Under the Blanket Sky - by Tim Fischer (Hardcover)

About the Book

"A young boy is visited by a mysterious owl, who spends a long summer as his cherished companion before having to leave when the seasons change"--

Book Synopsis

An extraordinary debut picture book about a boy and his unusual friend--a majestic owl--and a long yet fleeting summer that changes them forever.

In the spirit of The Velveteen Rabbit and Robert Frost's poem "Nothing Gold Can Stay," here is a heartfelt and luminously illustrated story about friendship and eternal love.

A lonely young boy is visited by a mysterious owl one sunny morning, forming an instant bond and a sense of belonging. What follows is a memorable summer full of playful adventures and shared, quiet joy. But when the owl must eventually continue his journey onward, the boy and the reader are left to reflect on the bittersweet nature of the passing of time, ultimately finding comfort in the remembrance of those who have passed through our lives and changed us forever.

This stunning and unique book--which feels instantly both new and classic--is sure to spark beautiful conversations as families share it together. It embraces the inevitability of having to say goodbye and celebrates the stillness of ordinary places and the shimmering beauty that can be found there should we take the time to wait and listen.

Review Quotes

★ A Bank Street College Best Children's Book of the Year, 2024

"Sweetly nostalgic."--The New York Times

"Soft, feathery illustrations add to the dreamlike quality of the story. . . . Mysterious and contemplative."--Booklist

"Dreamlike art. . . . Sunlight and feathers are the stars of the show."--Kirkus

"Each soothing spread unfurls like a blanket, too, in this evocative reverie."--Publishers Weekly

"The dreamlike coloring of the scenes, with pastel hues and bright white accents, create sun-filled days with an unhurried pace. . . . The text, especially dialogue, is a true representation of a child's language and thoughts regarding the abstract idea of letting go."--School Library Journal

"This tale of enduring friendship captivates from stunning sunrise to idyllic evening--and all the summer days between."--Shelf Awareness

About the Author

TIM FISCHER is an artist and author born and raised in Herkimer, New York. After graduating with a degree in engineering science, he worked as a land surveyor while nurturing a freelance career as a self-taught portrait and landscape artist. He later pursued a career in health care as a rehabilitation assistant while continuing his freelance work as a commissioned artist, creating detailed pencil and charcoal drawings.

After spending many years living in Illinois, California, and Rhode Island, he has now settled back in his hometown region of upstate New York with his fiancée, along with their dog and two cats. Finding new inspiration in familiar landscapes and ready to fully embrace his creative side, he is the author and illustrator of his debut children's book, Under the Blanket Sky. See more of Tim's work on Instagram at @tim_fischer_art.