Gnome

by Fred Blunt

Mr Gnome is a grumpy little fellow. He's really quite rude and he is definitely NOT cute. So when Miss Witch asks him to kindly stop fishing in her pond, Mr Gnome is in danger of finding out exactly what happens to gnomes who say 'NO!'
From the author of Santa Claus vs The Easter Bunny comes this laugh-out-loud cautionary tale, told in conversational syle, perfect for fans of Kes Gray and Jim Field's Oi, Frog series.
Praise for Santa Claus vs The Easter 'Wonderfully bonkers' JIM FIELD

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Humor, Storytime, Witches, Fantasy, Fiction

32 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2020

About the author

Fred Blunt is a children's book author & illustrator.

Fred never wanted to be an astronaut or drive a train when he grew up. Right from the beginning he knew he wanted to draw silly pictures for a living... and some decades later he's living the dream!

Inspired by Muppets, Quentin Blake and the classic cartoons, Fred has been a compulsive doodler since he was in hand-me-downs.

Since graduating from UWE Bristol in 1996, Fred has worked on all manner of projects, including greetings, editorial, advertising, publishing and animation - designing a series of animated spots for the BBC. He now works mostly in children's books, illustrating several titles for Usborne publishing, amongst others.

Fred also loves to write and draw his own silly comic strips and is currently writing his first children's book.

Interrupted only by tea-breaks and toddlers, Fred works from his home studio in Swindon, Wiltshire, UK where he lives with his wife and two young children.

Reviews

[Ms. B · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cautionary tale about what will happen if you always say no. Have you ever wondered where garden gnomes come from? Whether you answered yes or no, find out in this humorous British import without a happy ending for the gnome.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm sad our little mean gnome met such a fate, but the story was cute and I like the twist

[Nadine in NY Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was cute and kind of weird.

[Derrick · Rating 4 out of 5]

A surprising take on the possible origins of those freaky yard ornament gnomes. Story made me chuckle. Amusing illustrations. A fun read to share with kids. Looking forward to reading with family.

[Claire · Rating 3 out of 5]

Now I know how gnomes are made! Very funny!

[Cindy Mitchell *Kiss the Book* · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gnome by Fred Blunt. PICTURE BOOK. Andersen Press (Lerner), 2020. $18. 9781541596245

BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K, EL (K-3) - ESSENTIAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH

Mr. Gnome doesn’t need you around him – please do not disturb. NO is definitely his favorite word. In fact, he’ll say no even when he really, really, really wants to say yes – with disastrous consequences.

I refuse to give away the ending of this very clever story. I didn’t predict it and I don’t think you will either. Once you are done you will reread immediately to see if you could have predicted its ultimate path.

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS
https://kissthebookjr.blogspot.com/20...

[Hanneke · Rating 3 out of 5]

Geinig verhaaltje over onbeleefde kabouters die een lesje leren. Je weet nu waar de tuinkabouters vandaan komen.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought overall the book was hilarious! I was reading it out loud to my 2 children and we were all laughing at the grumpy gnome. The ending was a little random though and fell flat from where I thought the story was going to go. I was hoping the grumpy gnome would learn something about good manners but instead, he's just turned to stone!

[Miss Pippi the Librarian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gnome is disagreeable. His word of choice is no. A hedgehog asks for help an is denied. A witch asks him to move along, but he stubbornly refuses.
This is a fun book to share aloud. The reader becomes the narrator character for the book.

2020 storytime theme: Imagine Your Story - gnomes

Reviewed from a library copy.

[Molly Cluff (Library!) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love the bright colors in these illustrations. The back-and-forth dialogue with the gnomes is funny, and it would be fun to do voices. The story went a different direction than expected (I was thinking we'd find out about why he's so grumpy), but alas, we just got a completely different ending with a witch!

[Julie Hedlund · Rating 5 out of 5]

As I started reading this book, I was at 3 stars in my head. But then it took a right turn and not only surprised me, but had me laugh out loud. I love me a subversive picture book, but especially one you don't expect will be one.

[Mrs. Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well, well, well, Gnome didn't exactly turn out as I expected, but it's okay. Gnome (the book, not the character) is outright fun. I love the illustrations, and the story too, though it did surprise me.

[Sheri · Rating 3 out of 5]

This story follows a stubborn gnome and asks where he is going or what he is doing. Gnome is uncooperative and unfriendly when asked to take an apple off a porcupine. But when he irritates a witch his grumpiness is silenced and he gets an unexpected ending.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one that I have had on my to-read list and was excited to have found it at our local library.
It didn't disappoint with the funny story, creatures and the witch.
Perhaps we need to look a little closer at gnomes, especially those in our garden.

[Mimi · Rating 4 out of 5]

A cute story about rude, grumpy gnome and the consequences of his actions.

[Megan Wagner · Rating 3 out of 5]

A story with an unexpected twist!

[Alicia Evans · Rating 3 out of 5]

For: fantasy fans; someone looking for a book that interacts with its characters.

Possible red flags: shouting and bad temperament; some readers may find the final reveal too scary.

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

A clever little picture book in the vein of Willim Bee's Beware of Frog. Great for teaching why we need manners. I'm buying it for my library!

[Jason · Rating 3 out of 5]

I appreciate a picture book that's a little dark, heh heh. This could be fun with two readers.

[Amanda Kendall · Rating 3 out of 5]

More than a bit dark, so if you have a kiddo who is prone to being scared, this might not be for you. If, like me, your wee one is a bit...precocious, this was funny.

[Frank · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very funny, well written and illustrated. Not your usual soppy fodder... gleefully naughty!

[Jill Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

The true origin of garden gnomes. A hilarious look at why manners are important.

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

A funny story that explains the “origin” of the garden gnome: rude gnomes get turned to stone by witches who then put the gnomes in their garden collection.

[Nichole · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was cute and funny.

[Alicia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute. Hilarious. Geared for kiddos preschool +

[Syntha Green · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was quite funny

[Erin · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was....interesting? Delightful? Terrifying? I'm not really sure.

[kim · Rating 3 out of 5]

kinda good

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

A great little legend about where garden gnomes come from.

[Dawn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wow…surprisingly horrifying.