The Hidden World of Gnomes

by Lauren Soloy

A delightful introduction and collection of facts about the secret lives of gnomes that will charm and fascinate readers of all ages.

This book is an introduction to the hidden folk called gnomes, who live in a happy place they call The Pocket. Where is The Pocket, you ask?

Well, it’s all around you, all the time.

Gnomes are curious little creatures, and they’re very shy. But after reading this book, you will learn to spot the telltale signs that gnomes are around . . . and maybe even meet one!

Lauren Soloy has been studying gnomes her whole life, and she has created this book to share her knowledge with you. For example, what jobs do gnomes do? Babysitting robin's eggs, squirrel-tail fluffing, storytelling. Where do they live? In gardens, forests and any place with plants, birds and bugs. What are their names? Hotchi-Mossy, Able Potter, Cob Tiggy and Puckle Swift, to name a few.

With charming details and surprising facts, this celebration of all things gnome will enchant readers of all ages.

Genres: Picture Books, Fantasy, Childrens, Nature, Fiction, Juvenile, Middle Grade

96 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2023

Reviews

[donna backshall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Seven year old me would have LOVED this book. That's all I could think with every new page. Sixty year old me wishes I'd had the past 50+ years to enjoy it.

The illustrations are old-school charming and so approachable. The message of not being able to see magic unless you're open to it is so engaging. All of it is just wonderful and comforting.

[Manybooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

In many (and actually in most) ways Lauren Soloy's 2023 96 pages long picture book The Hidden World of Gnomes is utterly and totally charming, suitable for both older children reading independently and equally so for younger children having The Hidden World of Gnomes read to or with them, and with Soloy via a lunar calendar year concept both verbally and visually (as author/illustrator) introducing and meticulously describing not only a large number of diminutive gnome like entities (acting sweetly collectively, cooperatively, often having celebratory fun, but also functioning as essential and necessary caretakers and guardians of nature and with some of the depicted gnomes even having specific names and jobs like doctors, teachers and the like). And furthermore, and delightfully, The Hidden World of Gnomes also features a simply lovely and magically wondrous sense of being totally, absolutely at home in nature and of seeing everything from a gnome's eye view. For with Lauren Soloy's words and even more so with her accompanying artwork, young readers and/or listeners get to experience the myriad of different plants around them (from seeds to plants and trees and all lushly depicted and lovingly described) from the height of tiny snow-drop flowers, since the gnomes inhabiting the pages of The Hidden World of Gnomes never in fact have a body height that is above said snow-drops and other similarly sized flowers (and with everything being both textually and illustratively smile inducing in The Hidden World of Gnomes, albeit I guess it probably needs to be mentioned that if reading The Hidden World of Gnomes with or to younger children, it might be somewhat prudent to point out that although Lauren Soloy's text and images are set up and presented like a field manual, like a guidebook, The Hidden World of Gnomes is of course not non fiction and should therefore also not be considered and approached as being thus).

Four stars for The Hidden World of Gnomes, and yes, my only reason for not considering a five star rating is that while I do appreciate how Lauren Soloy does not depict her gnomes as resembling the typical and generic garden gnome variety so popular and universal (with pointy red hats, long white beards and the like), I do think that their tiny rounded bodies and especially their faces could show a bit more individuality and less visual homogeneity (as to and for me, all the gnomes found in The Hidden World of Gnomes basically do tend to look pretty much the same with regard to their expressions, although I do appreciate Soloy using a variety of different skin tones for her gnomes so that some of the gnomes of The Hidden World of Gnomes indeed have rather darker skins, that there is thus some diversity being shown although all of the sizes and all of the faces do look pretty much exactly the same).

And oh my gosh, I (unfortunately) could sadly see Nazi-oriented American special interest groups such as Moms for Liberty (a.k.a. as Moms for Dictatorships by and for me) and frighteningly ignorant American politicians like Florida governor Ron DeSantis, Texas governor Greg Abbott et al wanting to censor The Hidden World of Gnomes (because well, depicting and describing gnome like creatures positively and celebratorically would be problematic and also of course anti religious and that gnomes behaving cooperatively and collectively somehow caters to radical Communism). Hope that this does not happen, but I would also not at all be surprised if The Hidden World of Gnomes were challenged and banned (at least in states like Florida, Alabama, Texas and in Canadian provinces like Alberta, Saskatchewan and rural Manitoba).

