The Hidden World of Gnomes is an adorable story about Gnomes who live in a happy place called The Pocket.
The pages are filled with illustrations adding the magical feel of the story, they are simple and cute.

This was a cute read that kept my 9-year-old engaged and entertained.

Arc review * read to my retired service dog,

Our copy was very cut up in the kindle, each page had 3 bars of graphics and words. We tried our best to read it. The concept was adorable, he love all their ‘jobs’. We really would have like the book to be in a better format to read better. So we can’t wait to get the print copy.
4 stars cause he couldn’t make out the picture to the story

The Hidden World of Gnomes is filled with wonderful illustrations that add a little magic to each page, However, the storyline could be tighter. I think this book is interesting for thinking about gnomes and the lives they lead. If I were to use this book it would be for a bedtime read. Also includes recipes and other activities.

If I didn’t know this was a new book just out June 2023 I would think this was a classic someone found at their grandparents house/cottage.

The illustration style is unique and simple in the most beautiful old-timey way.

This book is filled with such whimsy and love for the simple things and the wonder of nature. It is a bit wordy in parts and longer than I expected it to be, with the attention span of people these days it’s unlikely to be read all in one sitting but it will spark one’s imagination for years to come I’m sure.

A perfect book to read with a young one at the beginning of summer when many days will be spent exploring and investigating in nature. Will your young one be lucky enough to spot a gnome?

This book was very whimsical and cute. I enjoyed reading it and can see myself recommending it to patrons in the future.

The Hidden World of Gnomes is a delightful exploration of gnomes and the world that defines them. This book is full of fun imagery and wordplay while also being stuffed completely full of whimsy. A wholesome book that I would recommend to any parent.

Thank you to Netgalley for providing me with the Advance Reader Copy of this book in exchange for an honest and fair review.

This book was not quite what I expected by the title and is not your traditional gnome book. It jumps around a lot and does not work well as a read aloud. However, I can see it working better for an independent reader to read. The pictures are adorable.

Though aimed at children this is not really a storybook. It's honestly more of a field guide where we meet and learn about the gnomes. We travel through the year with these magical beings as they celebrate each new moon with different activities. I really liked the fact that Soloy's gnomes are not the red-pointy-hat wearing figures we're all familiar with, but reminded me more of vintage depictions I've seen of brownies wearing leaves, acorns, and other items found in the forest as their attire. And, indeed, the book does have an old-fashioned feel to it, which I enjoyed. The author's illustrations are charming and adorable, and make the book appealing to both children and adults.

The Hidden World of Gnomes is a beautifully illustrated all ages book about gnomes by Lauren Soloy. Released 20th June 2023 by Penguin Random House on their Tundra imprint, it's 96 pages and is available in hardcover format.

This is a simple and sweetly illustrated book showing scenes from the daily lives of a small group of gnomes. Readers see them tending small snails, gathering resources, singing, and living their best lives in the forest. The text is simple and easy to read and the illustrations are full of small details, inviting readers to spend a while noticing small details.

Although aimed at a younger (preschool - 2nd grade) audience, this is truly an all-ages book and adults will find lots to enjoy here as well. The art is in a naive and appealing style and although not derivative, is reminiscent of children's book illustrations from the golden age like Henry Justice Ford.

Four stars. It would be a good acquisition for public and school library and home use/gift giving.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

I was so excited to receive an ARC of this book because of the beautiful illustrations, and while I did enjoy the illustrations I was disappointed in the text. Rather than an overarching narrative, or several shorter stories a la Little Witch Hazel, it consisted of a series of vignettes and poems. Themes covered a single page or spread, and I found this prevented me from connecting with the characters or feeling immersed in the world. I think a clearer protagonist or main narrative would make this world more accessible to young readers.

'The Hidden World of Gnomes' is absolutely adorable and a must-have for those who love woodland creatures, spirits and folk tales surrounding these delightful creatures. We are introduced to a whole cast of characters with varied interests, personalities, roles and responsibilities within The Pocket where the community of gnomes live. The illustrations are muted and woodsy, charming and filled with cute nature details. Perhaps the only thing to note is the length - it definitely reads more like a 6-8 novel/graphic novel than say a 3-5 level, but for the right audience they may be swept up in the longer text. Otherwise, a really delightful story.

