Gnome and Rat: Time to Party!

Gnome and Rat #2

by Lauren Stohler

Your favorite hilarious best friends are BACK and ready to party in the second installment of this early graphic novel series.

Gnome and Rat--the silly and endearing best friends from the Enormous Forest--can't wait to celebrate Gnome's 133rd birthday! Gnome has a few things to accomplish in preperation for his big extravaganza. But what about Rat? He's feeling a little left out... what big day can he celebrate for himself?

Put on your party hats and join these funny friends as they come up with an entirely new holiday, make an unexpected birthday wish, and try to jazz up their exercise routine. But no matter the occasion, these two will always have something special to each other.

Genres: Graphic Novels, Fantasy, Childrens, Humor, Picture Books, Juvenile, Animals

80 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 12, 2024

Reviews

[Dawn Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love these early graphic novels for children and this series is one of the best! Filled with fantastic illustrations and a lovely story of two friends and what one friend will do for another to help them feel included [and offers encouragement when needed]; this is really a fun book to read!! Make sure to pay attention to the illustrations because there is just so much to see that will both add to the story AND will encourage using ones imagination to expand the story. This book [and the first book in the series] are just so fun and I cannot wait to see where Gnome and Rat will go next.
Highly recommended.

Thank you to NetGalley, Lauren Stohler, and Random House Children's/Knopf Books for Children for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Morgan Ludlow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gnome and Rat: Time to Party! was one of the cutest books ever! The illustrations were so silly, and I found myself looking forward to seeing what Gnome and Rat were going to do on the next pages to come. The cover made this book stick out to me, and I am so glad I had the chance to read it. Gnome turns 133 and is wanting to come up with three big things to do for his birthday! He is going to be blowing the biggest bubble he has ever blown for one of his big things...is that a good idea? Maybe... Rat feels a little left out because Gnome has a ton of Gnome holidays to celebrate, but Rat doesn't have anything! They come up with the best holiday idea.....RATURDAY! Every Saturday is now Raturday! A day just for him. He wants to grow tomatoes for his first celebration! Buckets and buckets of them for a feast! Just wait until you see what they make with the tomatoes! I really recommend everyone to choose this as their next read because it will keep you giggling! I am looking forward to reading more adventures of Gnome and Rat!
#GnomeandRatTimetoParty #NetGalley

[Kayla Zabcia · Rating 4 out of 5]

not nearly as long as it needs and deserves to be! so cute and cozy

[Eliott · Rating 3 out of 5]

Gnome and Rat: Time to Party!
Overall Rating: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ (3/5) or 6.00/10 overall

Characters - 6

Atmosphere - 7

Writing - 6

Plot - 5

Intrigue - 6

Logic - 6

Enjoyment - 6

[Steph · Rating 5 out of 5]

I. Love. This. Series!

Junior graphic novels that make me laugh out LOUD - not to mention give our students the giggles, too?!? More of this, please!

[Briel · Rating 5 out of 5]

My kids hadn’t discovered Gnome and Rat before this book but now they are eager to read more stories about the two friends! These graphic novels are adorable and unique where each chapter is a separate story in its own right but also links to the the stories in the book. Our favorite story was the first one because Gnome misplaces his cookie and it is found in a place that the kids just giggled and giggled over. The pictures were cute without being babyish. A nice change and perfect for early readers who want to go beyond the First Readers books but aren’t ready for more complex graphic novels.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advance copy. All opinions are my own.

[Annie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Originally posted on my blog Nonstop Reader.

Gnome and Rat: Time to Party! is an adorable illustrated story and the second book featuring the titular main characters by Lauren Stohler. Due out 12th March 2024 from Random House on their Children's imprint, it's 80 pages and will be available in hardcover and ebook formats.

Gnome is soon 133 (!!!) and wants his friends to help him find three totally super awesome things to do on his birthday. Best friend Rat wants to help, but also can't help but feel just a tiny bit left out. Reading about their natural feelings, and their genuine friendship, in simple but honest language is just beautiful and moving. It's written for kids (Lexile GN520L (graphic novel)) but there are takeaways for all ages here and the illustrations are really well done and fun.

There are four chapters and they're interwoven, but the chapters work well as pause points, which makes it ideal for short reading sessions.

