It’s an odd thing that most books about gnomes are geared towards children. But as The Gnome Abode’s literary expert, I seem to be noticing this trend more and more frequently.
Mad props to the authors who are grooming the next generation of gnome enthusiasts!
So I recently read a book called Jo Jo Gnome and the Sound Machine. And apparently, it’s aimed at 2-5 year olds. As you can expect, I had a few questions right off the bat.
A sound machine like one of those weird Conair devices that simulates the sound of crashing ocean waves?
And what kind of gnome has such a long green nose and wears a droopy green hat?
According to the author:
“In this illustrated story book JoJo Gnome has invented a sound collecting machine. The funny little gnome sets off to record a sound adventure to bring back for his Grandpa. The reader is encouraged to join in and guess guess what sounds JoJo finds along the way. This story will inspire younger children to listen out for their own sounds and create their own stories. Funny little JoJo Gnome will engage both young children and adults too.”
As I virtually flipped the pages on my Kindle, I never did figure out why these gnomes’ skin was green. Or why their hats drooped so much. Or why their ears were so pointy.
At one point, Jo Jo’s grandpa was reading a book called “Gnome Stuff,” which I thought was most excellent.
I never could grasp what Jo Jo’s sound recording invention really WAS. I was also a little unclear as to what was causing to cause the noises picked up by the sound machine.
Then BAM!
The big reveal!
And that’s all I’m gonna say. No plot spoiler alerts here!
All in all, Jo Jo Gnome and the Sound Machine was a quick read (only a couple minutes if you’ve exceed the 2-5 year old range). Jo Jo and his gnomes certainly didn’t look like or behave like any gnomes we know, but that’s okay. We only pass judgement on humans…not other gnomes.
And as a final word, I’ll say that if you enjoy “Curious George” books, you very well may find yourself smiling through Jo Jo’s gnomish misadventures too.
Signing off, my literate ones…
The Quick Brown Fox the Gnome