There are treasures in the forest just behind Mason’s house. In this first-of-its-kind foraging story told through the eyes of a third-generation mushroom hunter, Mason takes his cues from thunderstorms and apple blossoms to grab a basket and hit the woods. With his four-legged pal, Buddy, Mason hunts edible mushrooms through lush Vermont landscapes as he scores morels in springtime, chanterelles and lobsters in summer, and black trumpets in autumn.

The premise is simple: four seasons, four woodland adventures, four wild edible mushrooms, and four kid-friendly, forest-to-frying-pan recipes. Author (and Mason’s mom) Melany Kahn quells common fears and puts the “us” in mushrooms, by weaving simple science and education through a playful, fungi-finding adventure. Mason teaches us it’s never too early to learn, and never too late to start.

We discover what a summer rainstorm and spaghetti have in common, how to hear the gentle swells of ocean waves without leaving the forest, and why a dog can be a valuable partner on a foraging caper. We also learn that fairy rings are real. Future foragers are invited to accompany Mason and Buddy into the world of edible fungi while enjoying the escapades of their hunts.