a rather short, cute "pocket book" of sorts. As a note for others, tgis is not a guide or reference at all, which the authors make clear in the book.

Overall, it was a good and easy read, focusing on the mindfulness you can get with foraging as well.

I do think something could be added here, such as more details on the types they describe, better/real/more illustrations (e.g., a few mushroom species mentioned weren't shown), and/or more guidance on when/where/what to look for when foraging. That said, it's a pocketbook, so this is mostly fine and a good intro read to hopefully get readers interested in hunting for mushrooms.

[Jasmine · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great book for beginners. Or in my case a great review for after learning higher level stuff. Cute illustrations

[Sibz · Rating 4 out of 5]

A quick intro guide, easy to understand.

[Kirsten Painter Conard · Rating 4 out of 5]

I learned a lot! I do wish there were photos of the mushrooms described, but otherwise very helpful book 🍄

[Rose · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book is not a guide. It focuses on the mindfulness of foraging so it's good for beginners.

I don't think there's enough illustrations or details on the mushrooms mentioned though.

[Margie Dickinson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Delightful little read for the mushroom nerd in you! Now I want to go foraging.

[Alex Vega · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully informative! I will be keeping this in my backpack as I hike as well. Great book!

[Abeer Arain · Rating 5 out of 5]

It only seems short; otherwise, the book contains a lot of information (minus evolution myths) about mushrooms. I highly recommend this short guide.