Staff Writer: Kathleen
Published Date: October 8, 2024
Number of pages: 96 pages
Format: E-book
Genre: Children’s
Tags: Chapter Book, Fantasy, Low Fantasy, STEM, Female Author, Female Illustrator, Female Protagonist, POC Protagonist, Black Protagonist, Part of a Series
Cardigan rating: 4.5 out of 5
Thoughts:
Gnomes and Sneezes is the latest entry in the Zoey and Sassafras series of chapter books, and I think the whole series is absolutely wonderful! Every book goes through the scientific method to solve a problem with a new magical creature, sometimes with the help of Zoey’s mother, sometimes all on her own, but every time, there’s a happy ending. In this one, it’s more simple trial and error without any experiments, which is part of why I docked half a cardigan. It did have graph examples, though, so it wasn’t fully a let-down in the STEM department. I liked seeing the scientific experiments in the prior books, such as using different substances to slow mold growth in Monsters and Mold, or using different amounts of water and sunlight and different scents to stimulate creature growth in Bips and Roses. Another reason for docking half a cardigan is that the resolution in Gnomes and Sneezes might be upsetting for some children- the gnomes’ pet spider has to be rehomed due to allergies, but they get a nice new moth for a pet that they aren’t allergic to! The gnomes aren’t unhappy with this solution, particularly since they know the spider is going somewhere to be cared for and they get to stay in their own home, but it’s still something to be aware of.
A small complaint with the series and not this book in particular is that since Zoey’s dad can’t see magical creatures but she and her mother can, they occasionally lie to him about the cause of strange occurrences. Sometimes he is told the truth and he thinks it’s a game or a joke, so I don’t see it as encouraging dishonesty, but it definitely rubs me the wrong way occasionally. Zoey also sometimes gets in over her head with problems like an injured baby unicorn in Unicorns and Germs, and her mother is always ready to help, but it could still be a little distressing for a sensitive child. Overall, though, I absolutely adore this series and wish it was around when I was a kid! It’s so fun to see a little girl being so independent and helpful, but still have the support of her parents. So often in children’s books, especially fantasy, the protagonist has lost one or both parents and is facing abuse and hardship, but Zoey has a happy childhood and a loving home life. I feel like I’ve spent more words addressing criticisms than anything else, but this series is truly adorable and I can’t recommend it enough, especially to children with an interest in animals or science. Heck, I’d recommend it to adults who need something lighter to read!
As a side note, we own Gnomes and Sneezes in e-book, but if you’d prefer your child read the physical book, it can be requested from other libraries in our system. Holds can be placed through My Account on our website, or stop in at the circulation or children’s desk with your or your child’s library card and ask to place the book on hold!