Thank you for Netgallery and Penguin Random House for this digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I received this ARC thanks to Netgalley. Opinions expressed in this review are my own.



The Hidden World of Gnomes is not only a joy to read. It is very fun to look at.

The imagination that was put into this book is very impressive. I want to live in The Pocket and style squirrel tails for a living. is also joy to behold.

The imagination that was put into this book is very impressive. I want to live in The Pocket and style squirrel tails for a living.

It's a fun book to get your own creative juices flowing.

What a delightful book. The world of the gnomes is a world that you want to live in. I can imagine almost a Beatrix Potter series of books with each of the gnomes and a special happening in their world (ie: Merry Pip and the Whisper Moon Mystery). The text is expansive and gives the reader a lot digest and enjoy. It alomst reads like a 6-8 Early Reader Chapter book instead of a Preschool 3-5 Storybook like it's listed in our Coles location. I cant wait to see where the author goes with other books in the (hopeful) series.

The Hidden World of Gnomes by Lauren Soloy is a picturebook currently scheduled for release on June 20 2023. This book is an introduction to the hidden folk called gnomes, who live in a happy place they call The Pocket. Where is The Pocket, you ask? Well, it’s all around you, all the time. Gnomes are curious little creatures, and they’re very shy. But after reading this book, you will learn to spot the telltale signs that gnomes are around, and maybe even meet one! Lauren Soloy has been studying gnomes her whole life, and she has created this book to share her knowledge with you. For example, what jobs do gnomes do? Babysitting robin's eggs, squirrel-tail fluffing, storytelling. Where do they live? In gardens, forests and any place with plants, birds and bugs.

The Hidden World of Gnomes is a cute ad imaginative picturebook with splendid illustrations. I thought the artwork was extremely well done and added depth and whimsy to each and every page. I liked the small stories about the different gnomes. There was a nice variety of gnomes, all different types and different jobs and personalities to match. I like the gnome lore included and how it matched up with the lunar calendar and the passing of the seasons and holidays of the gnomes. I thought it was very well thought out and executed and that it will be a hit with children and adults alike that love a little bit of magic and wonder in their lives.

I didn't love this book [I didn't dislike all of it either] and I doubt I would purchase it for any littles in my life.
While the story was cute, the illustrations were dark and all the gnomes were really kind of scary looking. The story seemed over-long as well and I am not sure how well this would hold a little's attention, even with all the magic talk.
I can see what the author was trying to achieve here, but for me, it just fell flat.

Thank you to NetGalley, Lauren Soloy, and Penguin Random House Children/Tundra Books for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

OMG the illustrations!! The personalities of all the little characters! Me and my daughter LOVED this little book. It has so much to offer, and is a very nice length. You can tell a lot of love and time went into making this little world.
But the best part of this book is the extraordinary optimism. A source and guide to finding the beauty in EVERYTHING, especially the small things. To look deeper at what is in front of you. The harmonious feeling of nature, animals, and people.

Can I start the promotion of a movie? I couldn't get enough of this little world.

My favorite "The joy of listening to the rain fall." YES!!!!

Thank you Penguin Random House Canada for the ARC!!! It was such a joy!

This is a delightful book, just the right level of whimsy with some sneaky nature facts thrown in

I received an advance copy for free from NetGalley, on the expectation that I would provide an honest review.

What a cute way to immerse your child in a world of gnomes and teach nature appreciation with a little help from these mystical beings. The illustrations are impeccable and it's so easy to fall in love with our cast of characters and dive into their world for a bit.

3.5 stars.
An adorably illustrated book for kids that purports to readers a gnome-level view into gnomes' lives. We see gnomes across the seasons, and how they interact with their animal neighbours, find food, and entertain themselves.

It's a cute and entertaining book, and will also give young readers a bit of an appreciation for the natural world around them.

Thank you to Netgalley and to Penguin Random House Canada for this ARC in exchange for my review.

The Hiddden World of Gnomes is a super cute book. A little long, but still magical. The illustrations are adorable.