Gnomes and Knights : A collection of short stories both whimsical and heroic

by Michael Parkes

Gnomes and Knights is a book in two parts. Gnomes is a whimsical collection of short stories about Fredrick Jerome Kopillus Gnome and the beautiful garden he calls his home. He's a magical critter who lives in Gertie's garden along with the other denizens, including a mole, a squirrel and a very sassy ant queen. Fred and his friends get up to all sorts of adventures and shenanigans while protecting the garden and venturing into the surrounding areas, like the garden of Gary Gremlin and the forest beyond the fence. With rhyming and magic and whimsy, Gnomes will have you spellbound with delight!

Knights is the second part of the book, a tale of a nervous squire becoming an initiate of the Knight's Order and venturing out on a quest to fulfill his dream and his duty of serving his king. At the behest of his king, he sets out to aid the kingdom of Kyrbor in combatting the evil they face. Through cleverness, leadership and courage, Nathan the Knight overcomes obstacles and becomes more confident as he gains allies, helps those he meets along the way, and ultimately faces the cause of the problem head on.

Genres: Short Stories, Fantasy

132 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 25, 2021

About the author

Michael Parkes is a Canadian multi-genre author. He has written two books so far: Cheryl, a novel, and Gnomes and Knights, a short story collection. Both of his books are available on Kindle, including Kindle Unlimited, and as both paperback and hardcover on Amazon. Both books can also be purchased paperback through various other retailers. He also has two free-to-read short stories, Portraits and Eternity, accessible through his website or on his Buy Me a Coffee page.

Outside of writing, Michael is a graduate of Saint Lawrence College and Nipissing University; he holds a diploma in business administration and a degree in accounting. Michael also occasionally paints, enjoys hiking and nature, and freelances. Follow his social media accounts to learn more about him or his books!

Michael also has an active blog on his Buy Me a Coffee page. It’s a great place to learn more about Michael’s books, their backstories, and explore unique content! Author interviews go up every Monday and Friday too, so be sure to check back often! Authors interested in having a written author interview on Michael's blog are invited to contact him through his website.

Reviews

[Becca · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a book that can grow with your young reader. Broken in two parts, the first half reads like 5 Minute Bedtime Stories, the second half is a longer adventure. I appreciate how the book introduces your reader to vocabulary words they may not encounter in other children's books. The characters in both sections are clever in how they communicate and solve problems.
While all stories in the first half involve the same characters, they work as standalone tales with morals in acceptance of others and working together. The stories are written in a typical book format, but have a fun element of rhyming throughout.
The second half of the book focuses on the knights. The theme of working together and gaining confidence in yourself continues.
Fans of fantasy and adventure would enjoy this book.

[Kristyn G · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gnomes and Knights is a cute, well written, gripping two story book. Perfect for ages 3-10 so get a copy for a child, niece or nephew, best friend’s kids etc for this Christmas! Part 1 is a series of stories involving a garden gnome and friends he meets along the way. Part 2 contains a story of a brave young knight who proves himself to be essential for his and other kingdoms.
Both deal with real life problems in a way that is easy for children to understand. From learning to not judge others based off of stereotypes to standing your ground to protect others even if you are afraid. I definitely recommend this book!

[K.S. Wood · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a cute and fast read. Both the stories of Fred the gnome and his companions and the story of Nathan the knight were easy reads. Both used their wits to solve problems and it was an adorable little book

[Seth Hobbs · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fun, light-hearted adventure that can be enjoyed by kids and adults alike! The rhymes are great, and it isn't overly long or short. Just the right pace and humor. I would recommend to anyone with kids.

[Cody Pelletier · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gnomes and Knights, a collection of short stories, is a fun, easy read that everyone will enjoy. A great summer read for the entire family.

[Rhonda Bobbitt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Author Michael Parkes
Book... Gnomes and Knights
5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
A wonderful collection of short stories. The kids loved all the adventures of the gnomes and knights. They have been singing... nibbity nobbity gmone...all week .

[Cosette · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. The rhyming and storytelling are cozy and fun to read. The short stories were easy to read and I loved the adventures the gnome and his friend went on. The story of Nathan the Knight is wholesome, but not belittling. The book is both fun for kids as well as adults. The story of Nathan the Knight explores the themes of working together and gaining confidence in yourself in a well worked out way. The short stories on the gnome also deal with real life problems, such as not judging others based on stereotypes. The book is a fast read.

[June Lehrer · Rating 5 out of 5]

My got this for my 12 year old daughter. She is really into gnomes, knights and all the fantasy creatures. I have to say this book does not disappoint. It is very well written with rhymes flow beautifully throughout the story. The book is a whimsical collection of short stories that any child or adult would love! I highly recommend.

[Grover · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very cute and imaginative world of gnomes. I never knew their plights until now.

[Brandee Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gnomes and Knights by Michael Parkes is a quick, fun read in two parts. I enjoyed each part as a fantasy reader and gamer. This collection of short stories is a wonderful demonstration for children on how to collaborate to solve problems and learn something of yourself along the way.

Fred the Gnome lives in a world full of beauty and a bit of mystery. He and his friends learn how to be brave in new places and situations.

Nathan the Knight learns about his confidence while being an earnest but nervous initiate of The Knights' Order. Nathan also learns how to be brave as he serves his king with new friends and newfound knowledge of the world around him.

Parkes brings to life wonderful characters and settings that make the reader want to continue to learn more about Fred and Nathan. I received a complimentary copy from the author. This review is honest and voluntary.

[J.M. Gulmire · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Ants in the Plants was my favorite in this collection of whimsy and fun. The rhyming schemes were rhythmic and almost begged for each tale to be broken up into their own picture books.

[W.A. Edwards · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highly recommend.
My 9 yo enjoyed it just as much as I did.