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Gnomes have captured the imaginations of children for generations. With their pointy hats, cozy homes, and love of nature, gnome characters bring warmth, wonder, and a bit of forest magic into every story. Gnome books are perfect for quiet reading moments and spark sweet conversations about kindness, curiosity, and imagination.
In this post, I’m sharing my favorite gnome books for kids, organized by age group. I’ve also included fun activities and thoughtful discussion questions to help bring these tiny tales to life. Let me know which gnome story becomes your favorite!
Table of Content
- Why Read Books About Gnomes?
- The Role of Books in Teaching Kids about Gnomes
- 11 Gnome Books For Children
- What Gnome Book(s) Are You Going To Read Later?
Why Read Books About Gnomes?
Books about gnomes offer a gentle escape into magical woodland worlds.
Whether they’re gardening, helping forest creatures, or going on small-but-mighty adventures, gnomes teach children about kindness, bravery, and community. Their cozy, nature-filled settings also encourage kids to appreciate the outdoors and look closer at the little things that make life special.
Plus, gnome stories often blend magic with heartwarming values—perfect for young readers who love wonder with a side of whimsy.
The Role of Books in Teaching Kids about Gnomes
Gnome books often reflect important lessons through small but powerful stories.
Children might read about gnomes working together, showing empathy, or solving problems in creative ways. These gentle stories help reinforce social-emotional learning in a comforting and imaginative setting. Gnomes also tend to live in harmony with nature, making their stories a lovely lead-in to conversations about the environment and taking care of living things.
Whether it’s learning to slow down, be helpful, or notice everyday magic, gnome stories leave little hearts feeling full.
How to Use Books about Gnomes with Children
Here are some ideas to make gnome books even more magical for your little readers:
- 🍄 Ask Open-Ended Questions: After reading, ask: What would your gnome house look like? or How did the gnome help someone in the story? In a classroom, Turn and Talk can get imaginations blooming like wildflowers!
- 🎨 Engage in Gnome-Themed Activities: Make gnome finger puppets, draw a map of a gnome village, or build a tiny home in your backyard or classroom fairy garden. You can even go on a “gnome walk” in nature and search for hidden homes in tree trunks or bushes!
- 📚 Refer Back to the Books: During nature studies, garden projects, or SEL moments, refer back to gnome characters and their actions. For example, if a gnome showed kindness or problem-solving, use that as a springboard for classroom or family conversations.
- 👨👩👧 Involve Other Caregivers: Invite family members to read gnome books together and talk about what makes a house a home. Grandparents especially love the nostalgic feel of gnome stories and may even have their own gnome tales to share!
11 Gnome Books For Children
Younger Children (Ages 3-6)
#1 “Gnome Sweet Home” by Cottage Door Press
This interactive finger puppet board book features a cheerful gnome guiding young readers through a cozy, rhyming tale. The built-in plush puppet encourages engagement and fine motor skill development.
Encourages early literacy through tactile play while highlighting the warmth and comfort of home.
Activity Suggestion: Home Drawing – Draw your version of a “gnome sweet home.”
Discussion Questions:
- What makes the gnome’s home special?
- How does the puppet help you connect with the story?
- What does “home” mean to you?
#2 “Gnome” by Fred Blunt
Mr. Gnome is a grumpy character who refuses to be polite, constantly saying “NO!” His rudeness leads him into trouble, especially when he crosses paths with a witch. This humorous tale teaches the importance of manners.
Uses humor to show the value of kindness and respectful behavior in everyday life.
Activity Suggestion: Role-Playing – Act out scenarios where politeness changes outcomes.
Discussion Questions:
- Why do you think Mr. Gnome always says “NO”?
- What happened when he was rude to others?
- How can being polite change a situation?
#3 “The Tomten and the Fox” by Astrid Lindgren
On a snowy night, a hungry fox approaches a farm, eyeing the chickens. The farm’s guardian, the Tomten, notices and offers the fox a bowl of porridge, teaching kindness and compassion.
A gentle tale about empathy, peaceful problem-solving, and caring for others—even those who may seem like threats.
Activity Suggestion: Porridge Making – Cook and share porridge, discussing the story’s themes.
Discussion Questions:
- Why did the Tomten choose to feed the fox?
- How did the fox react to the Tomten’s kindness?
- What can we learn about sharing from this story?
Lower Elementary Children (Ages 7-9)
#4 “The Little Springtime Book of Gnomes” by Kirsten Sevig
This illustrated book showcases gnomes engaging in spring activities like gardening and foraging, accompanied by proverbs and seasonal recipes.
Encourages appreciation of nature’s renewal in spring while teaching wisdom through gnome-inspired sayings.
Activity Suggestion: Gardening – Plant seeds and observe growth.
Discussion Questions:
- What are your favorite spring activities?
- How do the gnomes prepare for spring?
- Can you think of a proverb that relates to your life?
#5 “The Little Winter Book of Gnomes” by Kirsten Sevig
A cozy collection of gnome illustrations, winter proverbs, and holiday recipes like mulled cider and gingerbread, celebrating the warmth of the season.
