Gnome and Rat by Lauren Stohler

Abstract

Reviewed by: Gnome and Rat by Lauren Stohler Kate Quealy-Gainer, Editor Stohler, Lauren Gnome and Rat; written and illus. by Lauren Stohler. Knopf, 2023 [80p] Library ed. ISBN 9780593487839 $13.99 Trade ed. ISBN 9780593487822 $10.99 E-book ed. ISBN 9780593487846 $6.99 Reviewed from digital galleys R Gr. 1-3 In the opening panels of this buoyant graphic novel easy reader, readers find Rat in the wee hours of the morning, intently cutting and hanging decorations. When Gnome wakes up, over the moon to celebrate Hat Day—the birthday of his red cone hat—he’s delighted by Rat’s festive efforts (once he notices them), and the friends sit down for some cupcakes and a hat-focused rendition of the birthday song. The following four chapters follow the pair through various adventures, most of them centered around the hat, as Gnome accidentally stretches his hat out, attempts to grow hair atop the bald head that can no longer be covered by the ruined hat, and finally gets a new hat, only to promptly lose it again. This easy reader has the familiar setup to build essential literacy skills: episodic chapters, plentiful dialogue, supportive illustrations, and easy-to-follow paneling. It’s up to the two protagonists, then, to bring a unique sense of fun, and Gnome and Rat do so with aplomb. Gnome is the embodiment of chaos, a round body with stick-like legs zooming through the pages, with a flowing beard that is surprisingly expressive. Rat is calmer, lovingly appreciative of Gnome’s energetic spirit while also protective of his wide-eyed innocence (dealing with, for example, a tricksy sales-possum selling hats). With a balance of rambunctious glee and genuine warmth, this will be a sure hit with kids wanting a bit of pure goofiness as they move into solo reading. Copyright © 2023 The Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois