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More Than A Mushroom Hunt Front Cover

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.

Mushrooms Growing in Dirt
Mushrooms Growing in Dirt
Mushrooms Growing in Dirt
Mushrooms Growing in Dirt
Mushrooms Growing in Dirt
Mushrooms Growing in Dirt
Mushrooms Growing in Dirt

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!

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     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 Illustrator

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.

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Emily Karcher

Emily Illustrator

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.

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Raynaldo (Ray) Valdez Luckett III

Ray  Illustrator

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.

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Cadence Reed

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Cadence Reed is a sophomore at Purdue University Fort Wayne.

 

Her illustrations are on pages 13, 18, and 21.

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Esther Richhart

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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.

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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.

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.​

 

Click here to view the latest press release.

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Tales By Tonalee

© 2026 Tales By Tonalee

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