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Growing Home
An instant New York Times bestseller!
“A meditative, charming delight.” —School Library Journal (starred review)
An unlikely team of talkative plants, a curious spider, and a grumpy goldfish use their newfound magical abilities to defend their family from a greedy human in this charming middle grade novel from New York Times bestselling author Beth Ferry, with illustrations from the award-winning Fan brothers.
Ivy is the beloved houseplant of young Jillian Tupper of Number 3 Ramshorn Drive, much to the constant dismay of Toasty the goldfish, who is technically the family pet—swimming in his special place of honor, the antique octagonal fish tank—and should be the most loved. It seems that’s how the cookie (or cheese puffs, in Toasty’s case) crumbles in the curious Tupper household, but soon a sequence of thrilling and magical events challenges that way of life forever.
First, there’s the arrival of Arthur, a knowledgeable spider with a broken leg and a curious mind, hidden in an old typewriter. Then Jillian throws everyone for a loop when she brings home dear, sweet Ollie, a school houseplant who just wants to be friends and sing. When Toasty splashes the plants with his tank water out of frustration, the friends learn that they can do magical things—like lift heavy objects and turn things invisible!
It turns out Toasty’s fishtank isn’t just for fish; it was made by a curious inventor who gave it special powers that, in the wrong hands, could disrupt everything forever. And a curious man with purple shoes just so happens to want that tank at any cost. Can Ivy, Toasty, Arthur, and Ollie grow to be friends in time to work together to save their beloved Tupper family from utter ruin?
“A meditative, charming delight.” —School Library Journal (starred review)
An unlikely team of talkative plants, a curious spider, and a grumpy goldfish use their newfound magical abilities to defend their family from a greedy human in this charming middle grade novel from New York Times bestselling author Beth Ferry, with illustrations from the award-winning Fan brothers.
Ivy is the beloved houseplant of young Jillian Tupper of Number 3 Ramshorn Drive, much to the constant dismay of Toasty the goldfish, who is technically the family pet—swimming in his special place of honor, the antique octagonal fish tank—and should be the most loved. It seems that’s how the cookie (or cheese puffs, in Toasty’s case) crumbles in the curious Tupper household, but soon a sequence of thrilling and magical events challenges that way of life forever.
First, there’s the arrival of Arthur, a knowledgeable spider with a broken leg and a curious mind, hidden in an old typewriter. Then Jillian throws everyone for a loop when she brings home dear, sweet Ollie, a school houseplant who just wants to be friends and sing. When Toasty splashes the plants with his tank water out of frustration, the friends learn that they can do magical things—like lift heavy objects and turn things invisible!
It turns out Toasty’s fishtank isn’t just for fish; it was made by a curious inventor who gave it special powers that, in the wrong hands, could disrupt everything forever. And a curious man with purple shoes just so happens to want that tank at any cost. Can Ivy, Toasty, Arthur, and Ollie grow to be friends in time to work together to save their beloved Tupper family from utter ruin?
272 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 27, 2025
182 people are currently reading
1270 people want to read
About the author
Beth Ferry
43 books148 followersBeth Ferry is the author of the picture books Stick and Stone and Land Shark. Her family has cared for myriad pets, including two land sharks, a hedgehog, a blue-tongued skink, and a heap of hamsters, but her absolutely perfect pet is an English bulldog named Winston. She lives in New Jersey.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 262 reviews
December 21, 2025
a favorite read of 2025🩵
such a sweet chapter book about the importance of what it means to be a friend, with the most unique of characters making up this quartet: an ivy plant and a violet plant, a super smart spider, and a grumpy goldfish! i especially loved how big words were introduced and explained to the young readers
such a sweet chapter book about the importance of what it means to be a friend, with the most unique of characters making up this quartet: an ivy plant and a violet plant, a super smart spider, and a grumpy goldfish! i especially loved how big words were introduced and explained to the young readers
July 4, 2025
Honestly was surprised with how much I enjoyed this one. A wonderful story about the importance of friendship and a little bit of magic.
The story takes place at Number 3 Ramshorn Drive, where Toasty, an orange goldfish, and Ivy, an ivy plant, live with the Tupper family. A couple who owns an antique shop called Re-Store-ation, and their daughter Jillian who dreams of becoming a botanist.
