At the end of a dusty little trail lies a charming mushroom dwelling that is home to one friendly but somewhat lonely gnome. When Gnomey receives a letter from his beloved grandmother inviting him to pay her a visit and indulge in his favorite sweet treat, he jumps at the opportunity. Gnomey sets off on what can only be described as an enviable adventure as he heads for Grandma Ruth’s house and her famous lavender cookies. 

Quest for Cookies, written and illustrated by Natalia Morris, takes young readers on a fantastic journey through the forest, across the ocean, and over the moon alongside Gnomey, a sweet-natured little gnome who is always thinking of others and is sure to lend a hand whenever the need arises. Children will, no doubt, find themselves drawn to Gnomey’s adventurous spirit and will marvel at the bravery and quick wit he displays in his close encounter with a dragon. 

Morris has gifted readers with a picture book that is truly visually stunning. There is a delightful softness to the colorful imagery, and it complements the innocence of Gnomey’s tale in the most wonderful way. I love the way Morris added illustrations within the text to emphasize the meaning of certain words. This is a fabulous tool for beginning readers who need to make connections to new vocabulary. 

In addition, I have to say that Morris does not shy away from using more complex terms in her narrative. As a teacher, I could not be more pleased to see words like “monocled” and “expedition” included in the text. What wonderful opportunities for parents and teachers alike to have engaging conversations about new words! 

It is often difficult to find children’s books that offer more complex verbiage with topics and characters young readers find relatable. Gnomey, Bean the bunny, and Grandma Ruth are the perfect cast of characters for budding readers, and the lovingly illustrated pages make it the ideal addition to a home or classroom library. 

Pages: 39 | ASIN : B0CKJW6TGX