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
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
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.
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!
Music in the Classroom
Watch as 3rd grade students at Grover Hill Elementary perform to music they created and choreographed with guidance from their teacher, Mrs. Caitlyn Schmidt. The kids sang and played percussion instruments including a xylophone. The performance was inspired by the book More Than a Mushroom.
Upcoming Events
Come say hello at an upcoming event!
Solomon Farms Vendor Market
October 10, 2026 10am EST
817 W. Dupont Rd. Fort Wayne, IN 46825
Marshall Illinois School System
October 14, & 15, 2026 TB, EST
Writers Workshop grades 7-12
Storytime & Author Chat Pre-K- 6th grade
Apple Festival
October 16 & 17, 2026
Van Wert Fairgrounds, Van Wert, OH 45891
Story time Delphos St. John's School K-2nd grade
October 23, 2026 800am EST
515 E. 2nd St. Delphos, OH 45833
The Story Room of Elida Storytime & Craft
October 24, 2026 11:00am EST
200 W. Main St. Ste A, Elida, OH 45807
"Rocktober" Storytime at the Rockford Library
October 31. 2026 12pm-4pm EST
162 S. Main St. Rockford, OH 45882
Brumback Library Author Symposium & Panel Discussion with book sales
November 1, 2026 1:00pm EST
215 W. Main St. Van Wert, OH 45891
Authors Patch Storytime
November 4, 2026 11:00am EST
117 S. Washington St. Danville, IN 46122
Convoy Library Debut Storytime
November 10, 2026 6:00pm EST
116 E. Tully St. Convoy, OH 45832
Secret Garden Book Launch Author Event
Cautionary Tale of a Tattletail
November 14, 2026 10:00am-1:00pm EST
116 E. Tully St. Convoy, OH 45832
Stacked Bookstore Author Event Debut
Cautionary Tale of a Tattletail
November 14, 2026 1:30pm-4:00pm EST
110 N. Washington St. Van Wert, OH 45891
Putnam County District Library Author Fair
November 21,, 2026 11:00am- 2:00pm EST
138 Putnam Pkwy, Ottawa, OH 45875
Botanical Gardens Holly Days
November 28, 2026 10:00am-5:00pm EST
1100 S Calhoun St., Fort Wayne, IN 46820
Kringle Mart Christmas in the Village
December 5,, 2026 TBD EST
Convoy, OH 45832
Next Page Bookstore Storytime & Book Signing
March 6, 2027 TBD EST
208 W. Monroe St. Decatur, IN 46733
Auglaize County Public Library Books and Brews
March 13, 2027 9:00am- 1:00pm EST
203 Perry St., Wapakoneta, OH 45895
Half Price Books Author Book Signing
April 10, , 2027 1:00pm- 3:00pm EST
533 E. Coliseum Blvd Fort Wayne, IN 46805
Author Fair Van Wert County Fairgrounds
April 27,, 2027 TBD EST
1055 S. Washington St, Van Wert OH 45891
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.