CARY FAGAN writes books for children and adults. He has won the Vicky Metcalf Award for Children’s Literature, the Jewish Book Award, the IODE Jean Throop Book Award and the Marilyn Baillie Picture Book Award, among others. His picture books include A Cage Went in Search of a Bird, illustrated by Banafsheh Erfanian, and Son of Happy, illustrated by Milan Pavlovic, which was named one of the Best Canadian Picture Books of 2020 by CBC Books. Cary lives with his family in Toronto.

BANAFSHEH ERFANIAN was born in Tehran, Iran. She graduated from Tehran University of Art with a bachelor in graphic design and a master’s in illustration. Banafsheh has illustrated more than twenty books and magazines, and written more than twenty-five articles in art reviews. She has exhibited her work in Iran, Italy, US, Canada, Moscow, Japan and Belgrade. She has won prizes such as the 1st prize of the Second Festival of Text Books Illustration, Iran, and the encouragement prize of the 15th Noma Concours for Picture Book Illustration, Japan. She teaches painting and illustration in Iran and Canada. She lives in Toronto.

An original and thought-provoking exploration of the rhythms of friendship. - Kirkus, STARRED REVIEW

A literal interpretation of a famous quote provides the heart of a whimsical story about two lonely souls seeking friendship. … Boldly illustrated in a folk art–style with acrylic and oil pastel, the pages are a riot of saturated colors. - Booklist

A lovely storytime or lapsit selection for deep thinkers and connection-makers. - School Library Journal