Five stars. This would be an excellent choice for public or school library acquisition, for gift giving, and for home use. Wonderful and well told.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

[Becky · Rating 4 out of 5]

First sentence: Attention, everyone! I have a very important announcement! Soon, I will be one hundred and thirty-three years old! I want to do three big things for my birthday, but I don't know what!

Premise/plot: Gnome and Rat are friends--best friends--starring in the early graphic novel Time to Party. Both Rat and Gnome have things to celebrate--Rat wants to have his own something to celebrate.

My thoughts: I enjoyed this early chapter book/early graphic novel. It is both. I didn't love, love, love, love, love this one as much as the first book. The first Gnome and Rat book really wowed me with how delightful, fun, and original it was. The second and third books (yes, I read them out of order) are nice--nice enough at the very least. I enjoyed the second book more than the third. I think early readers in the again-again-again series phase, will binge through all the books in the series.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another good-natured graphic novel about best friends Gnome and Rat. This time it begins with another Gnome holiday celebration and recognizing Gnome's upcoming 133rd birthday. Rat, like always, is a kind and patient friend, but does point out that there are a lot of Gnome holidays. There is Hat Day!, Write-a Gnome-a-Poem Day!, Gnome-at-Home Day!, and Sausage Appreciation Week! Rat finally admits "I love all your Gnome holidays . . . and I love celebrating them with you! But sometimes . . . I feel left out." Oh dear. Fortunately, Gnome is also a kind friend and comes up with RATURDAY! This isn't all serious heart-to-heart talk. There's plenty of cheerful silliness about missing cookies, blowing bubbles, tomatoes, sausages, and getting physically fit. A totally cheerful and entertaining series about two adorable friends.

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first book in the Gnome and Rat series is super popular with readers at my school, so I was excited to see another book featuring this engaging duo. In this installment, the friends get ready to celebrate Gnome’s 133rd birthday by coming up with three special things to do to celebrate. When Rat lets his buddy know he’s feeling left out with all of the special Gnome celebrations, Gnome steps up and creates Raturday, a special day to celebrate Rat. Friendship, food, and fun take center stage in this early graphic novel with engaging artwork. Stories are quick and funny—just right for early readers. Fans of the first will be delighted to catch up with Gnome and Rat and join them for more adventures.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an eARC of the book to read and review.

[Roben · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh my goodness! It is Gnome's 133rd birthday! How should he celebrate? Rat suggests ice cream for breakfast. With hot fudge. Sounds good to me!
There are several short chapters in this beginning graphic novel. Gnome's birthday celebration and his friendship with Rat are at the center of all the stories.
One focuses on how Rat feels left out because there are so many days filled with Gnome celebrations but nothing very Rat-centric. Not to worry! Gnome creates Raturday! And we all learn how to make Raturday pizza. With tomatoes that grow VERY quickly....

Such a fun book - the whole series is very cute and engaging. Kids will enjoy it - and parents won't mind reading it out loud a few times.

[abby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to the publishers and NetGalley for the ARC copy!

Gnome and Rat are gearing up to celebrate Gnome's 133rd birthday by trying three new activities. Rat beings to feel a bit left out, but Gnome knows just what to do to cheer him up!

This is the first Gnome and Rat story I've read, and it was absolutely adorable! The illustrations are adorable and vibrant, and Gnome and Rat are just so goofy and funny. This title was laugh out loud funny. This is a perfect early graphic novel to recommend to beginning readers and their families.

[Holly Paulson · Rating 4 out of 5]

My children love a fun graphic novel and this book peeked their interest! The characters are adorable. Not only do my children love graphic novels, but my students do as well because they can pair the pictures with the social situation - perspective taking and prediction taking is more challenging for neurodivergent individuals. With some help my students could understand the perspective taking and opportunities for predicting what may happen. This book is great for all young readers who enjoy graphic novels. Plus, the humor is great!

[Pam · Rating 3 out of 5]

Graphic Novel
I received an electronic ARC from Random House Children's Publishers through NetGalley.
Rat and Gnome are back for more adventures. Elementary level readers will appreciate their humorous antics and feel they are part of the fun. The short chapter format works for early readers to follow the entire story and be able to take a break or jump into the next adventure. Colorful illustrations support the text and provide further clues and details. A fun, light read that won't stay on my shelves.

