Announcing the Release of
More Than A Mushroom Hunt
Do you remember your first real adventure? Pull on your red rubber boots and immerse yourself in the woods. Explore the sights, sounds and smells of the forest, as you settle in for a serenade from a frog chorus.
More Than a Mushroom Hunt is more than a sensory journey; more than a science book, more than a mushroom hunt….it is a book about a first memorable relationship.
Reader's Reviews
This book is a humbling reminder that nature is full of hidden treasurers. You have to slow down and observe to find the right "mushroom." The act with connecting deeply with nature with its seasonal gifts. Truly a good read to children. Loved it! ❤️
Miss Cindy
Brumback Library - Convoy Branch
This sweet father-daughter adventure is a wonderful read-aloud for storytime, school visits, or family reading. With themes of family, nature, and exploration, the story gently introduces children to the wonders of the forest. It’s both educational and heartwarming—a relatable tale that celebrates curiosity, connection, and the simple joy of spending time together outdoors.
I love this story and how it talks of safety. Her picture is so cute and a wonderful addition. It is AMAZING!
Jackie Macintosh-Grandma
Ms. Morgan
Jeffersonville Township Library
An exceptional resource for fostering foundational neurodevelopmental skills in young readers.
Sophia Walder-Hoge, Psy.D.
My relationship with my daughter is unique and I cherish that very much. Reading the author's note section and the story encourages me to keep cherishing and nurturing that relationship.
Josh B- Proud girl dad
Meet the Illustrators
Kaitlyn Gulley
Kaitlyn Gulley is a graphic design major at Purdue University Fort Wayne. She thrives on bringing stories to life through her compelling designs. Kaitlyn loves to incorporate nature into her work, whether it’s her illustrations, paintings, designs, photography, or any other creative project she can get her hands on.
Her illustrations are on Pages 8, 10, 11, 15, 23, and the back cover.
Emily Karcher
Emily Karcher is a sophomore film student at Huntington University in Huntington, Indiana. She’s been making art for most of her life, and it’s one of her favorite hobbies. Emily loves to express herself creatively in any way she can, including music, writing, filmmaking, and art.
Her illustrations are on Pages 9, 17, 19, and the back cover.
Raynaldo (Ray) Valdez Luckett III
Raynaldo (Ray) Valdez Luckett III is a graphic designer and a traditional and digital illustrator. He is a senior studying for his art and design degree at Purdue University Fort Wayne. He plans to pursue graphic design and illustration for books and other media and eventually go on to make his own books, particularly comic books.
His illustrations are on Pages 6 and 7.
Cadence Reed
Cadence Reed is a sophomore at Purdue University Fort Wayne.
Her illustrations are on Pages 13, 18, and 21.
Esther Richhart
Esther Richhart is an artist inspired by the quiet beauty of nature. The artwork in the book was made using watercolor, graphite, and colored pencils and was selected to bring each scene to life. Her work reflects a deep appreciation of natural forms and subtle details, capturing the calm found in the world around us.
Her illustrations are on Pages 4, 5, 12, 14, 16, 20, and the front cover.
About Tonalee Shinabery-King
In her debut children’s book, Tonalee Shinabery-King pulls from knowledge gained in her work. She has gained insight while teaching children in a wide capacity-early childhood educator for 30 years; substitute teacher; zoo camp counselor; tutor; scout leader; Sunday School teacher; children’s librarian; and mom to two beautiful, accomplished grown daughters. She and her husband of 40 years enjoy traveling. They are the proud humans to their cat companion, Jeckyl Pierre. A wacky fact about the author: she has donated her hair for Wigs for Kids/Locks of Love. She is part of the Rapunzel Club -6’ of hair donated!
Student Artwork
Mushroom artwork completed by talented Crestview Elementary third-grade students.
Upcoming Events
Come say hello at an upcoming event!
