The Fan Brothers

Cover art for Ocean Meets Sky by The Fan Brothers

I am continually gobsmacked by the breathtaking beauty that is the art of The Fan Brothers. It boggles my mind that these two can continue to create visual masterpieces book after book. When I was young I used to hang album covers on my bedroom walls, now I'm inclined to hang their gorgeous book covers. Luckily, there are classroom displays!

It isn't only the illustrations that appeal to me - it's the stories they tell as well. Ocean Meets Sky takes on the heavy topic of losing a loved one. The writing is tender and as embracing as the magical illustrations. Together they let the reader - both young and old - know that the world is full of possibilities. There is magic to be found in our dreams and that magic can sooth and comfort us.

Our loved ones are never really very far away (illustration from Ocean Meets Sky)

I am so excited to include Ocean Meets Sky in my Broadway Books First Class program this year. In fact, this is the third title by The Fan Brothers showcased in the program. In Year One I selected The Night Gardener to be read aloud by two-time Tony Award nominee Alison Fraser.

The Night Gardener by The Fan Brothers

The Night Gardener was the first of their books to catch my attention. Once again, it is the play of light that whisks us away to an ethereal landscape wherein loss and loneliness (it takes place in and around an orphanage) is supplanted by hope and possibility.

This is a gentle mystery that finds its answer in the quiet of the night, underneath the omnipresent moon.  It's a celebration of altering one's perspective and seeing the magic in bringing people together. This wonderous book had me seeing figures in all of the trees as I walked along the towpath with my Saint Bernards. Like Ocean Meets Sky, it stays with you.

The early cover of The Darkest Dark 
I'm told there is a glow-in-the-dark edition

The following year the moon was back with The Darkest Dark (illustrated by The Fan Brothers and written by Astronaut Chris Hadfield). I was lucky enough to have three-time Tony Award Nominee Mary Testa read this book aloud to my first graders.

It a story of a boy who overcomes his fear of the dark to travel into space. Well, when he grows up. There are dynamic illustrations draped in shadows with that pervasive blue reserved for dark moonlight nights. It is the play of light in all of their books that I find so intriguing. It embodies the feel of William Blake's illuminated printing technique (for me, anyway). The images glow from underneath, almost as if they are being viewed on a light table...truly fascinating.

A page from The Darkest Dark illustrated by The Fan Brothers

Last month The Fan Brothers and Beth Ferry came out with The Scarecrow. It is a story of an unlikely friendship (follow the link to read some of the glowing reviews). I ordered my copy today and have a strong feeling it is going to be an October pick for Year Six of my program.

High-quality picture books are essential for early childhood educators. It is how we invite children into the world of imagination and words. We can discuss sensitive themes, develop receptive and expressive language, and stir up excitement and awe.

Books provide wonder that is quite impossible to capture the same way using any other medium. They say so much, yet leave so much unsaid. There is room to rummage around and connect in deeply personal ways. The Fan Brothers are at the top of their game and I look forward to seeing where they'll take me - and my students - next.

An evocative illustration from The Scarecrow 

Check out prints by Terry Fan and Eric Fan by clicking the links on their names.  Also, follow Terry and Eric on Instagram and find them on Facebook.  Purchase their books on Amazon or in any bookstore and let me know what you think.