Highlights the beauty of winter, the value of traditions, and the comfort found in community and home.
Activity Suggestion: Recipe Making – Try out the included winter recipes.
Discussion Questions:
- What is your favorite winter tradition?
- How do gnomes celebrate winter in the book?
- What makes winter feel cozy and special?
#6 “No, No, Gnome!” by Ashlyn Anstee
Gnome is so excited for garden cleanup day at school—but his excitement turns into chaos when he becomes too rowdy and doesn’t follow directions. After a big mess, Gnome must learn how to clean up his mistakes and do better next time.
Encourages responsibility, listening, and growth through relatable childhood behavior.
Activity Suggestion: Feelings Check-In – Draw how Gnome feels at the start, middle, and end of the book.
Discussion Questions:
- What mistakes did Gnome make during cleanup day?
- How did Gnome try to fix his mistake?
- What can we do if we make a mistake?
Check Out Capybara-Theme Daily Reflection Journals For Kids!
#7 “A Gnome Story: Adventures with Murphy McWoo” by Michelle Schlicher
Murphy McWoo is a kind and adventurous garden gnome who embarks on a magical journey of helping others and discovering what it means to be brave and kindhearted. Along the way, he meets friends who teach him lessons about courage, generosity, and teamwork.
Celebrates compassion, bravery, and the value of helping others through whimsical adventure.
Activity Suggestion: Bravery Badge – Make paper badges for moments when kids are brave or help a friend.
Discussion Questions:
- What challenges did Murphy face on his adventure?
- What does it mean to be a good friend?
- What would your gnome adventure look like?
Upper Elementary Children (Ages 9-11)
#8 “The Gnomes and Their Hats” by Prima Jenkins
A group of colorful gnomes each design and wear unique hats that reflect their personalities and talents. When conflict arises over their differences, the gnomes must learn to celebrate diversity and work together to restore harmony in their village.
Promotes acceptance, individuality, and the strength of working together.
Activity Suggestion: Design Your Own Gnome Hat – Use paper, stickers, and crayons to decorate a hat that reflects your personality.
Discussion Questions:
- How did each gnome’s hat show their personality?
- What happened when the gnomes argued about their differences?
- Why is it good to have differences among friends?
#9 “The Hidden World of Gnomes” by Lauren Soloy
This beautifully illustrated story reveals the secret, gentle lives of gnomes who care for the forest and its creatures. The book blends magical folklore with environmental awareness in a lyrical narrative.
Blends wonder and environmental stewardship, encouraging care for nature and appreciation of folklore.
Activity Suggestion: Forest Scavenger Hunt – Go outside and look for “gnome-sized” clues of forest life.
Discussion Questions:
- What jobs do gnomes do in the forest?
- What are ways we can take care of nature like the gnomes do?
- What do you imagine lives in the forest at night?
#10 “Illustrated Tales of Dwarfs, Gnomes and Fairy Folk” by Ineke Verschuren
This anthology gathers traditional European folktales of dwarfs, gnomes, and fairy folk, each featuring a moral lesson or magical twist. It includes stories about nature spirits, forest helpers, and the balance between the visible and invisible worlds.
Encourages ethical thinking and cross-cultural appreciation through whimsical storytelling.
Activity Suggestion: Magic and Morals Discussion – Talk about what lesson each story teaches.
Discussion Questions:
- Which story was your favorite and why?
- What lessons did the gnomes or dwarfs teach in the tales?
- What do these stories teach us about respecting nature and others?
#11 “The Garden Adventures of Griswald the Gnome” by Daniela Drescher
Griswald is a little gnome who lives in a rain gutter. One day, a storm washes him down the drainpipe into an old rain barrel. Initially unsure about his new surroundings, Griswald soon meets the animals, birds, and plants that inhabit the garden. Through the seasons, he embarks on various adventures, gets into sticky situations, helps his new companions, and even learns to dance. Each easy-to-read chapter tells a different story of Griswald’s experiences, complemented by Daniela Drescher’s beautiful watercolor illustrations.
Highlights friendship, resilience, and appreciation for seasonal change and natural life.
Activity Suggestion: Gnome Home Craft – Using natural materials like twigs, leaves, and stones, create miniature homes for gnomes, fostering creativity and a connection to nature.
Discussion Questions:
- How does Griswald feel when he first arrives in the garden, and how do his feelings change over time?
- What lessons does Griswald learn from his interactions with the garden’s inhabitants?
- Why is it important to observe and appreciate the changes that come with each season?
Grab these free resources to make your teaching life easier!
What Gnome Book(s) Are You Going To Read Later?
Gnome books for kids invite readers into enchanting, heartwarming worlds where even the tiniest characters make a big impact. They blend magic and meaning in a way that leaves children feeling seen, soothed, and inspired.
Which gnome tale is going on your reading list next? Tag me on Instagram @LittleYellowStarTeaches and share your favorite gnome-inspired crafts, books, or magical reading nooks!
Happy reading!
Prima at LittleYellowStar
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