【Reported from Kaohsiung】What would you do if a mushroom suddenly pops up on your head? Nominated for the third "Picture Book Sprouting Awards," A Mushroom Popped Up on My Head is licensed and published by Locus Publishing following a matchmaking event organized by the Kaohsiung Public Library (KPL). Since then, the picture book has won countless hearts through its cute illustrations and soulfully humorous story. The picture book's author, Pin-Xuan Zhu, has returned alongside the widely beloved main character, Mushroom Duck, to KPL to share her creative process. During the event, she invited the audience to brainstorm ideas and draw their unique "mushrooms." The venue was filled with smiles and laughter, brightening the event with joyful warmth. 

【Picture 1】Pin-Xiang Zhu, the author of the third #PictureBookSproutingAwards nominee, A Mushroom Grows on My Head, visited KPL for the first time to share the joy of her book's publishing.

According to KPL Director Chin-Yang Lee, the "Picture Book Sprouting Program" encompasses various cultivation, support, purchase subsidies, reading promotion, and practical initiatives to provide talented creators with the resources needed to grow their potential. Director Lee metaphorized KPL as farmers who plough, fertilize, and guard over plots of land, joyfully witnessing the growth of unique, brilliant works that rose from the "Picture Book Sprouting Program."

【Picture 2】KPL Director Chin-Yang Lee shared with the audience the joy of the successful publication A Mushroom Popped Up on My Head.

Nearly 20 brilliant Picture Book Sprouting Awards awardees and nominees have been successfully published. This year, A Mushroom Popped Up on My Head emerges as a favored work that has captured the judges' hearts. Its author, Pin-Xiang Zhu, was a Picture Book Sprouting Course student in 2021. After undergoing training, receiving guidance, and finding creative inspiration, Pin-Xiang Zhu continued to dwell on and develop her ideas. In 2024, her work was nominated for the third Picture Book Sprouting Awards. After finding a publisher through KPL's matchmaking event, A Mushroom Popped Up in My Head was officially published, kickstarting a new and exciting creative journey.

KPL's "Picture Books Sprouting Awards" has become a conducive platform to support and bolster the growth of numerous original picture book works from Taiwan. The program facilitated the meeting that finalized a publishing deal for A Mushroom Popped Up on My Head with Locus Publishing, cementing the work as the company's first picture book authored by a Taiwanese creator.

A Mushroom Popped Up on My Head pivots around a seemingly ridiculous and irrational mantra: "Worries are mushrooms." In the story, eliminating one's worries means eliminating the mushrooms. However, when a mushroom suddenly grows on top of Duck's head, it grows concerned with a single worrying thought: "How do I eliminate my worries?" And the longer one goes worrying, the larger the mushroom on their head grows…

The author uses a relaxed, simple style and a humorous yet significant narrative to turn commonly despicable "worries" into a beloved and welcomed concept that immerses her readers, both adults and children alike, into the story.

Do you also have a "mushroom" on your head? A Mushroom Grows on My Head is currently listed as one of KPL's "April Recommendations." In addition to the Kaohsiung Main Public Library, copies of the picture book are available at the Gushan Branch Library, Sanmin Branch Library, Heti Branch Library, Lee-Ko-Yung Memorial Library, the Caogong Branch Library at Fengshan, Chengguan Branch Library, Luzhu Branch Library, Hunei Branch Library, Liugui Branch Library, Alian Branch Library, as well as the smart libraries stationed at the Kaohsiung Railway Station, the Zuoying HSR Station, and the Kaohsiung Medical University Gangshan Hospital Station.

【Picture 3】Picture book author Pin-Xiang Zhu and KPL Director Chin-Yang Lee pose for a photograph with audience members at the new book sharing event, capturing the wonderful moment. 

KPL will continue to support and empower Taiwan's original picture book industry, promote reading, and share more amazing works from the Picture Book Sprouting Programs with readers all over Taiwan. Picture book enthusiasts of all ages are welcome to visit the International Picture Book Center on the B1 Floor of the Kaohsiung Main Public Library, or head directly to the nearest branch library for more wonderful and brilliant works.