Ethel Pochocki – författare

A Penny for a Hundred is beloved children's book author Ethel Pockocki's timeless tale of culture shock in rural Maine during the Second World War. It is 1944 and nine-year-old Clare will finally be able to help with the potato harvest—up until now, she was only able to earn the "penny a hundred" her father paid her to pick potato bugs off the plants. But this year, with so many local men off fighting the war, German POWs are brought in to help with the harvest. Clare's not sure what to expect from the strangers, but it soon becomes clear that these men are not so different from young American soldiers—they are relieved to be out of the fighting, but sad to be so far from home.For Christmas, Clare is determined to recreate at least one familiar tradition for Peter, a POW who has befriended her. Their gifts for one another strengthen the bonds of their friendship and help both the POWs and Clare's family enjoy a memorable Christmas Eve. Even amid the hardships of war, they find much to give each other.

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 favourite 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 marvellous accompaniment for teaching children’s book writing and illustrating.

At one time or another, most of us have made — or wanted to make — jam from berries and other fruit that we've gathered with our own hands. But what happens if the urge strikes out of season, when the pickings are slim? The answer is resourcefulness, as is discovered by young Anthony. The lesson is clear and will be useful to children of all ages: If you look closely enough and remain flexible enough, you can accomplish your goal.