The Mushroom of Doom!

by Becky Davies, Thomas Elliott (illustrator)

For fans of The Sour Grape, here is a laugh-out-loud picture book about resisting the temptation for revenge—and why it’s rarely the answer.

Mushroom is having a bad day . . . okay, maybe that's an understatement. Mushroom is having the worst day EVER. First, he's not picked to go on the pizza (and Pineapple is chosen instead of him—can you believe it?! PINEAPPLE!). Then, Milk spills all over him. Just when he thinks it can't get any worse, he's thrown in the compost bin. What else is a mushroom to do but build an army and take revenge?!

Becky Davies's hilariously outrageous text and Thomas Elliott's expressive and laugh-out-loud illustrations pair perfectly to teach little ones an important lesson on revenge, kindness, and managing emotions.

Genres: Picture Books, Food, Childrens, Storytime, Humor

40 pages, Hardcover

Published August 26, 2025

About the author

Becky is a children’s book editor and sometimes author from the South West of England. Her favourite things are animals, books about magic, and anything sparkly. In a parallel universe she lives in Hawaii, where she works in a dog sanctuary and surfs until the sun sets beyond the horizon.

Reviews

[Paula · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just 🤣🤣🤣

[Caroline · Rating 2 out of 5]

A picture book that boldly claims - what if Sausage Party were actually written for children. I found this one to be pretty cringey and a little soulless.

[Tonja Drecker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whoever claimed mushrooms can't be supervillains is in for a treat with this tale.

Mushroom's day isn't going well. Pineapple was chosen over him for the pizza toppings. Then, Milk accidentally spills all over him. And then, he's stepped on! All of this lands him in the compost bin, a place he truly doesn't want to be and really doesn't belong since he was cheated out of every chance he had to shine. But a closer look around the bin has him noticing something—other mushrooms. Many of them. Suddenly, he has an idea about how to get revenge.

If you're looking for a very serious read, this is not it. If you're looking for a logical read with a traditional scheme, this is not it, either. This is about a mushroom, and one which is determined to make sure everyone who harmed him gets what's coming to them. Revenge is what drives this character forward and his very unique way of paying everyone back for the harm they caused him. Of course, this takes some quirky twists, since a mushroom...well, is a mushroom (albeit this one is a few steps above the rest). The revenge takes on very surprising, unexpected directions and lets imagination soar as Mushroom finds a fitting chair to command his army of villain mushrooms and an outfit to match his villainous plans. In other words, despite the serious message, there is a ton of humor packed in. Quirky and silly.

Readers, who enjoy something out of the box, will enjoy this. Mushroom's antics are over-the-top and sure to draw giggles and even, at times, a raised eyebrow or two. The font plays right along with the highs and lows, creating emphasis and expression, which transform into a fun read-aloud. The illustrations hold the action and let the silly situations roll, while the text keeps the basic plot churning. It creates an original and fun read...with a somewhat open ending, which fits very well with the rest of the story, since this isn't exactly a normal tale, either.

While the quirky situations and odd silliness flow, the message comes across with subtle but clear meaning. Mushroom's attempts at revenge are strange, and may not work out as he hoped. It shows how extreme he's being, and this does open the door for readers to realize that there might be better ways to handle everything.

The ending leaves off with a strange openness of possibilities and rounds off everything nicely. So, it's a fun read to pick up, especially if something in a different direction is desired to shake things up during reading time.

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an electronic ARC from Union Square Kids through Edelweiss+.
Readers will laugh their way through this story of a mushroom seeking kitchen domination. They may not get all the references to evil villains but will appreciate the transformation this mushroom undergoes. I love the way a character he hurt rescues him in the end and how finishes the book in an unexpected way. Hope there are more adventures to come.

[John Mullarkey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mushroom's bad day turns into a story of "revenge" - fungi-style. Lots of silly and fun references to classic villains and "villianry". In addition and within the same frame of reference is the episodic structure which also adds to the humor. The crazy illustrations are a great compliment to the story. It makes a fun and spirited read-aloud " ahhhhaaahahaha!!"

[Melki · Rating 3 out of 5]

When Pineapple is chosen as a pizza topping over him, (That's right - PINEAPPLE!), Mushroom vows revenge on ALL who have wronged him.

I liked Thomas Elliott's wacky illustrations more than I did the story, but I suspect kids will eat this one up.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Older kid ST. Super fun to read aloud. A mushroom turns evil and wants to rule the world with an army of other mushrooms he finds in the compost bin. But being evil has it's downfalls, and soon Mushroom is in danger. I loved the humor and the images of the evil mushroom.

[Katie Lawrence · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was super weird and dark and funny. Did it all make sense to me? Not necessarily. Does it matter? No! Riotous with a twist ending you won’t expect. The illustrious were quirky too, perfect for this wacky story.

[Dawn Evans Editions Books]

So fun! Learn about revenge... mushroom style! Graphics are fun too.

[Y.Poston]

fun day in the life...!

[ava · Rating 5 out of 5]

hilarious! but went a little over my usual storytime kids’ heads, loved that it starts at the end of the story and does the whole “i bet you’re wondering how i got here” moment

[Helena · Rating 3 out of 5]

Yep, that's me, just about to be churned into slime juice. You're probably wondering how I got here.

any story that starts off with a "yep that's me" moment is a must read, imo.

[Raven · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is great!

[Gabrielle Stoller · Rating 1 out of 5]

while the puns were funny, I really dislike books that don't encourage growth at the end...or rather keep the negative side of the character. Even my three year old was like that's not right Mommy

[Kim · Rating 3 out of 5]

Funny, with fun illustrations, but the logic is extremely wonky.

[Kitty Red-Eye · Rating 5 out of 5]

A hilarious little gem, instant Christmas present for a select few.

[Steph · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve read this probably eight times tonight and every single time I laugh. (But, like, that evil laugh. You know the one. Mwaaaa Haaaaa Haaaaa!)