The Mushroom Man

by Ethel Pochocki, Barry Moser (Illustrator)

Children teased the Mushroom Man because he was different, but he had a cheerful disposition.He was, for the most part content, but her was lonely.  After a disappointing connection with a cat, he finds a most unexpected companion, one that likes mushrooms ans working in the dark as much as he does. In the delights of sharing a life, they discover that even someone quite different can turn out to be a wonderful friend. This classic story is by one of Maine’s favorite authors.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens

Paperback

First published January 1, 1993

About the author

Ethel Frances Pochocki was a children's book author living in Brooks, Maine.

She developed a passion for books and writing working at the New York City Public Library. While raising eight children, she turned to writing in the early morning hours. Her writing career began when she won an essay writing contest about her experience taking in inner city kids with the Fresh Air Project in New York City. Through the 1960s and 1970s, she contributed numerous essays and poems to the leading Catholic publications of the time. Her award winning books include her collaborations with Maine illustrator Mary Beth Owens, such as The Gazebo, Penny for a Hundred and Rosebud and Red Flannel. She also collaborated with award winning illustrator Barry Moser on Blessing of the Beasts and The Mushroom Man.

Her contributions to children's literature were recognized by the Maine Library Association with the 2008 Katahdin Award for Lifetime Achievement and the 1991 Lupine Award for outstanding childrens literature. Her classic, Penny for a Hundred, was designated a notable book of 1996 by the Smithsonian Magazine.

Reviews

[Tricia · Rating 2 out of 5]

I thought of the perfect word for this book after reading it, but then I fell asleep and it slipped my mind. Pedantic? Hum-drum? Saccharaine? Something like that. It's just a bit too much...something. I did enjoy the artwork of the scenes in the dark - especially looking into the room (also cover picture) and looking down on the mushroom man as he sits in the park. For some reason, I didn't like the scenes in the light as much.

[Christie Kaaland · Rating 4 out of 5]

An endearing book of the theme of loneliness framed around the importance of importance of friendship. The mushroom man is a singular old man who works in the dark all day on a mushroom farm. Though taunted by village children for his odd appearance, the mushroom man is blessed with a cheerful disposition and knows he has only to listen to his own irregular heartbeat and resolve his loneliness to make his life alone a perfect life. At first he is adopted by a charming beautiful cat that upon which he lavishes love and sardines. But, being a cat, she gets restless and leaves him. Finally, one evening he is befriended ~ reluctantly at first ~ by a mole. Blind, homely, and living underground (in the dark), the mushroom man and the mole relate perfectly with each other and become fast friends.
Moser's haunting mystical paintings capture the tone of this story perfectly. His use of 'mushroom tones' to illustrate the mushroom man's countenance and surroundings are a stunning reminder of Barry Moser's unique style.

[V · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Mushroom Man is one of the most heartwarming tales I've read, and I expect it to resonate with readers of all ages.

Despite living a solitary life, the Mushroom Man, who tends a mushroom crop and whose name we never learn, is content. Occasional bouts of loneliness lead him to consider a pet, but the cat who comes to live with him leaves after a while to pursue a more exciting life style. Soon thereafter, the Mushroom Man crosses paths with a mole who is equally lonely. Allowing himself to be vulnerable, the mole accepts a dinner invitation, which leads to a meaningful friendship. The two find fulfillment in their shared interest and in sharing their lives with one another.

A tale about care and treasuring loved ones, The Mushroom Man touches the soul and assures readers that it is not the quantity of friends, but the quality of the connections that grant one contentment.

[Joanna P. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really love this style of tale. Slightly grungy, a little somber, and somehow just odd enough that talking animals seem to fit naturally without being fantastical. It’s a calming, still story. The sadness is gentle and so are the happy parts.

“The mole did not answer. He remembered his unfortunate relatives made into a muff. Could he trust a human?…The mole decided to risk all. ‘Of course I will come. How kind of you to invite me,’ he said, knowing he had sealed his fate, for better or worse.”

Trust after loss. Friendship after loneliness. This book is wonderful.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved everything about this book. It has a kind, sweet, slow-paced, earthy story. And the Barry Moser illustrations (my motivation for reading it) are enchanting beyond all words. They are classic in their placement on the page and their content is magic, dramtic, startling, and sweet--all these things--I think Barry Moser at his best.

[Boxofdelights · Rating 3 out of 5]

A nice story, with beautiful Barry Moser illustrations.

[Cynthia Egbert · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story didn't really do as much for me as I expected but the illustrations really drew me in. I have a number of others works by this author to read in the coming days so we will see how I feel about her writing after all is said and done.

[Miriam · Rating 2 out of 5]

i bought this because i have yet to meet a barry moser illustration i didn't like! in this case, i don't care about the story, or lack thereof, i have the book because of the illustrations.