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Autumn in Mushroom Hollow

Autumn in Mushroom Hollow is a children’s book that takes place in the fairy community of Mushroom Hollow. It follows best friends Clover and Twig as they help their neighbors prepare for winter. Clover’s moms are making blackberry jam, Clover and Twig help Mr. Milkweed collect milkweed fluff, and they harvest oyster mushrooms with Farmer Nettle. They learn about the importance of caring for the plants and animals that they share a home with. As winter approaches, the people of Mushroom Hollow gather for the Harvest Festival. Everyone brings what they have to share – dried oyster mushrooms, blackberry jam, and warm milkweed sweaters for the cold months ahead. The community celebrates, singing together in gratitude; “Even when it’s cold, or the going gets rough, when we take care of each other there will always be enough.”

Autumn in Mushroom Hollow is inspired by the fairy houses of my childhood, Celtic fairy stories, and the queer stories that I wish I had growing up. This book was also created in response to an era of climate disaster that threatens our ecosystems, homes, and communities. Stories about radical community care and mutual aid are needed. Together, there will always be enough.

Bio

I am Fairen Stark, an illustrator and farmhand currently living in Portland, Maine. My work explores themes of magic, nature, childhood, the seasons, and farming. I grew up in Vermont, where I was raised with a love for the natural world. My work is heavily inspired by a childhood growing up in the woods, building fairy houses and getting muddy. I spend my summers working on an organic farm, growing flowers, veggies, and herbs. In my free time I can be found frolicking in the woods, trying to befriend bugs, or foraging for edible plants.