Review by Booklist Review
Jerome the gnome is convinced that the supposed seed of happiness he got by trading a piece of yarn is a dud. But he learns from his mix of fanciful and garden-variety animal friends that by using the right ingredients (sun, water, soil, and love) in the proper amounts, and by applying much patience, a seed can grow into something that provides happiness. In this case, it's a giant green watermelon, around which the friends gather for a fun-filled picnic. The idea that happiness can come from something as concrete as growing and nurturing a seed might give adults pause, but the message will speak to the intended audience and will not reduce their pleasure in following along as Jerome interacts with his lively and supportive friends. Brightly colored cartoon illustrations serve the story well with just the right balance of detailed close-ups and longer shots. This is ideal for conveying the concept of growth in nature, in addition to, for those ready for the discussion, the concept of achieving happiness.--Randall Enos Copyright 2018 Booklist
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Kirkus Book Review
With the help of his forest friends, gnome Jerome learns a valuable lesson about happinessor maybe gardening.A bright yellow bird named Warble flies through the Garden of Wonder, landing in Jerome's open window. Warble offers Jerome a "tiny black seed" that she calls "the seed of happiness." Jerome offers a piece of bright red yarnthe "perfect" thing for Warble's nest!in exchange. When the seed doesn't do anything, however, Jerome worries that it may be broken. Friends Beamer the robot and Nutilda the squirrel suggest sunlight, and Sir Surly the turtle prompts Jerome to toss the seed into the pond for water. It takes Sherwin Wigglesworth, a jaunty worm with a monocle, to show Jerome how to plant his seed. Jerome and friends are impatient for the seed to grow, until Glinda, the butterfly fairy (who just happens to be fluttering by), points out the missing ingredient: love. "The best things always grow from love." Jerome nurtures his seed with water, food, love, and some of his favorite things placed all around. It grows into a giant green watermelon that everyone can share. Though it doesn't really hang together logically, DiPucchio's story captures an innocence in tune with the very young. Kaufenberg's illustrations are appropriately bright and cute, depicting Jerome as a white garden gnome with a pointy red cap. Like Jerome's, its heart is in the right place. (Picture book. 3-6) Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
