The Newest Gnome

Winner of the 2026 Ann Connor Brimer Award for Atlantic Canadian Children’s Literature

PRAISE FOR The Newest Gnome

“At every step, the wonder, beauty, and mystery of nature is on display, with Soloy’s soft, endearing artwork delighting on every earthy, cream-colored page. The wonderfully busy day is capped off by a poetic reflection from Grolly Maru, adding a new layer of meaning to this lovely reverie of a book. A gorgeous blend of imagination and appreciation that will entertain, inform, and inspire anyone with a heart.” —STARRED REVIEW, Booklist

”[T]his is another sweet immersion in a whimsical world populated by endearing residents who vary in skin tone. Soloy’s lovely, intricate vignettes, rendered in muted watercolors, brim with warmth. Young naturalists will be utterly absorbed by the tiny delights here.” —Kirkus Reviews

“The warm, earth-toned illustrations are as cozy as the story and include interspersed spreads of paneled vignettes that mimic time-lapse photography (a dandelion opening; a strawberry ripening). Soloy’s message that ‘each unique being is part of a greater whole’ is naturally conveyed in this sweet but not sappy tale.” —The Horn Book

“The real joy of this book is the sheer joy of it! [A]n enchanting mix of fact and fantasy where a community of odd little beings revel in the natural world and invite readers to do so alongside them. [With] transcendent moments of poetry, wordless graphic spreads, lovingly elucidated lists, and stunning text-over-art pages worthy of poster-sized wall prints … Soloy has created a world all her own, and in introducing readers to the world of The Pocket she also has much to tell us about our own.” —Atlantic Books Awards, Writers’ Federation of Nova Scotia

“Lauren Soloy’s artistic vision is fully realized, in a universe of beauty and comfort, populated by small beings with great wisdom.” —Imaginary Elevators

Lauren Soloy has lived on both coasts of Canada, always within reach of the sea. She currently lives in Nova Scotia, in a house that is exactly 100 years older than she is, with her librarian husband, two curious children, an ever-expanding collection of books, two hives of bees and one grumpy cat. She has finally achieved her life goal of being able to walk through her yard, snacking on whatever fruit or berry is in season - a fact which, she figures, makes her an honorary gnome.

She is the author and illustrator of When Emily Was Small and Tove and the Island with No Address, as well as the illustrator of I’s the B’y: The Beloved Folk Song.

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