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.

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.

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Characters List

Nathan – The older brother of Iris, likes the comfort of home streaming, moving and playing video games.

Iris – The younger sister of Nathan, likes hanging around and doing whatever her brother is doing.

Mom – The mother of Nathan and Iris who is concerned about her children not getting enough exercise outdoors.

Gob the Gnome – The mythical and magical gnome from the past who lives in modern day society caring for and protecting the local forest.

Press Release

New children’s book “Gob the Gnome™: The Gnome and the Seedlings” by Marilyn Slaughter, Ed.D is released, a magical story that teaches kids about nature, the environment, and the importance of trees 

“Gob the Gnome™: The Gnome and the Seedlings” by Marilyn Slaughter, Ed.D, illustrated by Angie Neha, has been released worldwide. This vibrant, 69-page children’s book tells the story of young siblings Nathan and Iris as they hike through Sunbrook Forest National Park – and the truly magical experience they have there.

This delightful story uses a mythical character to educate young readers about life in the forest, and shows that the world outside is just as fascinating as the world on a screen.

After their mom finds the children watching videos on their tablets, she decides not to waste a beautiful day and the family sets off for an outdoor adventure. Nathan and Iris are a bit resistant at first, but quickly find themselves enthralled by the plants and animals around them in the sprawling park. Despite their mother’s warnings to stay close, the brother and sister run ahead and soon encounter a strange little man who reveals himself to be a gnome named Gob.

Gob teaches the kids all about seeds, trees, roots, and the cycles of nature. Nathan, Iris, and Gob plant apple trees, and with the help of a little gnome magic, sprout them into seedlings. Just as Mommy catches up, Gob disappears without a trace. Overjoyed with their new friend and fascinated by the seedlings, the kids ask if they can return to the park to watch the trees grow.

With brightly colored illustrations, interesting characters, and an impactful message about loving nature, this first book of the forthcoming Gob the Gnome™ series is both entertaining and educational. It also includes a glossary of terms at the end to help young readers build their vocabulary.

Inspired by her background in teaching, her love of the outdoors, and an understanding that science can be overwhelming and exhausting for kids, Marilyn Slaughter, Ed.D set out to make the subject matter engaging through a whimsical, mystical character that captures attention and delivers information in a fun way.

Gob the Gnome™: The Gnome and the Seedlings (ISBN: 9781960142832) can be purchased through retailers worldwide, including Barnes and Noble and Amazon. The hardcover retails for $33.99 and the ebook retails for $14.99.
Review copies and interviews are available upon request.

Book Dimensions

Front cover: 8.5 in wide, 11 in tall; 8.5″x11″
Spine: 0.313 in wide, 11 in tall; 0.313″x11″
Back cover:  8.5 in wide, 11 in tall; 8.5″x11″
Full wraparound spread (front cover+back cover+spine measurements): 17.313 in wide, 11 in tall; 17.313″x11″
Glossy exterior and the interior pages are printed on premium 70lb colored paper.
Total book pages: 69 with 30 text and 30 colorful images

From the back cover:

Gob the Gnome™
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 more 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 and grow trees.

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.

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