Gnome Is Where Your Heart Is
on Goodreads (207)
What’s inside...
Lemon Peabody loves spending time with her Grandpa Walt, who has been diagnosed with Alzheimer's and claims to have met an alien resembling a garden gnome thirty years ago. Despite it causing a town-wide joke and a family rift, Lemon is determined to vindicate Grandpa Walt while he can still remember. After spotting a spaceship, Lemon and her friends investigate, only for the aliens to find them. Lemon hopes the aliens can restore her grandpa's memory, but they have their own issues. With creativity and compassion, they work to help each other in this heartwarming and humorous novel about family, friendship, and self-belief.
Age
8-12
Length
304 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think makes a place feel like home?
How do you think the gnome felt when he was trying to find where his heart belonged?
What does 'home' mean to you?
Can you think of a time when you helped someone feel welcome, like the gnome in the story?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about 'home' and belonging. Use examples from the book to relate to their personal experiences. Listen attentively and validate their feelings, showing that their perspective is valued.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of home and family
Explanation: The story emphasizes the significance of home as not just a physical place, but where love and family reside. As the gnome journeys to find where his heart is happiest, he realizes it's amongst his loved ones.
Real-World Application: Children can appreciate and cherish the time spent with family and understand that home is where they feel loved and supported.
Example Lesson: Adaptability and openness to change
Explanation: The gnome encounters various environments and situations, learning to adapt to different conditions while maintaining a positive attitude.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children understand the importance of adjusting to new situations such as moving to a new place, changing schools, or making new friends.
Example Lesson: Value of community support
Explanation: Throughout his journey, the gnome receives help and guidance from other characters, highlighting the importance of community and helping one another.
Real-World Application: Children learn the significance of being part of a community and how supporting others can lead to mutual benefits.
Example Lesson: Courage in facing the unknown
Explanation: As the gnome sets out on his quest, he shows bravery in exploring new territories and facing challenges without knowing what lies ahead.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to be brave when they encounter unfamiliar situations or challenges, reinforcing the idea that facing fears can lead to personal growth and discovery.
Example Lesson: Self-discovery and personal growth
Explanation: The gnome’s journey is not only a physical one but also a metaphor for personal discovery and understanding one's true desires and values.
Real-World Application: Children can be inspired to explore their own interests and passions, learning more about themselves and what makes them happy.