A MOM MONDAY REVIEW
Coming 14 March
Author: Kirsten Mayer, Illustrator Laura K Horton
Publication Date: 14 March 2017
Publisher: MacMillan, Imprint
Series: Standalone
Genre: Children's Picture Book
Age Recommendation: 4 and up
Rating: 5 Stars
~ I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review ~
Book Description:
A beard is the biggest point of pride for a Gnome, but poor Al can't sprout a single whisker. Each year, Al feels left out of the Beards International Gnome-athalon, B.I.G.
So Al decides to go BIG or go Gnome! It’s a close shave, but with a hidden talent and the help of his friend, Gnorm, Al learns accepting that you are different is the key to fitting in.
My Review:
What a fun little book. First it has everyone's favorite thing right now...BEARDS! That's right this is a beard book and I loved it. I read this aloud to my 7 and 11 year old and yes the 11 year old sat through the whole thing and giggled just as hard as I did. The pictures are whimsical and sweet, the story is funny, cute, clever, and empowering. It's a reminder that you don't have to be just like everyone else to be important, to be special, to be you. Doing your own thing and be true to yourself that is what makes you a winner in the end. I also love as a mom that maybe there is the hint of a little love story at the end. Most kiddos aren't going to pick up on this but me and my romantic heart got a big old grin out of it.
So the most important part of this review is of course my seven year olds thoughts:
"I really like the book. I think it is good and had funny jokes in it and I like it because of that. It is a really cute-cute book and in the end they have super weird beards! One is even a banjo beard! And it teaches you that you don't have to be like everyone else and it is so funny."
Really that is all the praise and push you need to go out and add this one to your book shelf isn't it. This is a great book to have in your early reader library. Even your older young readers will get a kick out of going back to a picture book for a fun quick read. Heck like I mentioned my 11 year old thought it was a really fun book. I am almost certain that had it been left out she would have picked it up on her own and had a nice chuckle even though she's well past the 'ideal' age range.
There is a whole lot of fun and a whole lot of story in this one little book about gnomes and their beards and I really hope that you will pick this one up and give it a go. Honestly I loved it so much I think I'm going to head back in for another read sans children!
~ Happy Reading ~
About the Author:
Having grown up with two rowdy older brothers, a vast collection of books and a muddy creek in the backyard, illustrator Laura K. Horton has always had a passion for family, creativity and imagination. Laura earned her BFA in illustration and animation from the Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design. When she's not working, Laura can be found drinking tea, reading, and writing stories. She currently lives in Bountiful, Utah, with her family.
About the Illustrator:
Laura K. Horton:
I am a Freelance Illustrator that has always had a passion for family, creativity and imagination. Initially born near Salt Lake City UT, as an Air Force brat I grew up inspired by both travel and exploration.
In 2014 I earned my Bachelor of Fine Arts in Illustration & Animation from the Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design. I have been featured in juried exhibitions and competitions, including the 2014 Society of Illustrators Student Scholarship Exhibition and the MIAD Senior Juried Exhibition.
When I'm not working, I can be found drinking tea, reading, and game designing. Recently I have moved to Espoo, Finland, to obtain a masters degree in Game Design and Development.
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