Picture a Canadian illustrator whose whimsical worlds blend dreams with reality—meet Terry Fan! As one half of the acclaimed Fan Brothers, Terry has enchanted readers with picture books that spark imagination. From doodling airplanes as a kid to crafting award-winning stories, his journey proves that art can transform the ordinary into the extraordinary.
The Making of Terry Fan
Born in Illinois and raised in Toronto, Canada, Terry Fan’s early life was a tapestry of creativity. With a father who earned a PhD in Philosophy, Terry grew up surrounded by big ideas. He and his brother Eric, born in Hawaii, spent their childhood sketching and dreaming. Terry’s formal training at the Ontario College of Art and Design honed his skills, blending traditional ink and graphite with digital techniques. Before children’s books, he designed t-shirts for Threadless, catching the eye of art directors and launching his illustrative career.
Terry Fan’s Unforgettable Stories
Terry, alongside Eric, debuted with The Night Gardener in 2016, a tale of a mysterious gardener shaping topiaries and communities. Its lush illustrations earned it an ALA Notable Children’s Book nod. Ocean Meets Sky followed in 2018, a breathtaking story of a boy sailing to a magical place where whales soar. Critics called its visuals “truly breathtaking,” securing nominations for the Kate Greenaway Medal. The brothers’ collaboration with their youngest sibling, Devin, produced The Barnabus Project, a 2020 Governor General’s Award winner about a misfit creature’s quest for freedom. Terry’s style—evocative, detailed, and dreamlike—merges vintage charm with modern flair, inviting readers into worlds where imagination reigns.
Other gems include It Fell from the Sky, a quirky tale of a spider claiming a mysterious object, and Lizzy and the Cloud, a tender story of a girl and her pet cloud. Each book showcases Terry’s ability to weave emotional depth with visual splendor, making his works timeless treasures for all ages.
Why Terry Fan Matters
Terry Fan’s impact lies in his ability to make the impossible feel real. His books celebrate art’s transformative power, inspiring young readers to see beauty in the everyday. The Fan Brothers’ awards, from the Governor General’s to the Ruth Schwartz Children’s Book Award, reflect their influence on children’s literature. By blending cultural heritage—drawing from their Chinese father’s storytelling—Terry’s work resonates globally, proving that imagination knows no bounds.
- Birthplace: Illinois, USA
- Key Works: The Night Gardener, Ocean Meets Sky, The Barnabus Project
- Awards: 2020 Governor General’s Award, 2017 Blue Spruce Award
Ready to soar into Terry Fan’s magical worlds? Grab Ocean Meets Sky and let your imagination take flight!