The two work together under the light of the moon. He follows and the man invites him to help. The mystery surrounding the sculptures continues until the night William spots an unfamiliar older gentleman carrying a ladder and shears into Grimloch Park. Over time, the people of Grimloch Lane are transformed by the sculptures that appear “as if by magic.” All kinds of people come together to marvel and celebrate. One day there is a perched cat, the next a friendly rabbit, then a pretty parakeet and a playful elephant, and finally, “the most magnificent masterpiece yet!” Someone-they do not know who-is pruning their trees into an eclectic menagerie. On subsequent mornings, they gather in anticipation of a new garden creation. This discovery brings a sense of hope to the otherwise bleak community. The next morning, William and his neighbors wake to find an enormous topiary owl in front of the Grimloch Orphanage. Unbeknownst to him, he catches the eye of a talented passerby. The book opens with a forlorn orphan named William sitting slumped on a log, sketching an owl in the dirt. The Fan Brothers’ debut picture book, The Night Gardener, follows a similar theme. Ogden, a public school teacher, wrote “Brighten the Corner Where You Are,” a song to encourage people to use their unique skills and talents for the benefit of others. Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, 2016, 48 pp. Written and Illustrated by Terry & Eric Fan
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