Dr. Fun Guy's Passport to Kingdom Fungi: A Scientist's Guide to the Wild and Wonderful World of Mushrooms, Molds, and More

by Gordon Walker

Learn the basics of fungal biology, foraging, and identification in this in-depth illustrated introduction from the beloved scientist, mushroom enthusiast, and social media star behind Fascinated By Fungi.

In Dr. Fun Guy’s Passport to Kingdom Fungi, Dr. Gordon Walker brings his scientific knowledge and love for everything fungi to the page. The first section of this book is written in a comprehensive question-and-answer format. Starting with “What are fungi?” readers will learn about things like mycelium, fungi’s evolution, and biochemistry and how they are classified and impact the world. They will also find information on best foraging practices and culinary techniques.

The second half of this book introduces readers to mushroom-identification skills and profiles various mushrooms and other fungi, from incredible edibles you can find in the wild to the dangerously toxic, medicinal, and just plain weird. Finally, readers will find out about fungal phenomena, showing the amazing breadth and diversity of the fungal kingdom.

With colorful and comprehensive science illustrations, mushroom photography, and QR codes linking to resources to help readers continue their fungal explorations, this is the perfect portal to enter into the world of mushrooms.

Genres: Nonfiction, Nature, Science, Reference

320 pages, Paperback

Published April 22, 2025

Reviews

[heptagrammaton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Popular science at its best. A broad approachable book covering the classification, physiology, ecology as well as pretty much (yes, all) uses of fungi: for gustatory (and other) pleasure, as dyes, as crucial components of bioremediation efforts, as a source of medicine. Its greatest focus is on mushrooms, and on getting you out there, paying attention to the natural world in your vicinity. Includes interview snippets with mycologists, foragers and amateurs.

I really like the use of QR codes and the broad reference to digital tools.

P.S. I don't really like the title. But, eh.

P.P.S. I personally find terminology with Latin or Greek roots easier to memorize if you actually explain it, so I think Gordon Walker should have done more of that. (That might seem like an approach that would only magnify the memorization work you have to do — but there are more terms in English with latinate roots than they are words in Latin.)

{This is a review of an advanced reader's copy, my thanks to NetGalley and Ten Speed Press - who I wish would get into running a train network, they are already acing the logo design for it.}

[Rachael · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nice introductory book

[James · Rating 5 out of 5]

James' rating: 5 out of 5 illuminating stars! ✨

My love for science started in 6th grade when the subject expanded into a deeper look into the life around us. I have always loved the flora and the Kingdom Fungi has been a source of fascination and intrigue for me which prompted me to read this book when I came across it.

This is a very well rounded book (I can't emphasize how true this is!) which starts from the very basics of the fungal kingdom and also takes a comprehensive role in guiding you through the fascinating world of fungi. The pictures and illustrations are quite detailed and honestly, very beautiful. I loved every moment of reading this book.

I was especially intrigued by the mention of mycobiome which is one of the things I'm looking into irl. We also look into the fungal ecosystem, their biodiversity and their phenomena which were quite enlightening and were really fun to read. The foraging information was quite detailed, which I loved and the individual look into the toxicity of mushrooms were also quite fascinating to read. The author did such a great job in covering every single aspect of Kingdom Fungi.

Fungi are such an intricate part of our lives and I personally think they're quite understated. They're just so... cool! I would absolutely recommend this book to all fungi lovers and really just anyone who is curious about the Kingdom of Fungi. You'll love it! The book is available for pre-order now!

Thank you @fascinatedbyfungi and @tenspeedpress for a fun and informative ARC!

[Reneaue · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dr. Fun Guy’s Passport to Kingdom Fungi is an excellent introductory resource for anyone curious about mushrooms and the broader world of fungi. While it’s not a traditional forager’s field guide, it offers a fascinating journey through the evolution of fungi, their cultivation, and their modern-day uses. The book is richly illustrated with hundreds of photographs, diagrams, and charts that enhance the learning experience.

