An Instant New York Times Bestseller A Kids' Indie Next List Pick A Junior Library Guild Selection An Amazon Top 20 Children's Books of the Year Selection "Fans of Beth Ferrys 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 "The utterly charming tale is populated by memorable, messy characters, and its 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 "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 "Ferry has presented a wonderfully imaginative story with magic, mystery, and adventure, set almost entirely in one setting (goldfish tanks dont move that easily). In addition, detailed pencil illustrations by the talented Fan brothers are sprinkled throughout, and these add whimsy to the novels 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 "Chatty asides from Ferry (The Peddler of Puddles) provide context and vocabulary lessons as a buoyant, omniscient narrator skillfully conveys the foursomes idiosyncrasies, particularly Toastys 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 "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
