Growing Home by Beth Ferry is a short novel for all ages (but probably aimed at readers just graduating from chapter books to longer, more complex stories) that is filled with heart, and humor. The story takes place mainly in the Tupper's home. The Tupper family consists of Mr. & Mrs. Tupper and their daughter, Jillian. There is also a plant named Ivy and fish named Toasty. Ivy and Toasty spend their days together but it might be a bit of a stretch to say that they're friends, until...Until the day that Mr. Tupper brings home an old desk for their antiques business and Jillian brings home a plant. Arthur, a spider has been transported with the desk and Ollie, a violet plant, was given to Jillian as a gift. Toasty and Ivy are not sure they want any new housemates but strange things continue to happen that day and plants, fish and spider have to learn to work together to save each other and the Tuppers. Each challenge brings the characters new growth and insight, changing them and binding all together as both friends and family. It's a lovely, hopeful story that shows the big impact that can be made by small things in our lives. This would make a great classroom or family read alound. Wonderful, cozy illustrations by the Fan Brothers add to the charm of Growing Home.

Growing Home is a tale full of fun twists and turns. The style of the writing reminds me of Lemony Snicket ("A Series of Unfortunate Events Series) in how the narrator tells the story, as well as in the explanations presented to readers when an idea or word they may not understand is introduced. It is a fun yet almost deadpan tone. The magical elements and hidden connections throughout this story make it so enjoyable.

Thank you to NetGalley and Simon and Schuster Children's Publishing for the eARC!
This book was beautifully written! I loved the writing style and characters. I have to say, the spider, Arthur, might have been my favorite (and the illustrations of him were so cute)! I loved the theme of friendship and seeing the characters come together. I'm a school based SLP and this is a book I would love to use in speech room!

I am a huge fan of Beth Ferry’s picture books, so I was especially excited to see that she had written a chapter book. I sat down to read my advanced copy one morning and did not move until I had finished it. What a wonderful and well written story it is! I loved all the characters! What I especially loved about the book was not only the storyline, but also how the author imparted humor and wisdom throughout. I absolutely love this book and I cannot wait till it comes out in May. It will definitely be on the shelves of my elementary school library!!