Mushroom Lullaby - by Kenneth Kraegel

Book Synopsis

"Short sentences, lilting rhymes, and harmonious visuals help viewers grasp the subject matter. . . . A mycological charmer." --Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

In gentle rhyme, this spare and whimsical picture book from the one-of-a-kind imagination of Kenneth Kraegel introduces little readers to all sorts of wonderful mushrooms: ones that grow up high and ones that never stay dry, ones that grow in a park and ones that glow in the dark, and even one made just for them! Who can resist climbing up the soft mushroom stair, curling up in a plush mushroom chair, and preparing to dream sweet mushroom dreams? The lulling narration and warm illustrations of this charmingly quirky book will have drowsy young ones settling into their own comfy beds, ready to drift off to sleep.

Review Quotes

Short sentences, lilting rhymes, and harmonious visuals help viewers grasp the subject matter. . . Kraegel invites readers in by showing a homey mushroom dwelling. . . A mycological charmer.
--Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

Mushrooms provide an unconventional and earthy through line for this cozy bedtime book. . . . Intricate dots and lines define Kraegel's ink and watercolor art, which quaintly supports this enchanted, inviting portrait of a mushroom day and night.
--Publishers Weekly (starred review)

The simple, sweet rhymes anchor the gentle story and make it an ideal bedtime read-aloud, and the vibrant ink-and-watercolor illustrations are immersive and intimate. . . Children will pore over the cozy details, from bug-sized volleyball nets to miniature lantern-lit paths, and the last glimpses of a moonlit mushroom village may even have grown-ups wishing for a relocation to the snug setting. A magical, mellow mushroom dream.
--Booklist (starred review)

This book begins like a lyrical show-and-tell. . . With the turn of each golden page, the natural world of a realistic mushroom tale turns into a miniature journey to a small mushroom home. . . A nice way to send children off to post-story hour naps.
--School Library Journal

About the Author

Kenneth Kraegel is the author-illustrator of the picture books Green Pants and King Arthur's Very Great Grandson, which was named a New York Times Book Review Notable Children's Book of the Year, as well as the board book This Is a Book of Shapes and the first chapter book Wild Honey from the Moon. He lives in Grand Rapids, Michigan, with his family.