Humongous Fungus

Description

Not quite animals and not quite plants, the mysterious kingdom of fungi is full of secret goings on Inhabiting a whole kingdom of their own, fungi can be found in every ecosystem. They carpet the forest floor, and different types of fungi decompose matter, feed plants, and even change animals' behaviour. Their beautiful mushrooms come in all colours, shapes, and sizes. Fungal stories include the greening of the Earth, when fungi helped plants first grow on land, and the mass destruction of crops through fungal disease. From the villains of the upcoming bananageddon to plastic-eating eco-warriors, there are over 1.5 million known fungus species, and a huge, unknown number of unnamed "dark" types. Some are even found inside animals - helpful fungi break down food in animal guts, but others take over their hosts' bodies. This book of fabulous fungi will intrigue and amaze young readers, and open their eyes to the fungi thriving all around them.

Wenjia Tang was born in China, and moved to the US when she was 15. She graduated from MICA (Maryland Institute College of Art) in 2017 and now lives in New York. She describes herself as an animal lover, and her previous work includes creating all the artwork for the educational app Mammals, and illustrating the books Up & Down (Viction-Viction) and Under Your Feet (DK). Wenjia's artistic style is influenced by printmaking. Her work can be found on her website wenjiatang.com and her Instagram @wtangart.