[Chrissy Casey · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is Gnome’s 133 birthday and Gnome wants to do 3 thinks for his birthday. Gnome accomplishes them throughout the book. Rat is feeling a little left out, since there are so many special Gnome days. Luckily, Gnome comes up with Raturday to make Rat feel better.

I love the first Gnome and Rat graphic novel and this one is just as good. It made me laugh out loud. I love how the 2 work everything out in the end.

[pineapple tofu · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an advanced copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
They're back! Join Gnome and Rat as they prepare for more partying. Gnome's 133rd birthday is coming soon, and Rat is getting excited for "Raturday." From losing weight for a few extra fudge munchies to chewing gum and even rolling down a hill competition, Gnome and Rat are always doing things together. It's laughable and funny, and I highly enjoyed it. I can't wait for volume three!

[Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley and Random House Books for an advance copy for review.

I fell in love with Gnome and Rat when I read the first graphic novel. When I read these graphic novels I can't stop smiling. Gnome is so silly and loveable. This time it is Gnomes 133rd birthday. Follow Gnome and Rat as they come up with the best birthday ever.

[Briel · Rating 4 out of 5]

My kids hadn’t discovered Gnome and Rat before this book but now they are eager to read more stories about the two friends! These graphic novels are adorable and unique where each chapter is a separate story in its own right but also links to the the stories in the book. Our favorite story was the first one because Gnome misplaces his cookie and it is found in a place that the kids just giggled and giggled over. The pictures were cute without being babyish. A nice change!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advance copy. All opinions are my own.

[Melki · Rating 5 out of 5]

What's not to love about a book crammed with silly celebrations and Fudgie Wudgie cookies?

Another wonderful chapter in the fun-filled lives of Gnome and Rat. I LOVE this duo, and I suspect the kiddos will, too. A cute and colorful look at a unique friendship.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Knopf Books for the read.

[Doreen Stohler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hilarious! Full of surprises to make you laugh out loud. The artist's drawings are full of details adding more drama and anticipation to the story's end. Children will love the expressions the artist uses to let us know what Gnome and Rat are conjuring up. Can't wait for the next Gnome and Rat adventure!

[Read Ribbet · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gnome and Rat are back in their second graphic novel for intermediate readers. With six short chapters, Gnome looks for ideas to celebrate his 133rd birthday and a way to celebrate a special day for Rat as well. Young readers will enjoy seeing and reading how the two friends celebrate their special days.

[Claire · Rating 4 out of 5]

Once again, Rat has the best facial expressions! The turtle with the hair has started lifting weight! How could I forget about him!? These are great stories, bright colours and lots of to see in each scene will keep kids entertained. I'm glad Rat gets Raturday from now on but how do I get involved in Sausage Appreciation Week?

[Amanda Murphy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC of this book through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

I love this book even more than the first one. A rat. A gnome. A birthday. A true friendship. Fairytale mushrooms. Pizza. Really, it has it all.

[Ashley (scatteredthistle) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gnome and Rat Time to Party by the Lauren Stohler

Release Date: March 12, 2024

This is incredibly cute and funny. This would be loved by my 8 and 13 year old. It’s an easy read with some great artwork! I highly recommend checking out this cute book!

[Lisa Davidson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm an adult and I laughed out loud more than once while reading this. It's so cute and funny, and I really loved Rat and Gnome. What a fabulous friendship!
Early readers will feel accomplished reading this.
Thanks so much to NetGalley for letting me read this

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gnome and Rat are friends. Rat is the sensible one. Gnome is the goofy one. Lots of laugh out loud moments in this installment, largely revolving around fudgie wudgies.

"This hat business is going down the tubes!" 🤣

[Jamie Park · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is adorable and hilarious. My children love it too. The cookie thing- hilarious. They are just living their best lives. .

[Adelaide McIntyre · Rating 5 out of 5]

So super cute and whimsical. Rat is the brains of the operation and gnome is the personality hire, and I love them deeply.

[Elisabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars.

[Lucian · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really great early fade graphic novel. The art and story are fun and easy to follow.