The chapters are short and I could see them being the perfect read aloud or bedtime story, especially with Beth Ferry's beautiful prose leading the way.
Also who doesn't enjoy a book with a halftime break chapter 😉
The story takes place at Number 3 Ramshorn Drive, where Toasty, an orange goldfish, and Ivy, an ivy plant, live with the Tupper family. A couple who owns an antique shop called Re-Store-ation, and their daughter Jillian who dreams of becoming a botanist.
The chapters are short and I could see them being the perfect read aloud or bedtime story, especially with Beth Ferry's beautiful prose leading the way.
Also who doesn't enjoy a book with a halftime break chapter 😉
September 16, 2025
Many thanks to Pernille Ripp for recommending this book! What a great 1st middle grade book for this author, After her many wonderful picture books! The plot of this story with magical plant & animal characters living in a house where Jillian loves plants and animals but some of the animals & plants are jealous of the attention Jillian gives to her “friends” - will bring a smile to all readers’ faces as they follow the journey of the Inhabitants of this house! There is laughter, suspense, and mystery, a must read!
August 10, 2025
How many books feature house plants as main characters? A charming children’s story that reminded me of Kate DiCamillo’s good work
September 17, 2025
Growing Home is a charming middle-grade novel that blends whimsy, humor, and tender moments in a way that appeals both to young readers (ages ~6-10) and to older readers who appreciate gentle fantasy. The premise—plants, a spider, and a goldfish discovering magical abilities and needing to band together to protect their human family—is delightfully imaginative and full of surprising depth.
“A fish tank without a fish is like a toaster without any toast. And that was how Toasty got his name.”
“A fish tank without a fish is like a toaster without any toast. And that was how Toasty got his name.”
April 17, 2025
There's nothing not to love in this story. Everyone is so stylish, most characters are bestowed a flippin' cute little hat in their illustrations-- I can't even. I love the subtle love letter to the printing and bookstore industries. I really wish this could be May's children's book pick for Barnes and Noble, it would tie so nicely to the April one, Olivetti. Very different story, but the continuation reference would be amazing. But this is currently slated for a May 27 release date.
I kid you not, I shed my own little tears at the very end because of a conclusion to an arc in regards to Arthur. Hard to put into words, just that sometimes people are telling you profound things in a disguised way. I love how this story was wrapped up for Arthur, and for all spiders, and for a gently encouraging reward demonstrated in extending our understanding, consideration, and respect for others.
And of course:
𝙎𝘼𝙑𝙀 𝙏𝙊𝘼𝙎𝙏
Thank you SO MUCH to Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing, and to Beth Ferry and The Fan Brothers, for the Uncorrected Proof.
I kid you not, I shed my own little tears at the very end because of a conclusion to an arc in regards to Arthur. Hard to put into words, just that sometimes people are telling you profound things in a disguised way. I love how this story was wrapped up for Arthur, and for all spiders, and for a gently encouraging reward demonstrated in extending our understanding, consideration, and respect for others.
And of course:
𝙎𝘼𝙑𝙀 𝙏𝙊𝘼𝙎𝙏
Thank you SO MUCH to Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing, and to Beth Ferry and The Fan Brothers, for the Uncorrected Proof.
April 1, 2025
I am 100% obsessed with this book. Loved it so much and am already recommending it to others. The characters…I fell in love with all of them, non-human and human alike. The illustrations are what you’d expect from the Fan brothers. The humor was unexpected and just delightful. This sweet story manages to pack a punch and will stay with me for a while.
Thank to NetGalley for the advance peek at this cozy look at friendship, a bit of a mystery, and a really wonderful read.
Thank to NetGalley for the advance peek at this cozy look at friendship, a bit of a mystery, and a really wonderful read.
May 2, 2025
Genre: Children’s Chapter Book
Two houseplants, a spider, & and goldfish become unlikely friends.
This was a super cute and sweet book about friendship and helping others with a sprinkle of fantasy/magic. The characters were lively and kept my attention. I liked how some harder vocabulary words were mixed in and explained in a fun way. Kids will love it!
Thank you Simon & Schuster Children’s Books for the ARC! 🪴🕷️
Two houseplants, a spider, & and goldfish become unlikely friends.
This was a super cute and sweet book about friendship and helping others with a sprinkle of fantasy/magic. The characters were lively and kept my attention. I liked how some harder vocabulary words were mixed in and explained in a fun way. Kids will love it!