NOLA Nature Center, Author Chat and Storytime
April 13, 2026 10am EST
2503 Columbus St. New Orleans, LA 70119
Storytime & Author Chat
April 20, 2026
First United Methodist Pre-school, 113 W. Central Ave, Van Wert, OH 45891
Angola Public Library, Earth Day Storytime and Project
April 22, 2026, 4:00pm EST
322 S. Wayne St, Angola, IN 46703
St Marys Community Public Library Author Chat & Book Signing
April 23, 2026, 6:00pm EST
140 S. Chestnut St St. Marys, OH 45885
Author Chat & Book Signing
April 30, 2026, 2:00pm EST
Lincolnview Elementary School, 15945 Middle Point Rd, Van Wert, OH 45891
Author Chat & Book Signing
May 1, 2026, Grade level chats all day
Riverdale Elementary School, 6127 IN-1 St. Joe, IN 46785
Author Chat & Book Signing
May 5, 2026, Grade level chats all day
Butler Elementary School, 1025 S. Broadway St. Butler, IN 46721
Author Chat & Book Signing
May 8, 2026 TBD EST
Parkway Elementary School, 400 Buckeye St, Rockford, OH 45882
Mesick Mushroom Festival, Storytime and book signing
Festival May 9, 2026, 10am-4pm, Storytime 11am
210 E Mesick Ave, Mesick MI 49668
Author Chat & Book Signing
May 15, 2026 TBD EST
Payne Elementary School, 501 W. Townline St. Payne, OH 45880
Storytime and Craft
May 18, 2026 10:00am EST
Delphos Public Library, Delphos, OH 45833
Storytime & Mushroom Hunt
June 8, 2026 6:00pm EST
Wren Public Library, 101 Washington St, Wren, OH 45899
Storytime & Mushroom Hunt
June 9, 2026 6:00pm EST
Willshire Public Library, 323 State St, Willshire, OH 45898
Storytime & Mushroom Hunt
June 11, 2026 10:30am EST
Mercer Public Library, 303 N. Main St, Celina, OH 45822
Storytime & Mushroom Hunt
June 12, 2026 10:30am EST
Brumback Public Library, 215 W. Main St, Van Wert, OH 45891
Storytime & Author Chat
June 16 2026 10:30am EST
Convoy Library, 116 E. Tully St, Convoy, OH 45832
Storytime & Mushroom Hunt
June 18, 2026 10:30am EST
Middle Point Public Library, 102 E. Railroad St, Middle Point, OH 45863
Storytime & Author Chat
June 20, 2026 12:00pm EST
Story Haven Book Store , 514 Broadway St., New Have, IN 46774
Storytime & Mushroom Hunt
June 22, 2026 6:00pm EST
Brumback Public Library, 215 W. Main St, Van Wert, OH 45891
Storytime & Author Chat
June 23, 2026 11:00am EST
Payne Branch Library, 101 N. Main St. Payne, OH 45880
Storytime & Author Chat
June 24, 2026 11:30am EST
Antwerp Branch Library, 205 Madison St. Antwerp, OH 45813
Mushrooms with Munchkins
June 26, 2026 10:30am EST
Grover Hill Branch Library 101 S. Main St. Grover Hill, OH 45849
Ohio Mushroom Festival
June 27-28, 2026
Joe Bottom's Campground, Hammondsville, OH 43932
Author Chat & Book Signing
June 30, 2026 11:00am EST
Paulding County Public Library 205 S. Main St. Paulding OH 45879
Storytime & Author Chat
July 8, 2026 10:00am EST
Convoy Library, 116 E. Tully St. Convoy, OH 45832
Farmers Market in conjunction with Delphos Public Library featuring a mushroom scavenger hunt
July 23, 2026
Delphos, OH 45833
Kid Biz
September 11, 10:00am- 2:00pm EST
Riverside Art Center, 3W. Auglaize St., Wapakoneta, OH 45895
Contact
Tonalee is available for interviews and programs. She can be reached at 419-749-2002 or via email at klpp1985@gmail.com.
You can also contact Paul Hoffman at PathBinder Publishing LLC by calling 317-407-4875.