Game of Gnomes

September 15, 2017
The gnome-filled fun continues in this companion book to Mayer and Horton's charming Go Big or Go Gnome (2017). Everygnome knows Ginger thanks to her curly red hair, but the spirited lass would rather be known for something else. When her friends Al and Gnorm remind her of the upcoming Winter Gnome Games, Ginger decides to compete to show the other gnomes that she's much more than just awesome hair. "I can rock this!" The big day comes, and Ginger is ready. She shreds on her sled, she spins and zooms during the figure-skating competition, and she shows off her hockey skills during the curling event. Unfortunately, she doesn't quite stick to the game rules at each competition. "Disqualified!" cries Englebert, the Grandmaster of the Gnome Games. Even readers not familiar with Mayer and Horton's previous outing will guess what's coming next, yet Ginger is likable enough to carry the story through its less-than-inspired second half. When a squirrel takes Al for an unexpected ride, Ginger steps up to save her friend, consequently earning the other gnomes' respect and admiration (even the cantankerous Englebert's). Featuring Mayer's lighthearted narratorial voice, amusing details, and some returning characters, Ginger's adventure also shares with its predecessor a bare-bones narrative and a nice if dull ending. Meanwhile, Horton's dynamic illustrations continue to please with a diverse cast of gnomes--though the primary cast is an all-pale one--and scenes full of antics in winter wonderlands. Enjoyable, though it has the feeling of a retread. (Picture book. 3-7)

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November 1, 2017

PreS-Gr 2-It's hard not to like a gnome. They're small and sprightly. Plus they all get along and they wear cute, pointy red hats. But that's just the problem for Ginger: she doesn't stand out as an individual. No one remembers her name. Ginger wants to be known for her talents, not just for her red hair. So she enters the Winter Gnome Games. In sledding, she decides to stand up (becoming the first gnome snowboarder!) and is disqualified despite posting the fastest time and inspiring all the gnomes watching. So it goes with the figure skating and curling competitions-Ginger shows creativity and athletic ability, but she does not follow the prescribed rules. Before she can become too down over her losses, she must use her special skills to rescue her friend who is clinging to a runaway squirrel. For her daring and skill, Ginger is awarded a special medal for "Best All-Around Gnomework." The story ends with the suggestion of a sequel-a rodeo-and with Ginger's glorious red hair finally released from her gnome cap, just as Ginger's generous spirit, creativity, and athletic gifts have been recognized. The gnomes are charmingly drawn and convey the magic of the gnome existence as well as their very tiny scale. VERDICT A cute and clever read-aloud that celebrates creativity and risk-taking.-Sally James, South Hillsborough Elementary School, Hillsborough, CA

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