Hooray! Today author Raven Howell is stopping by my blog to share some thoughts on why we love gnomes so much. I requested Ms. Howell stop by, because I love gnomes, and I wanted to read what the author had to say about them.
Why do we love gnomes so much?
Raven Howell
They’re baaaack! Our mischievous custodians of the earth, gnomes have long symbolized protection for farmers and in general, just plain good luck. My Latvian parents passed on beliefs about gnomes having helpful interactions with humans. Scandinavians associate gnomes most closely with the Christmas season. In any case, they are famously depicted as little garden guardians in the form of statues in yards all around the world.
Did you know that according to a new study from Atlas Ceramics (creators of the “Garden Trends” index) gnomes have been the biggest garden trend of 2022? It’s pretty funny how we’ve modernized this trend, too. In the past couple of years I’ve spotted gnomes who perform yoga, like to fish and even pose for selfies! So if you think a gnome helps your flowers grow, I say go for it, be it a gnome holding a spade, snoozing under a mushroom, or standing on its head, upside down.
To me, gnomes are impish, whimsical Tolkien spirits, and in the case of the title of my new children’s book (The 20 Little Poems for 20 Little Gnomes), obviously I also think some of them really enjoy reading. Maybe if gnomes have a penchant for reading time, a child will consider that for him or herself also. I hope so! Being a dedicated advocate for child literacy, nothing makes me smile brighter than seeing a child with a book in their hands.
This past summer, after a book signing at the boardwalk in New Jersey, my husband and I took to our favorite fudge shop for treats. I just finished a “gnome” story time and signed over a dozen gnome books, and as synchronicity would have it, the fudge shop is selling cute stuffed gnome toys. I’m not talking about several of them, but an entire wall of the store from front to back, just lined up with tons of gnomes. And they’re all different, too! A variety of colors, clothing, gestures, and silly expressions evoke laughter from most of us admiring the whimsical crew.
There is no way I could have predicted a strong trend in gnomes when I came up with my book title. In fact, in case you didn’t know, the journey of book production from its beginning idea to final physical product can take years. Therefore, with a touch of unpredicted surprise, I am overjoyed at the uptick in gnome popularity, and delighted to think it’s drawn book lovers to reading it.
In this crazy social climate, should you crave a little imagination and enchantment to escape into, I hope you find some “gnome-ishness” to provide a bit of magic in your heart.
Cool! I am always looking for “gnome-ishness”. How about you?
Next week, I will review “The 20 Little Poems for 20 Little Gnomes”, so be sure to stop by again. Don’t forget to check out the other stops on the tour.
Book Summary
Discover the magic in simple moments when a child peers in the mirror to unintentionally come upon his smile, where kittens nap in boots, fairy hugs feel good, mice delight in reading books, and January snowflakes taste yummy.
Twenty whimsical poems warm the heart and inspire cheer; a collection enticing both the young and seasoned reader to explore the enchantment of the wonderful world of poetry.
About the Author
Raven Howell writes stories and poetry for children. Having published several award-winning picture books, she enjoys sharing her love of literature by visiting classrooms and libraries. Raven is Creative & Publishing Advisor for Red Clover Reader, served as Poetry Director for Monster Magnificent, and writes The Book Bug column for Story Monsters Ink magazine. Her poems are found in children’s magazines such as Ladybug, Spider, Highlights for Children, Humpty Dumpty, and Hello Magazine. She’s an editor, and collaborating author for Reading is Fundamental SoCal.
When not writing, Raven enjoys sunshine and the beach, spending time with her family, hiking, laughing, reading, goofing around with artwork, and inventing new recipes.
You can find her on:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/atpearthkeeper
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/atpearthkeeper/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RavenHowellAuthorandPoetPage/
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/pickward/_saved/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/raven-howell-5a813015b/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ravenhowell22
Shoe’s Seeds and Stories
@Copyright 2023 Linda Schueler
Shoe's Seeds & Stories 
Great post. There is just something about gnomes we all love.
Gnomes have been trendy for a couple of years now in home decor. I was on the bandwagon early when I fell in love with the red hatted gnomes in Gnomeo & Juilet called The Goons. They had their hats over their eyes much like the popular gnomes out today but I couldn’t find any merchandise out at the time.
Gnomeo & Juilet?! Hilarious! Thanks for the share!
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