[Marcella · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ik wil eigenlijk ook wel een Warrel-leven.

[Jasmine · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was recently added to the collection at my work and it is super cute! I love gnomes and mushrooms so this was just delightful.

[Lauren · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I really loved this book, it was wonderfully illustrated, cute, and a nice read about the hidden world of gnomes who live in a land called pocket. Great for kids who are interested in the magical world around them but also for anyone who wants to remember the little joys around them and what they can do for eachother.

[Jamie Loves Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️ rounded up

This is a cute book with details about gnomes and their world. This book would be best for older kids as it is on the longer side.

The illustrations are very pretty and fantastical.

Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Random House for this advanced reader copy. My review is voluntarily my own.

[luna · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very adorable little story— I would have loved to have had a book like this growing up.

[Brandy {The Review Booth} · Rating 4 out of 5]

The illustrations and content of this book are beyond adorable. Sadly, I think I enjoyed it more than my five-year-old daughter did. I think the format was just too “informational” for her rather than what she was hoping it would be, which was a story. She may want to revisit it when she’s a little bit older. I enjoyed looking at it and reading it though and I commend the author’s creativity and illustrations. I would recommend this to older kiddos who would sit through and be engaged in learning about gnomes or adults who love them! Rounded from 3.5 stars.

[Dawn Michelle · Rating 2 out of 5]

I didn't love this book [I didn't dislike all of it either] and I doubt I would purchase it for any littles in my life.
While the story was cute, the illustrations were dark and all the gnomes were really kind of scary looking. The story seemed over-long as well and I am not sure how well this would hold a little's attention, even with all the magic talk.
I can see what the author was trying to achieve here, but for me, it just fell flat.

Thank you to NetGalley, Lauren Soloy, and Penguin Random House Children/Tundra Books for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Lata · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars.
An adorably illustrated book for kids that purports to readers a gnome-level view into gnomes' lives. We see gnomes across the seasons, and how they interact with their animal neighborurs, find food, and entertain themselves.

It's a cute and entertaining book, and will also give young readers a bit of an appreciation for the natural world around them.

Thank you to Netgalley and to Penguibn Rabdom House Canada for this ARC in exchange for my review.

[Hannah Showalter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful artwork and a little witchy, which made it very much to my liking. The story wasn't anything too crazy, I maybe even wanted a little more from it, but the art and characters were super cute!

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is tremendously charming. My daughter and I love it. Every page is a treasure.

[Kirsten · Rating 5 out of 5]

My new favorite book. All about the hidden world of gnomes. I spent many hours imagining little fairies and gnomes busily working away while I slept or played or went to school. A few more pages than a picture book, not quite long enough to be a chapter book. More like poetry. These gnomes are so kind and thoughtful. As you read, you find out more about each of their responsibilities. For instance, the gnome "Rose Gladly has the gnomes planting seeds. The seeds are tucked safely, deep in the ground, just how they like. And then each seed gets a little song whispered to it. Every song is different, depending on what wonderful thing the seed will grow up to be." Oh my heart! I could not love this sweet tribute to gnomes more.

[Cheryl]

Theoretically I should like this if only for the pages about Joy. But I don't care for the style of the art, or the design that puts text all over the large pages. And I'm confused by the moon count - were there 13?

Jan. 2024

[Dianna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I adore gnomes and was excited to get to see and review this children’s book.THE HIDDEN WORLD OF GNOMES by Lauren Soloy is so charming that I can see this becoming a child’s favorite book quite easily.

You are introduced to the wonder of the gnomes that inhabit the world around you, and how they live their lives. You get to learn how things work depending on which season of the moon it us, what sort of jobs the do, and how they appreciate all the little joys of nature.

