The Gnome in Your Home Book Set (2023)

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While I’ve heard of 2005’s The Elf on the Shelf: A Christmas Tradition, I never had to chance to read it until a year or so ago when one of my cousins had it that also came with a toy elf as a nice bonus. Looking to continue that same kind of coolness, Harry J. Rashti & Co. have released The Gnome in Your Home: A Tradition of Kindness book that also comes with a cute plush gnome in the The Gnome in Your Home Book Set that’s sure to spread kindness and love to anyone that dives into its pages.

The short and sweet book follows the lives of some gnomes that appear to live in a magical place surrounded by many other mythical beings such as faeries, wizards, and leprechauns just to name a few. One day they start to feel down about not having any magical powers or abilities like these other beings, and the main gnome named Heartley decides to get together with some of the others and speak with their elder Nana about their purpose in life since they lack any mystical skills.

What they soon learn is that they’ve always had the greatest power of them all, kindness. Of course being the sweet gnomes they are, they don’t see this as a power as being kind is just who they are. The story then follows Nana and her teachings as she lets them know in many ways and examples that whenever they do something kind for someone, big or small, it has a giant effect on that person that spreads like a ripple to others and so on, making the world a better place. So they set out to make a tradition of kindness all over the world by coming to people’s homes and spreading it as much as they can.

While the book is short and simple, I loved every page of it (as well as my young cousins I read the book to) as the story is told through cute and fun rhymes with simple but lovely artwork that’s quite colorful as well. This is thanks to author Susan S. Johnston weaving this touching tale masterfully while being accompanied by Uma Sharma’s cute illustrations which are sure to bring a smile to your face.

I also enjoyed the bonus stuff after the story such as getting kids and their families to sign a pledge of kindness sheet in the back of the book, as well as another sheet with questions and ideas families can discuss about how to do kind things. If that wasn’t enough, there’s even 30 removable acts of kindness cards included to help families get started on the road to spreading kindness which I thought was a lovely nice touch.

Then there’s the highlight of this set, the nine inch plush of Heartley the gnome that will immediately make you smile and steal your heart with how irresistibly adorable it is. It’s definitely one of the best bonus treats I’ve had with reviewing something, and this gnome will always have a home here.

If you’re looking for the perfect family gift anytime of the year, you can’t go wrong at all with The Gnome in Your Home Book Set. A touching story that reminds us we have the greatest power of all, spreading kindness to others, along with some awesome activity cards to get families started on their kind journey, and an instantly loveable plush gnome included seals the deal on making this one of the best gift sets ever.