Thank you Simon & Schuster Children’s Books for the ARC! 🪴🕷️
May 28, 2025
An utterly charming and captivating middle grade novel about found family, magic and heartwarming friendships between plants, animals and a young girl. I enjoyed this one so much and think young readers will get a kick out of the adventures of these characters. The story gave me Finding Nemo vibes and was good on audio. Highly recommended!
August 19, 2025
This book is very family friendly and cute, great for young ones age 5-8. I loved the lessons about friendship at the end, but did struggle with the lack of plot for the first 150 pages. It’s heartwarming, but perhaps not the best example of great writing.
August 24, 2025
4.5 stars. Such a sweet book. This would be a great read-aloud, especially at the beginning of a school year: Themes of friendship, risk-taking and redemption in an approachable and touching package. And who doesn’t love talking plants and animals?!
September 2, 2025
Such a cute and heartwarming story about friendship and what's important in life. I think I'll read this to my 3rd graders this year (and probably Emmy too) and then will have to buy an Ivy plant for my classroom!
October 14, 2025
What if your plants and animals could talk to each other? What if they were all bickering pests?
July 5, 2025
Just adorable. This reminds me a bit of The Very Very Far North and Wishtree. The main characters are two house plants, a grumpy goldfish, and a spider. This would have made a cute read aloud when my kids were young (5-8 would be ideal). It would have had some good ties to activities for a homeschool book club pick. Loved the illustrations from the Fan Brothers.
July 29, 2025
A sweet and silly story of friendship and family. It was a great read aloud for my 4, 7, and 9 year old. We all enjoyed it!
September 7, 2025
Review #1300
This was a charming story, aimed at young MG and early chapter book readers. It features a grumpy goldfish and an excitable houseplant, and new characters keep popping up. There is a lot of wordplay and fun dialogue. It’s mostly low-stakes, but there is a Big Scene near the end that is more suspenseful.
Language: Clean
Sexual Content: None
Violence/Gore: Mild
Harm to Animals:
Harm to Children:
Other (Triggers):
This was a charming story, aimed at young MG and early chapter book readers. It features a grumpy goldfish and an excitable houseplant, and new characters keep popping up. There is a lot of wordplay and fun dialogue. It’s mostly low-stakes, but there is a Big Scene near the end that is more suspenseful.
Language: Clean
Sexual Content: None
Violence/Gore: Mild
Harm to Animals:
Harm to Children:
Other (Triggers):
October 14, 2025
what a fun and quick listen all in the eyes of little house pets/guests
April 16, 2025
This was cute from start to finish. What I appreciate about this book is that it set the tone early and kept that tone of lighthearted banter. One could argue that the characters remain one-note, and I would agree with that. The writing is written so whimsically that I'm able to overlook that most characters are not meant to "change" in this book. Our two main characters show the promise of change, and really that's all that we're asking in a story. I also appreciate the few pictures strewn about to help enhance the novel.
I definitely recommend this book if you're looking for a quick, fun read that's fast paced.
I definitely recommend this book if you're looking for a quick, fun read that's fast paced.
June 11, 2025
Inside the new home of two antique sellers and their daughter, we follow the humorous adventures of those who spend their time together. They first include the grumpy and serious family goldfish Toasty and the curious and talkative houseplant Ivy, and later come the adventurous spider Arthur and the arrival of singing houseplant Ollie. They’ll soon need each other’s help when a mysterious man is after Toasty’s regal tank that has a history of its own.
This is just a nice charming story about friendship and family with the cast of small characters that bring a lot, with the final surprising part being about teamwork. The illustrations are also very simply yet a bit silly as well. The story also feels reminiscent of E.B. White’s works such as “Charlotte’s Web” for its calm storytelling. A shiner of a story that shows that family is the most valuable thing you’ll always have. A- (91%/Excellent)
This is just a nice charming story about friendship and family with the cast of small characters that bring a lot, with the final surprising part being about teamwork. The illustrations are also very simply yet a bit silly as well. The story also feels reminiscent of E.B. White’s works such as “Charlotte’s Web” for its calm storytelling. A shiner of a story that shows that family is the most valuable thing you’ll always have. A- (91%/Excellent)
November 8, 2025
Oh my. Oh. My.
