Beth Ferry (Prunella) crafts a quirky modern fantasy chapter book ideal for younger readers in Growing Home, with whimsical illustrations by brothers Eric and Terry Fan (Lizzy and the Cloud).
Aspiring botanist Jillian Tupper and her antiquarian parents live at Number 3 Ramshorn Drive. The humans, though, are the least interesting residents of the "modest, respectable-looking" home: perpetually hungry goldfish Toasty overlooks the entire first floor from his "eight-sided antique fish tank." From this height, he grumbles at and splashes Ivy, a potted plant that lives on the kitchen table. When more creatures arrive at Number 3 Ramshorn Drive--first Arthur, a broken-legged spider, and then Ollie, an anxious and sad violet--they realize that Toasty's tank is more than a home for fish. It's magical. At the same time, the Tuppers, unaware of the conversations and budding relationships taking place in their home, are struggling with a mountain of "never-ending bills." When somebody tries to buy the tank and the Tuppers refuse on principle, the creatures realize it's up to them to stop a potential theft and keep their humans safe.
Growing Home's core cast of magical creatures can be grating as they shed their selfish habits and build kinder relationships with each other. But children will likely be drawn to the details of each creature--Toasty's love of soccer and cheese puffs; Ollie's fondness for singing--as reflections of themselves. The black-and-white spot art from the Fan Brothers heightens the endearing whimsical elements and helps make the text more accessible to younger readers. Ferry's attempt at a modern-day children's fable lacks enchantment, but the endearing characters make it an ideal cozy family read. --Nicole Brinkley, bookseller and writer