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

The Gnome and the Seedlings

This short story is about a mother wanting balance for her children. She wants her children to spend more time outdoors exercising and having fun. One weekend she encourages her children to stop playing video games and streaming movies while sitting on the couch and spend some time at the local national park. While at the park, the children, Nathan and Iris, meet a mythical and magical gnome named Gob. Gob the Gnome explains to the children what his role is at the national park and how to plant seeds to grow trees.

The Gnome and the Threat to the Forest

This short story is about a mother wanting her children to enjoy the outdoors. The story takes Nathan, Iris, and Mommy on another trip to the national park. Nathan and Iris are extremely excited to visit their new friend, Gob the Gnome again. Gob takes Nathan, Iris, and Mommy on a short tour of the park and Nathan sees a large empty area of the park. Gob explains to Nathan, Iris, and their mom the unfortunate realities of what happens in some parks due to human interference and natural occurrences. Gob also introduces the family to some of the animals and explains how they suffer through deforestation, tornados, and storms. In this story Iris comes to age by using what she learns from Gob to defend the forest.

The Gnome and the Science Experiment

This short story is about Nathan’s adventures during a 5th grade science field trip to the Sunbrook Forest National Park. Nathan is familiar with the park since he and his sister Iris have visited the park before with the encouragement of their mom. During the field trip Nathan overcomes some anxieties, including not liking the subject of science, having to buddy with the 5th grade bully, and worrying that other 5th graders, teachers, and volunteers might see Gob the Gnome and cause problems for Gob and the park. By the end of the science field trip, Nathan has built a level of confidence that helps him make the best science presentation in his class and together with the 5th grade bully develop a monthly “Clean the Park” project. Nathan and his classmates join to clean up the forest once a month. Nathan also meets an interesting park ranger who becomes very instrumental in his interest in science, the environment, and his future career plan after high school.