Kindness Comes Full Circle in Diane M. Reed’s Enchanting Children’s Book “Where the Gnomes Dwell”

Deep in a forest unseen by humans, a family of gnomes begins each day before sunrise, quietly caring for the plants and animals around them. The Ewings Publishing announces the availability of “Where the Gnomes Dwell,” the debut children’s book written and illustrated by Diane M. Reed. Through a suspenseful woodland adventure, warm family bonds, and richly colored illustrations, the book shows young readers that even the smallest helpers can make an extraordinary difference - and that kindness has a way of finding its way home.

The story follows Old Pap-Pap, Father, Mother, and young Ernie as they tend unopened flower buds, watch over fallen baby birds, and work in harmony with bees, rabbits, and other forest creatures. After a violent summer night leaves the woods damaged, the gnomes discover Fauna, a frightened baby deer pinned beneath a fallen branch. They free her, comfort her, reunite her with Mother Deer, and then care for Flora, the great oak, whose broken limb has left a painful wound. Their work is gentle, practical, and offered without expectation of reward.

But the next storm changes everything. Heavy rain floods the gnomes’ underground home, mud seals their door, and the family is forced into a dangerous night. Wise Old Owl shelters them beneath a broad wing while help is summoned. Mother Deer carries the shivering family to safety, Fauna helps search for a new place to live, and Flora offers the shelter of her roots. The ones who were rescued become rescuers, turning the tale into a memorable circle of generosity, trust, and community care.

That emotional circle is what gives “Where the Gnomes Dwell” its staying power. Rather than presenting empathy as an abstract lesson, Reed allows children to watch compassion move from character to character. The recurring idea that caring for one another is “a good arrangement” becomes more meaningful with each act of courage. The book can open natural conversations at home, in classrooms, and in libraries about helping others, accepting help, responding to emergencies, protecting animals, and rebuilding after unexpected change.

The book is especially compelling for families seeking a read-aloud story that balances danger with reassurance. Its storm scenes create genuine suspense, while the close-knit gnome family and the forest community provide a steady sense of safety. Colorful woodland imagery invites children to look closely at trees, flowers, mushrooms, owls, deer, and the hidden life beneath the forest floor. The result is an imaginative story with a grounded message: communities become stronger when care is shared.

Reed’s connection to the story’s animal-centered world extends beyond the page. She holds a Bachelor of Science in psychology from the University of Pittsburgh, has worked as an elementary school substitute teacher and in veterinary clinics, and has volunteered with the Emergency Animal Rescue Service, helping rescue animals affected by floods, hurricanes, and tornadoes. Her work with Trap-Neuter-Return programs for feral community cats further reflects the compassion for animals that runs throughout her first publication.

Bring this circle of kindness home. “Where the Gnomes Dwell” is available in softcover and eBook formats. Families, educators, librarians, and animal lovers can purchase the book now through The Ewings Publishing.

Title:“Where the Gnomes Dwell”
Author and Illustrator: Diane M. Reed
Publisher: The Ewings Publishing

ISBN 979-8-90301-418-7
979-8-90301-417-0

About the Author
Diane M. Reed holds a Bachelor of Science in psychology from the University of Pittsburgh. Her professional and volunteer experience includes elementary substitute teaching, work in veterinary clinics, emergency animal rescue following natural disasters, and Trap-Neuter-Return work with feral community cats. “Where the Gnomes Dwell” is her first publication and combines her love of children, animals, family, and nature. Reed lives in Orange Park, Florida, and has two children, two grandchildren, and one great-grandchild.

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April Andrews

FulFillment Officer

The Ewings Publishing

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