A series of hat-centric episodes.Light-skinned, rotund Gnome and gray, spotted Rat live in a hollowed-out tree stump in the Enormous Forest. The central theme across all five of the stories within this graphic novel is Gnome's hat and how the titular pair react to it. In the first tale, Gnome celebrates Hat Day (observed in Gnomevember, of course) with a song and a surprise party thrown by Rat (who knows the importance of this momentous occasion). Other stories see Gnome attempting to fit inside the hat, going without the hat, and losing and attempting to replace it. Through it all, Rat is a steadfast and perceptive friend who enjoys spending time with Gnome. They interact with other woodland creatures, such as rabbits, a crow, and a possum. The Enormous Forest, with its trees, mountains, and streams, makes for a colorful, bright setting, and there are plenty of fun gags. The cartoonish artwork is incredibly expressive, whether bringing to life a moment of utter enthusiasm or a wordless nine-panel page depicting Gnome's coping with a hatless existence. Readers might recognize themselves in Gnome's single-minded exuberance or Rat's even-tempered patience. No matter what these two get up to, they always have a good time together.Friendship at its most whimsical. (a page of creative beard designs for Gnome) (Graphic fiction. 6-9)

This delightfully lively early graphic novel series launch by Stohler (I Am a Great Friend!) follows rambunctious, extravagantly bearded Gnome and his sedate, gray-spotted best friend Rat as they embark on numerous episodic adventures. On Gnomevember 17, Gnome wakes up excited to celebrate Hat Day, the most important day on the gnome calendar. After lovingly washing, unflattening, and polishing his beloved pointed red hat, Gnome hustles into the kitchen to learn that Rat has surprised him with an entire Hat Day celebration. Later, after Gnome witnesses a magic trick in which one rabbit pulls another out of a top hat, Gnome stuffs himself into his own accessory, but the experiment results in a woefully stretched-out chapeau. Hair-growth tonics, a dinosaur-decorated bowler, and Rat’s daily crosswords herald myriad other challenges and hijinks in which friendship—and gentle playfulness—always save the day. Offbeat characters, including a fast-talking, hat-designing possum with dreadful taste, enliven these simple tales of headwear appreciation. Stohler’s art glows with an inviting warmth that encourages readers to linger over the duo’s cheery home as well as the landscape’s purple-hued mountains and flower-filled mushroom forests while eagerly awaiting the series’ next installation. Ages 6–9. Agent: Thao Le, Sandra Dijkstra Literary. (June)

Gr 1–3— Tag along on adorable adventures with best friend duo Gnome and Rat in this new graphic novel series for emerging readers. Across five short chapters, Gnome's endless energy shines alongside his passion for his brand new hat. No matter what silly drama unfolds, Rat remains by Gnome's side, whether they are meeting magic rabbits and friendly yetis or dealing with the consequences of hair-growing tonic and door-to-door sales-critters. Stohler's lively, cartoony illustrations and expressive characters keep the mood light and fun. Bright colors create the lush landscapes and stellar sunsets that make up the Enormous Forest, with white highlights helping the main characters stand out on each page. Light humor, created by the juxtaposition of Gnome's high energy and Rat's down-to-earth problem-solving, will keep kids and adults giggling as they turn the page. Supporting characters, such as the hat-selling possum and hat-repair porcupine, add to the whimsy. VERDICT A cute new addition to the growing pool of emergent-reader graphic novels featuring best friends, this will appeal to fans of Ben Clanton's "Narwhal &; Jelly" series and Stephen Shaskan's "Pizza &; Taco" books.— Annamarie Carlson