New children’s book “Gob the Gnome™: Gob and the Drought” by Marilyn Slaughter, Ed.D., is released, a whimsical tale that teaches kids about forest fire prevention and the role of water in the forest ecosystem 

“Gob the Gnome™: Gob and the Drought” by Marilyn Slaughter, Ed.D., illustrated by Angie Neha, has been released globally. This colorful, 69-page children’s book tells the story of friends Nathan and Tucker and Nathan’s little sister, Iris, and the valuable lessons they learn along the way as they set out to help clean up Sunbrook Forest National Park. This heartwarming story uses the magical character of Gob the Gnome, friend to the forest and to Nathan, Tucker, and Iris, to help young readers learn about how quickly forest fires can start on a hot day, and how to prevent them.

When the kids arrive at Sunbrook Forest, they’re greeted by Ranger Lisa, who has a concerned look on her face. After asking her what is wrong, Ranger Lisa explains that, because it is such a hot day, their friend Gob the Gnome is not feeling well. After visiting Gob, the children learn that Gob is worried about the forest. The lake is smaller because of the drought and heat. Plus, a forest fire was started–but thankfully put out just in time–when someone threw a lit cigarette into the bushes the day before. Gob was holding back tears as he spoke about how hard it was to keep the forest clean and safe as people littered more and more.

As they leave Gob to have some time for himself, Ranger Lisa gives Nathan, Tucker, and Iris each a gift–a mini forest ecosystem in a bottle. She uses the bottles to teach the kids about how important water is to the forest ecosystem. Water helps many animals stay cool in the hot weather, something the forest was struggling with since the lakes and streams were drying up in the drought.

As Nathan and Tucker get started on cleaning the forest, they run into a family who almost starts ANOTHER forest fire because of the mom’s cigarette. While the encounter is upsetting to the kids and Ranger Lisa, a lucky turn of events leads to them bringing home Gob’s gnome friend who had been missing from the forest.

Throughout the story, Gob and Ranger Lisa teach the children all about forest fires and water. They learn that, in addition to being started from smoking, which is not allowed in the forest, forest fires can also start from a glass bottle that catches the sun in a particular way. This means it is especially important to prevent litter. The children also learn about water and its cooling effect on the air. Even though things are not going so well in the heat at first, the children manage to collect a whole big bag of litter, prevent another forest fire, and help a friend return to the forest, bringing a smile to Gob the Gnome’s face once again. Overall, it’s a good day for the kids and their Sunbrook Forest friends.

With vivid illustrations, captivating characters, and an important message about protecting nature, this fourth book of the forthcoming Gob the Gnome™ series is both enlightening and entertaining. A glossary of terms is included at the end to help readers build their vocabulary.

Drawing from her experience as a teacher, Marilyn Slaughter, Ed.D.’s passion for nature, and the knowledge that science can sometimes be daunting for children is what inspired her to make learning enjoyable through the magical character of Gob the Gnome, the mythical creature who engages children and presents information in an entertaining manner.

Gob the Gnome™: Gob and the Drought  (ISBN: 979-8-9900545-0-9) can be purchased worldwide at Amazon, Barnes & Nobles, and Ingramspark. The hardcover retails for $33.99 and the ebook retails for $9.99. Review copies and interviews are available upon request.

Book Dimensions

Gob the Gnome™ – Gob and the Drought

This short story focuses on the effects of climate change on Sunbrook Forest National Park. The extremely hot weather in the area for an extended period caused the grounds in the forest to dry, water in lakes and rivers lower than normal. Gob is concerned about what could happen to the forest if the hot temperatures continue for a long time. Tucker, Nathan, Iris, mom, and Ranger Lisa are all concerned about the forest and Gob. They wondered what more they could do to help Gob and help the forest survive. Iris revealed her understanding of the seriousness of litter in the forest and oceans. Tucker, Nathan, Iris, mom, and Ranger Lisa presented Gob with a beautiful gift, one of his special gnome friends.

Since the 1400s, folklore has described gnomes as guardians of treasure and the protectors of Earth. Gnomes represent stability, growth, and good luck. This is the fourth book of the six-book series about Gob the Gnome. The six books in this series all revolve around Gb the Gnome, the protector of a local forest, who become friends with Nathan and Iris and helps to educate them on the importance of caring for the environment.

About the author:

Marilyn Slaughter is an educator with experience teaching second through fifth grades, middle school science, and social studies. She now spends time authoring books for children and adults for engagement, learning, and entertainment. Marilyn’s first six books are a set with the theme of children, with their families enjoying the outdoors; and with teachers and classmates learning about the environment. The children are introduced to a magical and mythical being in the forest and they work to save the local forest. Her goal is to provide a fun read with an entertaining way for children to learn about science.

For more information, please contact: info@gobthegnome.com 

Majestic Children’s Books:

Majestic Children’s Books brings together a diverse array of characters and adventures that resonate with children across the globe. Each story is a treasure trove of lessons about courage, friendship, family, love, community, environment and the magic of discovery. Majestic Children’s books can be reached at: www.gobthegnome.com and at: info@gobthegnome.com