Part One is structured like a scientist’s handbook, diving into the chemical compounds and biological foundations of fungi. Part Two shifts focus to mushroom identification, covering both edible and toxic varieties. Though not exhaustive, it highlights key species and provides foundational information on taxonomy, habitat (the conditions in which fungi grow), morphology (shape and structure), and identification tips. However, it lacks geographic references, so readers won’t find guidance on where specific mushrooms are commonly located.

The book also includes informative sections on yeasts and lichens, expanding its scope beyond mushrooms alone.

In summary, if you're looking to deepen your understanding of fungi in an engaging and visually rich format, this book is a great choice. For those seeking a practical field guide for mushroom foraging, however, you may want to explore other options.

[Jamie Barringer (Ravenmount) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was really impressed with this book. It is well organized and has a ton of information, more than some textbooks on this subject. In fact this book could easily be used as a mid-level college text, especially a course with a lab to get hands-on experience with the various techniques and skills described in this book. When I was in college ecology courses myself the extent of what was known about fungi was very unsatisfying, so it is great to read all this new information about mushrooms and other fungi.. It is a bit advanced for readers unfamiliar with college level biology, but anyone who has completed the equivalent of biology 101 should be able to handle this book. At the same time the biochemistry and other subdisciplines that inform this topic are not watered down, so more advanced readers of biology may still come across interesting new information in this one.

[Annie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Originally posted on my blog Nonstop Reader.

Dr. Fun Guy's Passport to Kingdom Fungi is a scientifically correct and layman accessible guide to fungi by Dr. Gordon Walker. Due out 22nd April 2025 from Penguin Random House on their Ten Speed Press imprint, it's 320 pages and will be available in paperback and ebook formats.

The layout is logical and easy to follow. Beginning by defining the characteristics of fungi (not just mushrooms!) the author carefully builds up to larger interconnections and the roles fungi and fungal systems carry out in their respective ecosystems. It's surprisingly easy to follow, and felt at times like an engaging narrative as the very best nature/science writing does. It's not rigorously annotated, but the author has included a glossary, an abbreviated bibliography/resources, and many QR code links for online content. There is also a charming amount of poetic whimsy and philosophy encapsulated in the author's prose. It's a pleasant mix. The photography and illustrations are clear and well rendered throughout the book.

Educational and edifying without being stodgy or tedious, readers will likely learn a lot and come away from the book with a much deeper appreciation of the finely tuned and wondrously interconnected web of life encompassing all of us. Absolutely recommended for fans of science/nature writing, and especially to fans of Stephen Jay Gould and similar.

Five stars.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

[CJ Klosterman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first for-fun front-to-back non fiction book about a subject I was wholly uniformed of. I made one comment to Sam that I thought mushrooms were cool and he showed up to my house with this book in hand.

As a complete beginner and non-science inclined person, I found this incredibly easy to read, understand, and apply to what I was seeing on my hikes. It’s divided into two parts: scientific intro to mushrooms/taxonomy and identification/application. Almost every page has QR codes you can scan to dive deeper into the text and the resources page in the back has given me great ideas to extend my learning. Loved this book and I will continue to reference it as a refresher of my knowledge.

[Rebecca Hodge · Rating 4 out of 5]

Awesome book on all things mushroom and fungi. The book was absolutely packed with information, yet somehow never felt like too much or like it was dumbed down either. Only reason I gave it 4/5 instead of 5 is because this book was occasionally slow, and felt more like the kind of book I’d keep as a reference, rather than a one time read.

[Christina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great accessible book about fungi! It had both great beginner intro material and more complex scientific material, much of which was new to me.

My only note would be that the QR code "further reading" format has me a bit concerned. I feel like website URLs change so often that this format could go out-of-date quickly. But that is mostly just a nitpick.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a fascinating read.

[Sophie Zhang · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderfully informative book, a combination of illustrations and photos is very helpful for learning about and identifying mushrooms.