Growing Home - by Beth Ferry (Hardcover)

About the Book

"A motley crew of talkative plants, a curious spider, and a grumpy goldfish use their newfound magical abilities to defend their family from a greedy human"--

Book Synopsis

An instant New York Times bestseller!
"A meditative, charming delight." --School Library Journal (starred review)

An unlikely team of talkative plants, a curious spider, and a grumpy goldfish use their newfound magical abilities to defend their family from a greedy human in this charming middle grade novel from New York Times bestselling author Beth Ferry, with illustrations from the award-winning Fan brothers.

Ivy is the beloved houseplant of young Jillian Tupper of Number 3 Ramshorn Drive, much to the constant dismay of Toasty the goldfish, who is technically the family pet--swimming in his special place of honor, the antique octagonal fish tank--and should be the most loved. It seems that's how the cookie (or cheese puffs, in Toasty's case) crumbles in the curious Tupper household, but soon a sequence of thrilling and magical events challenges that way of life forever.

First, there's the arrival of Arthur, a knowledgeable spider with a broken leg and a curious mind, hidden in an old typewriter. Then Jillian throws everyone for a loop when she brings home dear, sweet Ollie, a school houseplant who just wants to be friends and sing. When Toasty splashes the plants with his tank water out of frustration, the friends learn that they can do magical things--like lift heavy objects and turn things invisible!

It turns out Toasty's fishtank isn't just for fish; it was made by a curious inventor who gave it special powers that, in the wrong hands, could disrupt everything forever. And a curious man with purple shoes just so happens to want that tank at any cost. Can Ivy, Toasty, Arthur, and Ollie grow to be friends in time to work together to save their beloved Tupper family from utter ruin?

Review Quotes

An Instant New York Times Bestseller
An ALA Notable Book
A Kids' Indie Next List Pick
A CCBC Choices Book
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
Global Read Aloud 2026 Early Reader Selection
A Florida Sunshine State Young Readers Award List Pick

★ "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

"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

"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

"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

"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

"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

"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

About the Author

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.