Mike O’Rhiza: Earth’s Best Friend

Written by Dr. Michael Amaranthus and illustrated by Linda Woodrow-Gray, "Mike O'Rhiza: Earth's Best Friend" is designed to introduce children of all ages to mycorrhiza - or "Mike O'Rhiza" - and the life-supporting role mycorrhizal fungi play in ecosystems on our planet. Having been around for hundreds of millions of years, the friendly fungus "Mike O'Rhiza" - or as scientists call him, mycorrhiza - wears many hats to help make the world a better place. Expanding for miles with his crazy hair (fungal filaments) to connect the roots of many plants, trees, and other lifeforms, whole ecosystems are fruitful and able to flourish because of Mike O'Rhiza. Receiving the highest honors for scientific achievement during his 20 years of contributions as a USDA research scientist, authoring and co-authoring more than 100 scientific papers, Dr. Mike Amaranthus is a retired research soil scientist and Associate Adjunct Professor at Oregon State University. Written for children of all ages, this boo