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The Night Gardener

By Terry Fan and Eric Fan
Illustrated by Terry Fan and Eric Fan

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.
Photograph © Eric Fan
Terry 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

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.
Photograph © Eric Fan
Terry 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

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.

"A treat, with artwork worth lingering over."

– Publishers Weekly, STARRED REVIEW

"It is a pleasing collaboration with art bound to both haunt and delight."

– Booklist

"An elegant picture book that celebrates creativity and community."

– School Library Journal, STARRED REVIEW

“An uplifting testament to the effect that a caring adult can have on a lonely child…Visual pleasure abounds.”

– Kirkus Reviews, STARRED REVIEW

“The Night Gardener is visual storytelling at its best.”

– Shelf Awareness, STARRED REVIEW

"The message about the transformative power of art is a powerful one, and the intriguing premise and graceful art are definitely captivating. Reminiscent of Chris Van Allsburg’s imaginative works as well as Lane Smith’s Grandpa Green."

– The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books
  • 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)

The Night Gardener

By Terry Fan and Eric Fan
Illustrated by Terry Fan and Eric Fan