the antlered ship

A decidedly inquisitive fox embarks on the quest of a lifetime in search of answers to his myriad questions.  Questions like "how deep does the sun go when it sinks into the sea?" and "why don't trees ever talk?"  He decides to set sail on a voyage to seek out other foxes who might be able to shed some light on his philosophical musings.

Marco the fox meets some traveling mates—a band of deer and a flock of pigeons—and they board their otherworldly vessel—a ship whose bow is adorned with majestic antlers.  As the journey progresses and adventures are accumulated, friendships form amongst the crew and Marco realizes he might have been asking the wrong questions all along, looking too far outward instead of right in front of him.

The Fan brothers' emotionally resonant illustrations and atmospheric landscapes immerse the reader in another world, another time and another place only conjured up in the deepest pockets of our imagination.

Special details and thoughtfulness went into producing this book as well—the dust jacket is akin to cold pressed watercolor paper—stiff, substantial, slightly rough and weighty enough to carry the immense beauty of the Fan brothers' art.  All together, picturebook-making at its finest, from all parties involved.  This story will live on past its years.  What can I say?  This book is magic.

The Antlered Ship was written by Dashka Slater and illustrated by the Fan brothers.  Published by Beach Lane Books.