If the term “mushroomcore” instantly brings an image to mind, you already understand its essence. Much like its aesthetic cousins, cottagecore and goblincore, it evokes the cozy, slightly witchy elements of forests, critters, twilight, lush greenery, and thatched-roof cottages. As a child of the ’90s, I used to associate anything ending in “-core” with hardness, but the soul of these modern aesthetics is remarkably soft, gentle, and lush. Today, mushroomcore’s influence can be found across Pinterest boards, outfits of the day, crafting kits, and—my personal favorite—picture books.
Mushroomcore books for kids are wonderful for so many reasons. You are almost guaranteed a beautiful cover, perfect for display and decoration in nurseries, libraries, and on coffee tables. Even newer titles tend to evoke nostalgia in parents and adult readers, making them gifts that all can enjoy. There is also the small matter of their delightful stories, which allow readers to explore the dusky worlds of fairies, fungi, and more.
Below, I’ve gathered just a sampling of the mushroomcore books for kids available today.
Get 15% off annual All Access memberships for a limited time in celebration of Book Riot’s 15th anniversary! Savings amount to more than 3 months of free unlimited access to our entire content archive, plus features like Collections and the New Release Index. Claim your savings and start leveling up your reading life.
Meet the Mushrooms! by Sonali Fry and Melanie Demmer
Mushroomcore books do not, by definition, need to be educationally accurate, but that accuracy is a wonderful bonus in Meet the Mushrooms. Designed for the youngest readers, this sweet title pairs real mushroom facts with anthropomorphized illustrations for a perfect blend of fact and fancy.
Tales of the Mushroom Folk by Signe Aspelin and Polly Lawson
Originally published in 1909, this title taps directly into the nostalgia that mushroomcore is known for. The Swedish author takes us through the seasons, introducing human-mushroom hybrid communities throughout the year. Heavy on whimsy and vintage charm, Tales of the Mushroom Folk makes a perfect gift book for a nature lover of any age.
Little Witch Hazel: A Year in the Forest by Phoebe Wahl
Phoebe Wahl is, hands down, one of the best artists working today. Her style perfectly embodies mushroomcore, and her subjects frequently feature gnomes, toadstools, fairies, and charming cottages that make you yearn for a cozy night by the fire. Although I have only included one of Wahl’s titles on this list, I implore you to dig into her impressive body of work for even more charm and whimsy. Little Witch Hazel is a delightful story that takes us through the turning of the seasons, celebrating natural wonders along the way.
Hopefully, you have discovered some wonderful mushroomcore books for kids that will interest and delight the fungi lovers in your life. If you are looking for more aesthetic-themed children’s books, be sure to check out these cottagecore picture books, too.