Thanks to the kind folks at Tundra Books/Penguin Random House Canada, I have the pleasure of getting to talk about Canadian author-illustrator Lauren Soloy’s newest children’s book, The Hidden World of Gnomes. No big spoilers before getting into the heart of my review, but- wow, is this a glorious book! Happy reading!

“Their hearts may be small, but actually they are big enough to hold the entire world and all the plants, animals and fungi that live there.”

Author and illustrator Lauren Soloy is the creative force behind some of my standout picture book picks of the last few years- When Emily Was Small, Etty Darwin and the Four Pebble Problem– so I was indeed abuzz when given the opportunity to review The Hidden World of Gnomes. Part picture book, part wondrous guide, and all exquisite, The Hidden World of Gnomes is a gorgeous, lyrical treat in both verse and art.

Opening on an “introduction to the Hidden Folk called gnomes, who live in a happy place they call The Pocket”, readers are asked to “get very quiet…and look down here” on the page to meet a lineup of twelve enchanting gnome friends. From Minoletta to Sparkles, Abel Potter to Merry Pip, and Cob Tiggy to Hotchi-Mossy, readers are in for a treat as they get to meet and learn about our new gnome friends, their celebrations, songs, and particular joys throughout the seasons, their habits, their areas of speciality, and much, much more. From: sleeping in the moonlight on “warm summer nights”; hosting “wonderful noisy parties full of frog song” and circle dances with friends; teaching foxes to play hide-and-seek; and tucking in for the winter whilst growing “winter whiskers”, readers will experience just how rich, lively, kind, and awe-inspiring the world of gnomes is.

“1, 2 Mushroom Stew//3, 4 Add Some More//5, 6 Give It a Mix//7, 8 Tasting Great//9, 10 Invite Some Friends!”

The Hidden World of Gnomes is one of those particularly special- sublime- bookish delights where I think to myself, how happy I am to have this in the world- and how happy I am that I get to share it! Lauren Soloy’s storytelling-poetry and digital artwork (noted as created “in various locations around Nova Scotia”!) are brimming with warmth, light, gentleness, and whimsy. Readers may find themselves feeling a toasty sense of joy in having spent time with their new gnome friends. Be sure to read all the way through to the book’s final note about magic in our world and what we choose to see and believe. Marvelous all around, The Hidden World of Gnomes is not to be missed.

I received a copy of this title courtesy of Tundra Books/Penguin Random House Canada in exchange for an honest review. All opinions and comments are my own. Title has been published and is currently available.