The illustrations are as equally beautiful as the writing. I truly enjoyed this book and think it would enhance any child’s library. 5 stars!

Thank you NetGalley and Penguin Random House Publishing, Tundra Books for the opportunity to read and review this book.

[Karen Margaret · Rating 4 out of 5]

If I didn’t know this was a new book just out June 2023 I would think this was a classic someone found at their grandparents house/cottage.

The illustration style is unique and simple in the most beautiful old-timey way.

This book is filled with such whimsy and love for the simple things and the wonder of nature. It is a bit wordy in parts and longer than I expected it to be, with the attention span of people these days it’s unlikely to be read all in one sitting but it will spark one’s imagination for years to come I’m sure.

A perfect book to read with a young one at the beginning of summer when many days will be spent exploring and investigating in nature. Will your young one be lucky enough to spot a gnome?

[Casey Halvorsen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you so much NetGalley and Penguin Random House for this beautiful digital arc!

This was such a cute and sweet book. I love the little Canadian touches! The art was very cute and whimsical. I can't wait to sell this in store!

[Kimberly · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. A cute 96 page illustrated book about the lives of gnomes. I loved the illustrations and really liked reading the different jobs the gnomes have. Beatrix Nut is an artist and she decorates the beetles shells and repairs butterfly and moth wings. Mrs Spider weaves messages of the day in her spider web. Burley Bell is the doctor and she plasters a cracked shell and splints a broken tell and sings to her patients who occasionally her patients pretend to be sick just to hear her sing. The gnomes like to celebrate the seasons and the moon and the beauty of the nature around them. Just an all over sweet book. Oh, and there is a gnome cookie recipe I may try

[Natalie Marie Hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a sweet and adorable little story. Pictures are so whimsical and I just know I would have loved this book as a child. Looking forward to showing it to my littles when they finally can sit down with me and snuggle in for storytime.

[Tayler K]

A library patron said they liked this book so much they wrote to the author, so I'll have to check it out.

[Morgan · Rating 4 out of 5]

It doesn't get more whimsical than this little treasure.

[Britta · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a whimsical and adorable children's book with sweet little messages about community and mindfulness. 🥹

[Renee Brazeau · Rating 5 out of 5]

All the woodland energy. A reminder to notice the little things and immerse yourself in nature. Love the little gnome characters and learning about each of their hobbies/interests. A fun opportunity to ‘tag yourself’ and your friends as little gnomes. This book brings me joy. Excited to share with a kiddo eventually.

[Haven · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of our favorites. Beautifully written. We love it, and named our backyard for The Pocket after the place where gnomes live.

[Jaime Vecchiarino · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wouldn't normally count a children's book in my total for the year.... but at almost 100 pages and with a story and illustrations I'll never forget, I needed to mark this one down. My 10 year old loved it as much as I did. I cant wait for the next one.

[Carly · Rating 5 out of 5]

A sweet and magical book! Both my kids (ages 5 and 9) love this book.

[ezra · Rating 5 out of 5]

so cuteeeeeee

[Erin]

My tweenage self would have loved this meandering mishmash of gnome lore. Full of affirmation-type language, tidbits of information about different gnome creatures, and even a recipe, the illustrations shine while the text takes the reader on a tour of gnome life.

[Lexi M. · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Hidden World of Gnomes is a fantasy picture book that follows a community of gnomes through their lives, which is dependent on the lunar cycle. Their story takes us through each full moon from the Snow Drop Moon to the Sleep Moons. Soloy introduces each gnome and what they bring to the community. We follow the gnomes’ adventures with spectacular illustrations and little tidbits of joy and positivity. Each gnome has a job and looks at it in a different positive way. We also observe how the gnomes work with the animals and plants of the forest to create a feeling of unity.
A kinder or first grade teacher could use this to introduce jobs or roles in their classroom. Each job is thoroughly explained with examples or bits of kindness. It provides examples, like Burley Bell the doctor, that could be utilized in your room. Bonus points if your classroom has a woodland theme.

[Alanah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a sweet book with absolutely beautiful illustrations!