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
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.
An exceptional resource for fostering foundational neurodevelopmental skills in young readers.
Sophia Walder-Hoge, Psy.D.
Ms. Morgan
Jeffersonville Township Library
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. Her next donation will make her part of the Rapunzel Club -6’ of hair donated.
Student Artwork
Mushroom artwork completed by talented Crestview Elementary third-grade students.
Upcoming Events
Come say hello at an upcoming event!
Soft Launch Party
November 8, 2025, 6:00pm - 7:00pm EST
Florida, Precise location TBA
Book Launch Party
November 15, 2025, 12:00pm - 2:00pm EST
Secret Garden and Gifts, 109 E Tully St. Convoy, OH 45832
Book Signing
December 6, Time TBD
KringleMart
Story Time
December 13, 12:00pm - 1:00pm EST
Next Page Bookstore, 208 W Monroe St, Decatur, IN 46733
Book Signing
January 17, 1:00pm - 2:00pm EST
Fox Island Nature Preserve, 7324 Yohne Rd, Fort Wayne, IN 46809
Journey Day
January 24, 1:00pm - 2:00pm EST
Beavercreek Girl Scouts
Community Reader Story Time
February 28, 10:30am - 11:30am EST
Brumback Library, 215 W Main St, Van Wert, OH 45891
Author Chat & Book Signing
March 5, 2026, 5:00pm - 6:00pm EST
Crestview Early Childhood Center, 510 E Tully St, Convoy, OH 45832
Author Chat & Book Signing
March 6, 2026, 6:00pm - 7:00pm EST
Crestview Elementary School, 531 E Tully St, Convoy, OH 45832
Book Signing
March 14, 2026, 2:00pm - 5:00pm EST
Convoy Opera House, 111 S Main St, Convoy OH 45832
Author Chat & Book Signing
Date and Time is TBD: March
Crestview Early Childhood Center, 510 E Tully St, Convoy, OH 45832
Author Chat & Book Signing
April 30, 2026, 2:00pm - 5:00pm EST
Lincolnview Elementary School, 15945 Middle Point Rd, 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.