Beth Ferry is the author of numerous picture books for children including Roar for Reading, Prunella, and the New York Times bestseller Stick and Stone. She is an avid reader who believes that any day spent with a book is a perfect day. Beth lives with her family by the beach in New Jersey where she finds inspiration in the salty air. In addition to writing picture books, Beth also writes chapter books and graphic novels. She's the author of the middle grade book Growing Home. You can learn more at BethFerry.com.

Terry Fan received his formal art training at Ontario College of Art and Design in Toronto, Canada. His work is a blend of traditional and contemporary techniques, using ink or graphite mixed with digital. He spends his days (and nights) creating magical paintings, portraits, and prints. Terry is the cocreator of The Night Gardener, It Fell from the Sky, and Lizzy and the Cloud. Born in Illinois, he now lives in Toronto. Visit him online TheFanBrothers.com.

Eric Fan is an artist and writer who lives in Toronto, Canada. Born in Hawaii and raised in Toronto, he attended the Ontario College of Art and Design, where he studied illustration, sculpture, and film. He has a passion for vintage bikes, clockwork contraptions, and impossible dreams. Eric is the cocreator of The Night Gardener, It Fell from the Sky, and Lizzy and the Cloud. Visit him online TheFanBrothers.com.

"The utterly charming tale is populated by memorable, messy characters, and it's a pleasure to watch them grow from jealous roommates to dear friends as they each gain wisdom and empathy. Touches of magic and a droll narrative style add enjoyment, and the occasional black-and-white illustrations are adorable accompaniments. A splendidly silly story that will have readers looking at friendship (and houseplants) in a new way."--Booklist

"Chatty asides from Ferry (The Peddler of Puddles) provide context and vocabulary lessons as a buoyant, omniscient narrator skillfully conveys the foursome's idiosyncrasies, particularly Toasty's sense of isolation and accompanying crankiness. Neat spot illustrations by the Fan brothers (Barnaby Unboxed!), rendered in their signature style, convey humorous details such as both Toasty and Arthur sporting fetching bowler-style hats."--Publishers Weekly

"Fans of Beth Ferry's charming picture books will be delighted with her clever new middle grade about the joys of finding true friendship. Featuring an unlikely set of characters, whimsical asides from an irrepressible narrator, and art by the brilliant Fan Brothers, GROWING HOME is an absolute delight!"--Katherine Applegate, Newbery Medal-winning and #1 New York Times bestselling author of The One and Only Ivan

"A grumpy goldfish, a self-confident ivy, a curious spider, and an anxious violet come together to love and protect their human family in this whimsical modern fantasy ideal for family readalouds."--Shelf Awareness for Book Trades

"Ferry has presented a wonderfully imaginative story with magic, mystery, and adventure, set almost entirely in one setting (goldfish tanks don't move that easily). In addition, detailed pencil illustrations by the talented Fan brothers are sprinkled throughout, and these add whimsy to the novel's delightfully expressive animal and vegetal protagonists, especially Toasty, with his signature bowler hat and perpetual frown."--The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

★ "Told in a warm and engaging narrative, the story gently explores themes of belonging, patience, and the quiet magic of being seen....A meditative, charming delight for readers who appreciate stories of found family and quiet transformation."--School Library Journal, STARRED REVIEW

"The story comes together like a recipe: Simple ingredients combine, transform, and rise into something wonderful. In its matter-of-fact wisdom, rich vocabulary (often defined within the text), hint of magic, and empathetic nonhuman characters who solve problems in creative ways this delightful work is reminiscent of Ferris by Kate DiCamillo, Our Friend Hedgehog by Lauren Castillo, and Ivy Lost and Found by Cynthia Lord and Stephanie Graegin. Charming."--Kirkus Reviews

An Instant New York Times Bestseller
A Kids' Indie Next List Pick
A Barnes and Noble Children's Book of the Year
A Junior Library Guild Selection
An Amazon Top 20 Children's Book of the Year Selection
A Spotify Best Family Audiobook of 2025

Publisher: Bound to Stay Bound Books

Pub date: 2025-05-27

Length: 261 pages