Growing Home

Though cantankerous goldfish Toasty is the only pet at Number 3 Ramshorn Drive, he’s not the favorite inhabitant of aspiring young botanist Jillian Tupper; that designation belongs to a bubbly, self-centered plant called Ivy. From his antique octagonal tank in the foyer, Toasty bickers amiably with Ivy, occasionally splashing her to emphasize his points, and enjoys cheese puffs pilfered by the flora. The arrival of two new creatures—inquisitive spider Arthur and a shy violet plant named Ollie—upends the pair’s comfortable routine and leads to the discovery that Toasty’s fish tank is magical. With a carefully targeted splash, the plants are imbued with special powers: Ivy can lift heavy objects and Ollie becomes invisible, abilities that prove useful with the third-act arrival of a devious antique collector bent on obtaining the fish tank. 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. Ages 6–9. Author’s agent: Elena Giovinazzo, Heirloom Literary. Illustrators’ agent: Kirsten Hall, Catbird Agency. (May)