The Gnome Who Roamed
illustrations by
What’s inside...
Follow the whimsical adventures of a gnome who leaves his cozy garden to explore the world beyond, encountering new friends and challenges along the way. Gerome Gnome loves to roam. One day, he goes roaming farther than ever before and has an adventure!
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
6-8
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think motivated the gnome to roam around the world?
How do you feel about the different places the gnome visited?
What would you do if you were the gnome for a day?
Can you think of a friend who reminds you of the gnome? Why do they remind you of him?
What is the most valuable lesson the gnome learned on his journey?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use an interactive world map to trace the gnome’s journey as you discuss the book. This visual aid can make the story more relatable and understandable.
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the gnome’s adventures, reinforcing that all opinions are valued.
After reading, ask your child to draw their favorite scene or character from the book. This can lead to deeper discussions about the story’s themes.
Connect the gnome’s experiences to real-life scenarios your child might encounter, emphasizing empathy and understanding of different cultures.
Consider creating a 'gnome adventure' day, where you and your child create stories about where you would travel and what you would do, inspired by the book.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of curiosity and exploration
Explanation: The gnome in the story embarks on various adventures, exploring new environments and meeting new characters, demonstrating a keen sense of curiosity and openness to learning.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to explore new hobbies or learn about different cultures, helping to broaden their horizons and understand the world better.
Example Lesson: Valuing friendship and teamwork
Explanation: Throughout his journeys, the gnome forms close bonds with other characters, emphasizing collaboration and the support friends provide during challenges.
Real-World Application: This can teach children the importance of building friendships and working together to overcome obstacles, whether in school projects or sports.
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of adversity
Explanation: Despite encountering various obstacles, the gnome persists and adapts, demonstrating resilience.
Real-World Application: This lesson can inspire children to persevere through their own challenges, whether they are academic difficulties or personal setbacks.
Example Lesson: Respecting nature and the environment
Explanation: The gnome interacts with the natural world in a respectful and caring manner, highlighting environmental consciousness.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to take an active role in preserving their environment, such as recycling or participating in local clean-up days.
Example Lesson: The joy of discovery
Explanation: The story celebrates the discoveries the gnome makes on his travels, teaching children the joy that comes with learning new things.
Real-World Application: This can encourage children to embrace learning and discover joy in education, sparking a lifelong love for knowledge.