Can y’all believe that we are still milking posts from that baby’s birthday party a few weeks ago?
Well, we are.
We had to give little Madeleine a gift worthy of a woodland themed first birthday.
Like the Gnome Book that was my absolute favorite as a child…
I devoured every inch of this book when I was a kid, so much so that it literally fell apart,
It did.
This is my second copy,
and, as y’all can see…….my new one is a little worn well-loved too.
For more than 35 years this beautifully illustrated book has brought joy and wonder to readers of all ages.
This delightful Dutch book was first published in Holland in 1976, and translated for the English-speaking market in 1977. It was an immediate hit. (It’s a little know fact that it was Martha Stewart’s husband, Andy, who was the publisher responsible for bringing the book to American audiences.) Writer Wil Huygen and illustrator Rien Poortvliet perfectly document the gnome population living in Holland at the time. They cover all areas of gnome culture: architecture, education, courtship, medicine, industry, and even relationships with other mythical creatures.
I can’t emphasize enough just how much artistry went into every corner of this book. But it isn’t just the illustrations, the attention to detail in imagining this complete world of wood gnomes is absolutely heart warming.
See for yourselves……
When I was a boy, I made an exact replica of this house out of cardboard and balsa wood scaled to the gnome Christmas ornaments we had. (Still have those ornaments, BTW)
Order one for yourself, or someone special, today.
There’s a deluxe edition that was released in 2011 to commemorate the 35th anniversary of the book….but its iconic cover has been replaced with single, laughing, pointing gnome.
I prefer the original….
Find that version here.
Yes, we realize that Madeleine is only a year old ……… and this book may be a bit advanced for her right now. But one day she will be old enough to discover this book……
…..and will no doubt, love it as much as I do.
I’m pretty sure that y’all will too.
THE CAVENDER DIARY 
OMiGosh . . . who knew? I have to have 3 copies (no waiting) . . . 1 each for a pair of grands + 1 for Grandma Kay!
I have no idea when and where I came across your blog. I feel like it was a Pinterest post about the shed you re-vamped. Loved it.
I subscribed to your blog at that time and I am so glad I did. I read all of your posts and enjoy each one.
THIS BOOK!!! Gah! My 5 year old boy will love and devour it also and I am so thankful you posted this.
I cannot wait to get one.
Thanks for always giving me something enjoyable to read.
Hi Rhonda, so glad that you did find us!!!! I just write about the thing we do and like…..glad that you find them just as inspiring/interesting too. I’ll try to keep it up.
Thanks for the note!
I’ve got a copy of that book myself, and I just love it! You did what I dreamed of doing, I wanted to make myself a gnome house but for whatever reason I never did. I think I’ll go have a browse through my book right now! 🙂
Hello, Just wanted to let you know that I have been reading your blog/email for about 2 months. You are very talented. As soon I read about the Gnome book, I had to have one for my 10 year old son. I ordered the 1970’s version the one with the front and back Gnome on the cover. It was perfect and my son and I read it cover to cover. The illustrations and detail are wonderful. It is now on our coffee table and we skim thru it often. Thanks for the suggestion.
Awwww that’s great! I’m so glad that both of you enjoyed it! It’s seriously been one of my favorites for years and I’m so glad that I could pass it on to you both.
James, back in 1980 I had a Gnome Home that I built. It was an exact replica of the scene on the back of your book. But it was a kit that came with everything, which was cut-out furniture and glue. The colorful furniture & decor item had “fold” instructions, and little tabs to tuck in. Sometimes I’d accidentally tear off the tab, thus the glue. I loved that little house, and it sat on a table in my apt. At Christmastime, my roommate and I broke a little branch off our tree and made a Christmas tree for the Gnome House. A few months after making it, I gave it to a friend’s daughters. I saw that same kit on ebay about 5 years ago, original uncut, unused, and I contemplated buying it. But there were school supplies for my kids to buy, So I let it go. Now I search and search for it, and don’t find it. Why did you retire and why did the whole thing get discontinued?
Thanks,
Louise
Hi Louise, I absolutely remember that punch-out gnome house book. I couldn’t afford it so I made my own out of cardboard…. scaled perfectly to fit the plastic gnome Christmas ornaments we had at the time. (Btw, I still have them) I added every detail; even the Bavarian throne toilet. Not sure what ever became of it. Thanks for jogging my old memory. Now I’ll be scouring eBay for that book!