The little springtime book of gnomes

Kirsten Sevig is mad about gnomes—both the legendary little creatures who sport pointed hats and a carefree style, and the less familiar iteration: the wise, pithy saying.

Here, she brings the two together again, as she did with The Little Winter Book of Gnomes.

Boat-y gnomes go a-sailing (“A fair wind at our back is best”) raspberry-speckled gnomes balance on ladders (“The best fruits hang highest”) young gnomes lounge under flowering branches (“From small seeds grow big trees”) and many more. Sevig’s watercolour illustrations celebrate the lengthening days and the pleasures of being outside.

Her recipes for elderflower lemonade and ginger biscuits, instructions for simple bouquets and flower chains, and an infectious happy attitude make this the perfect gift for anyone who appreciates the little pleasures in life.