It has been a long, long time since I have been this delighted by a book. As I read it, I find myself daydreaming of snuggling with my someday-grandchild and reading this aloud. We'll have a squashy coach and a soft blanket and a pretty plate of warm chocolate chip cookies. The dream and this book - just perfect.
I love illustrated chapter books, and the Fan brothers are amazing artists. I love cheeky writing that is truly for children, but never talks down to them. As opposed to so many children's books that either assume their readers are nincompoops or are really written for adults. Beth Ferry is a delight. She's whimsical and wonderful. The book is sweet and funny with a little bit of magic. Just perfect.
I plan to purchase three copies of this book. One for my library; I'm an elementary school librarian. One for my bookshelves. And one for the box in the top of my closet labeled Someday Grandbabies.
It has been a long, long time since I have been this delighted by a book. As I read it, I find myself daydreaming of snuggling with my someday-grandchild and reading this aloud. We'll have a squashy coach and a soft blanket and a pretty plate of warm chocolate chip cookies. The dream and this book - just perfect.
I love illustrated chapter books, and the Fan brothers are amazing artists. I love cheeky writing that is truly for children, but never talks down to them. As opposed to so many children's books that either assume their readers are nincompoops or are really written for adults. Beth Ferry is a delight. She's whimsical and wonderful. The book is sweet and funny with a little bit of magic. Just perfect.
I plan to purchase three copies of this book. One for my library; I'm an elementary school librarian. One for my bookshelves. And one for the box in the top of my closet labeled Someday Grandbabies.
June 12, 2025
Let's see. Who are our characters in this book?
Mr. and Mrs. Tupper and their daughter, Jillian---the humans. The grownups run an antique store.
Toasty the goldfish who lives in the octagonal antique fish tank at the Tuppers' house.
Ivy---a plant that is Jillian's favorite.
Arthur---a spider who arrived at the Tuppers' house via an antique desk.
Ollie---a new plant Jillian brings home.
Sunny, the Scary Canary.
Mrs. Bonnetby, Sunny's owner.
Louise, the bee.
Lots of potential here for troubles, of course. Add in cheese puffs, and the fact that the antique store is struggling, and Toasty's grumpiness, and Ivy's jealousy, and some rather valuable antiques...
...yes, it all makes for a lot of fun.
Mr. and Mrs. Tupper and their daughter, Jillian---the humans. The grownups run an antique store.
Toasty the goldfish who lives in the octagonal antique fish tank at the Tuppers' house.
Ivy---a plant that is Jillian's favorite.
Arthur---a spider who arrived at the Tuppers' house via an antique desk.
Ollie---a new plant Jillian brings home.
Sunny, the Scary Canary.
Mrs. Bonnetby, Sunny's owner.
Louise, the bee.
Lots of potential here for troubles, of course. Add in cheese puffs, and the fact that the antique store is struggling, and Toasty's grumpiness, and Ivy's jealousy, and some rather valuable antiques...
...yes, it all makes for a lot of fun.
December 16, 2025
What an adorable read for a middle grade reader - Growing Home is a lovely story about friendship and found family with some magic thrown in for good measure. Initially it's just Toasty the goldfish and Ivy the ivy living in the Tupper home with Mr and Mrs Tupper and their daughter, Jillian. ivy and Toasty are friends that keep each other company even though Ivy is a little focused on herself and Toasty is a little grumpy. When a series of events introduce another magical plant, a very smart spider, and a not so scary bird into the mix, they all learn a little more about the power of friendship. This is so sweet - and has a lot of humor thrown in.
November 7, 2025
I looked at Best seller list and got this book… didn’t realize it was for 5-9 year olds!! It was so cute … good creativity as plants come alive but it’s just such a good message for little ones and helpful for learning concepts and vocab building. Really enjoyed
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 21, 2025
cute book on friendship with a little bit of magic
more of an elementary read
more of an elementary read
Read
July 23, 2025Whimsical tale that would make a cute and easy class read aloud.
August 31, 2025
A sweet little book with lovable characters — would recommend for a 1st-2nd grade read aloud
September 1, 2025
Adorable book I read with my son.
November 5, 2025
that was so cute. i was loving the subtle jokes.
November 22, 2025
Super cute quick read
November 26, 2025
What a fun read! Would’ve loved to read this one aloud in my elementary library days.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 262 reviews