• Age: 8 to 11
• Grade: 3 to 6

The Mushroom Man has arrived at its thirtieth anniversary despite breaking every rule of picture-book storytelling. It is not a story about children: The only kids make a cameo appearance to taunt the mushroom man in the street. It is not a heroic story: The mushroom man toils away in a mushroom farm, coming to resemble a mushroom himself.The story doesn’t teem with personalities: The mushroom man’s existence is solitary. So why does it endure? Because it is a story of true and generous friendship.

This commemorative edition includes a new introduction from Barry Moser remembering his collaboration and friendship with Ethel Pochocki. “This remains one of my all-time favorite books for kids, and some of these illustrations are among the best I’ve ever done,” Barry writes. There is also new back matter in which Barry peels back the curtain on his illustration technique, making this book a marvelous accompaniment for teaching children’s book writing and illustrating.

color throughout

Ethel Pochocki discovered her passion for books and writing during her years working at the New York City Public Library. Moving her eight children to a farm in Brooks, Maine, she pounded out her fresh,quirky, unforgettable children’s stories on a manual typewriter. Ethel died in 2010.

Ethel Pochocki's profile page

BARRY MOSER was born in Chattanooga, Tennessee. His work is represented in the National Gallery of Art, the Metropolitan Museum, the British Museum, the Victoria and Albert Museum, and other museums around the world. He has illustrated and/or designed over 350 books, including Moby-Dick, Frankenstein, The Divine Comedy, and the King James Bible. His edition of Alice's Adventures in Wonderland won a National Book Award. He is currently Irwin and Pauline Alper Glass Professor of Art and the printer to the college at Smith College.

Barry Moser's profile page

"In his narrative illustrations, Mr. Moser gives his own reading, conducts his own orchestra."

Peter Neumeyer, children’s book author and critic, The New York Times, New York Times

"This is a sweet, quiet story with a special message. . . ."

School Library Journal

"A little gem about true friendship that was almost lost in the great grinder that is the publishing world. Thanks to Ethel Pochocki's lovely little story, Barry Moser's ever glorious pictures, and Tilbury House for rescuing it."

Jane Yolen, author of Owl Moon, The Devil's Arithmetic, and others

"Barry Moser's illustrations glow with the quiet warmth and heart of 'The Mushroom Man' and they complement so well this story of friendship."

Eric Carle

"Moser's shadowy, offbeat style harmonizes with Pochocki's uncommonly inspired text. A wonderfully odd tale of friendship."

Publishers Weekly