Member Reviews

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for granting me free access to the advanced digital copy of this book.

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A fun follow up to the first volume. While this book is a touch less silly than the first book it actually has a little bit more carry through in the story selection. I can confidently say that Gnome and Rat is a solid series choice for young readers with an offbeat sense of humor.

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I love the humor this author transmists and brings to life through these two characters who have that unlikely friendship that is both adorable and hilarious. Gnome and Rat will forever crack us up!

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The first book in the Gnome and Rat series is super popular with readers at my school, so I was excited to see another book featuring this engaging duo. In this installment, the friends get ready to celebrate Gnome’s 133rd birthday by coming up with three special things to do to celebrate. When Rat lets his buddy know he’s feeling left out with all of the special Gnome celebrations, Gnome steps up and creates Raturday, a special day to celebrate Rat. Friendship, food, and fun take center stage in this early graphic novel with engaging artwork. Stories are quick and funny—just right for early readers. Fans of the first will be delighted to catch up with Gnome and Rat and join them for more adventures.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an eARC of the book to read and review.

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Gnome and Rat: Time to Party! is an adorable illustrated story and the second book featuring the titular main characters by Lauren Stohler. Due out 12th March 2024 from Random House on their Children's imprint, it's 80 pages and will be available in hardcover and ebook formats.

Gnome is soon 133 (!!!) and wants his friends to help him find three totally super awesome things to do on his birthday. Best friend Rat wants to help, but also can't help but feel just a tiny bit left out. Reading about their natural feelings, and their genuine friendship, in simple but honest language is just beautiful and moving. It's written for kids (Lexile GN520L (graphic novel)) but there are takeaways for all ages here and the illustrations are really well done and fun.

There are four chapters and they're interwoven, but the chapters work well as pause points, which makes it ideal for short reading sessions.

Five stars. This would be an excellent choice for public or school library acquisition, for gift giving, and for home use. Wonderful and well told.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

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What's not to love about a book crammed with silly celebrations and Fudgie Wudgie cookies?

Another wonderful chapter in the fun-filled lives of Gnome and Rat. I LOVE this duo, and I suspect the kiddos will, too. A cute and colorful look at a unique friendship.

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I absolutely love these early graphic novels for children and this series is one of the best! Filled with fantastic illustrations and a lovely story of two friends and what one friend will do for another to help them feel included [and offers encouragement when needed]; this is really a fun book to read!! Make sure to pay attention to the illustrations because there is just so much to see that will both add to the story AND will encourage using ones imagination to expand the story. This book [and the first book in the series] are just so fun and I cannot wait to see where Gnome and Rat will go next.
Highly recommended.

Thank you to NetGalley, Lauren Stohler, and Random House Children's/Knopf Books for Children for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

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So super cute and whimsical. Rat is the brains of the operation and gnome is the personality hire, and I love them deeply.

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Gnome and Rat are apparently back and I am late to the party!

I am so glad to have discovered this series of graphic novels. Not only are the stories in Time to Party super cute, engaging, and packed full of a funny and supportive friendship; but they also are brought to life with the most adorable, full color illustrations. I am in love!

Set at a transitional chapter book level, perfect for those ready to move up from Mo Willems and Fly Guy, or even those who are still in the helper reading stage, Gnome and Rat include a lot of the frequently used 'sight words' while also including more diverse language in a way that isn't overwhelming.

I fully intend to add every Gnome and Rat book to my reader's advisory, and am excited to read each one that comes out myself!

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Children's for the eARC!

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I know that by kiddos would love this book. Cute characters and great friendship. The stories are original, clever, and kids will find them hilarious. My daughter's favorite animal is a rat so I want to introduce her to this series. Cute illustrations as well. Graphic Novels are also a great tool for reluctant early readers. Definitely would recommend.

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I received an electronic ARC from Random House Children's Publishers through NetGalley.
Rat and Gnome are back for more adventures. Elementary level readers will appreciate their humorous antics and feel they are part of the fun. The short chapter format works for early readers to follow the entire story and be able to take a break or jump into the next adventure. Colorful illustrations support the text and provide further clues and details. A fun, light read that won't stay on my shelves.

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My children love a fun graphic novel and this book peeked their interest! The characters are adorable. Not only do my children love graphic novels, but my students do as well because they can pair the pictures with the social situation - perspective taking and prediction taking is more challenging for neurodivergent individuals. With some help my students could understand the perspective taking and opportunities for predicting what may happen. This book is great for all young readers who enjoy graphic novels. Plus, the humor is great!

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I'm an adult and I laughed out loud more than once while reading this. It's so cute and funny, and I really loved Rat and Gnome. What a fabulous friendship!
Early readers will feel accomplished reading this.
Thanks so much to NetGalley for letting me read this

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Gnome and Rat Time to Party by the Lauren Stohler

Release Date: March 12, 2024

This is incredibly cute and funny. This would be loved by my 8 and 13 year old. It’s an easy read with some great artwork! I highly recommend checking out this cute book!

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"Gnome and Rat: Time to Party!" is a great follow up to the first graphic novel. Perfect for reluctant or beginning readers that love a good laugh.

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My kids hadn’t discovered Gnome and Rat before this book but now they are eager to read more stories about the two friends! These graphic novels are adorable and unique where each chapter is a separate story in its own right but also links to the the stories in the book. Our favorite story was the first one because Gnome misplaces his cookie and it is found in a place that the kids just giggled and giggled over. The pictures were cute without being babyish. A nice change!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advance copy. All opinions are my own.

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This is the cutest book! They have the cutest illustrations. You just want it to never end! The gnome is having such a cute birthday party! The gnome looks like the cutest little Santa Clause!

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I received an ARC of this book through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

I love this book even more than the first one. A rat. A gnome. A birthday. A true friendship. Fairytale mushrooms. Pizza. Really, it has it all.

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Thank you to the publishers and NetGalley for the ARC copy!

Gnome and Rat are gearing up to celebrate Gnome's 133rd birthday by trying three new activities. Rat beings to feel a bit left out, but Gnome knows just what to do to cheer him up!

This is the first Gnome and Rat story I've read, and it was absolutely adorable! The illustrations are adorable and vibrant, and Gnome and Rat are just so goofy and funny. This title was laugh out loud funny. This is a perfect early graphic novel to recommend to beginning readers and their families.

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I received an advanced copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
They're back! Join Gnome and Rat as they prepare for more partying. Gnome's 133rd birthday is coming soon, and Rat is getting excited for "Raturday." From losing weight for a few extra fudge munchies to chewing gum and even rolling down a hill competition, Gnome and Rat are always doing things together. It's laughable and funny, and I highly enjoyed it. I can't wait for volume three!

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