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About The Book

In the spirit of Goodnight Moon and The Curious Garden comes a stunning debut picture book filled with whimsy and creativity from brothers Terry and Eric Fan.

One day, William discovers that the tree outside his window has been sculpted into a wise owl. In the following days, more topiaries appear, and each one is more beautiful than the last. Soon, William’s gray little town is full of color and life. And though the mysterious night gardener disappears as suddenly as he appeared, William—and his town—are changed forever.

With breathtaking illustrations and spare, sweet text, this masterpiece about enjoying the beauty of nature is sure to become an instant classic.

About The Authors

Photograph © Eric Fan

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.

Photograph © Terry Fan

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 GardenerIt Fell from the Sky, and Lizzy and the Cloud. Visit him online TheFanBrothers.com.

About The Illustrators

Photograph © Eric Fan

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.

Photograph © Terry Fan

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 GardenerIt Fell from the Sky, and Lizzy and the Cloud. Visit him online TheFanBrothers.com.

Product Details

  • Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers (February 16, 2016)
  • Length: 48 pages
  • ISBN13: 9781481439794
  • Grades: P - 3
  • Ages: 4 - 8
  • Lexile ® AD570L The Lexile reading levels have been certified by the Lexile developer, MetaMetrics®

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Awards and Honors

  • ALA Notable Children's Books
  • ILA Teachers' Choices
  • Kansas NEA Reading Circle List PrimaryTitle
  • Keystone to Reading Book Award Reading List (PA)
  • CBC/NCSS Notable Social Studies Trade Book
  • Irma S. Black Award (Bank Street)
  • Monarch Award Master List (IL)
  • Zena Sutherland Award (University of Chicago Laboratory Schools)
  • Wanda Gág Read Aloud Book Award Honor Book (MN)
  • Cybils Award Finalist
  • NCTE Charlotte Huck Outstanding Fiction Honor Title
  • Wisconsin State Reading Association's Reading List
  • Center for the Study of Multicultural Children's Literature Best Multicultural Books List
  • A Best Book for Kids & Teens
  • Heather's Pick - Children
  • New York Public Library Best Books for Kids
  • Forest of Reading Blue Spruce Winner
  • Growing Good Kids Excellence in Children's Literature Award
  • Star of the North Picture Book Award (MN)

Resources and Downloads

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