annieb123
Originally posted on my blog Nonstop Reader.
Gnome and Rat: Time to Party! is an adorable illustrated story and the second book featuring the titular main characters by Lauren Stohler. Due out 12th March 2024 from Random House on their Children's imprint, it's 80 pages and will be available in hardcover and ebook formats.
Gnome is soon 133 (!!!) and wants his friends to help him find three totally super awesome things to do on his birthday. Best friend Rat wants to help, but also can't help but feel just a tiny bit left out. Reading about their natural feelings, and their genuine friendship, in simple but honest language is just beautiful and moving. It's written for kids (Lexile GN520L (graphic novel)) but there are takeaways for all ages here and the illustrations are really well done and fun.
There are four chapters and they're interwoven, but the chapters work well as pause points, which makes it ideal for short reading sessions.
Five stars. This would be an excellent choice for public or school library acquisition, for gift giving, and for home use. Wonderful and well told.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.