In this first installment of her Gnome Series, Boehl (That’s Mine, Sissy!) has crafted a charming story centered on learning how to be grateful and live in the moment. Emily and Josephine gain a bundle of whimsical new friends on their walk to Nana’s house, including a fly with “a head full of fuzz,” a fox whose favorite pose is downward facing dog, and an owl who wonders if yoga would eliminate his stress. The lesson on managing frustrations won’t be lost on younger readers when the “mischievous troll” demands a toll for crossing his bridge–but later relents because “yoga would make me less grumpy!”
Roperos’s dreamy illustrations meld with the story’s mythical feel, and kids will enjoy pointing out the entertaining details–like the tiny fly demonstrating a yoga pose on its mat–that add life to the tale. Health-minded parents will appreciate the introduction to making exercise fun, complete with gentle reminders to incorporate thankfulness into daily meditations. When Nana finally makes her appearance, she encourages the animals to “release all your worries” and leads the whole crew in a beautiful twilight yoga session, courtesy of the resident fireflies. This warm tale will leave readers feeling mellow and relaxed.
Takeaway: Two young gnomes learn the benefits of yoga alongside their enchanted animal friends in this charming tale.
Great for fans of: Mariam Gates’s Goodnight Yoga, Nicola Edwards’s Happy.
Production grades
Cover: B
Design and typography: A
Illustrations: B
Editing: B
Marketing copy: A
An appealing story about making friends on a journey.
