Today we are very excited to share an interview with author Scott Magoon!
Read on to learn more about the author, the book, and a giveaway!
Meet the Author: Scott Magoon
Scott is the illustrator of several acclaimed picture books, including the New York Times bestselling Rescue & Jessica: A Life-Changing Friendship by Jessica Kensky and Patrick Downes, the Misunderstood Shark series by Ame Dyckman, and the Spoon series by Amy Krouse Rosenthal. He is also the author/illustrator of Linus the Little Yellow Pencil, Breathe, and The Boy Who Cried Bigfoot! He lives in Massachusetts with his family.
About the Book: THERE’S NO PLACE LIKE GNOME’S
A new picture book by bestselling illustrator Scott Magoon that is a loving example of a community supporting each other, even in the face of unprecedented circumstances.
Meet Gnome.
He isn’t your garden-variety garden gnome. He runs a small hotel for animals, and he works very hard at it. He spends his days fluffing, filing, and feeding the hotel’s fountain fish. And his hard work was finally paying off! His hotel had become a place for small animals to stay for a night or two, and all the guests agreed that there was no place like Gnome’s.
But then the humans went too far and destroyed the forest that the bigger animals called home, so everyone went to Gnome’s. He wanted to turn the bigger animals away, but where else would they go? So Gnome found a way to make room for everyone, despite the hotel being a little cramped.
But when disaster strikes and damages the hotel, the guests are forced to find a new shelter. Gnome worries that all hope is lost until an unlikely guest encourages him to rebuild so that he can once again fluff, file, feed the fountain fish, and welcome guests back to Gnome’s.
~Author Chat~
YABC: What inspired you to write this book?
A few springs ago, three baby foxes made a temporary home under my backyard shed. While my family loved their stay, it was bittersweet—why our shed? Were the nearby woods too small? During that time, our garden gnome stood nearby as a quiet host. That spark grew into something more: a tale of resilience, inclusion, and regrowing what we’ve lost.
YABC: What scene in the book are you most proud of, and why?
The one where everyone pitches in to help. Gnomes, animals, elves, and birds all working together to rebuild—it’s the heart of the story: community re-knitting itself after crisis. I’d love to see more of that in our world too.
YABC: What’s the most important thing you’ve learned as a writer?
Characters must hit rock bottom—because that’s what forces them to change.
YABC: What do you like most about the cover?
The strong, triangular shape of the pine tree element. It frames the title and sets the stage for Gnome and the forest creatures. And hopefully, I’ve illustrated some charming characters there too. 🙂
YABC: What lesson do you want readers to remember?
Help your neighbors. Reconnect with your community. That might mean volunteering, shopping local, or even just waving hello. And plant a tree—the best time was yesterday, the second best time is today.
YABC: What are your favorite themes?
Community, connection, collaboration, creativity. Caring for others and the environment.
YABC: Do you have a playlist you listened to while writing?
Yes! I made an Apple Music playlist while drawing the book: There’s No Plays Like Gnome, filled with favorites I hope seeped into the art.
Swing 42 Django Reinhardt & Stéphane Grappelli
Aerial Boundaries Michael Hedges
Idle Moments Grant Green
After You’ve Gone Django Reinhardt & Stéphane Grappelli
Mint Tea Jeremy Steig
Night Fever The Bee Gees
Peace Piece Bill Evans
Stormy Weather Django Reinhardt & Stéphane Grappelli
Here Comes the Sun Beatles
Jean de Fleur Grant Green
We Are Family Sister Sledge
Almost Like Being in Love Buddy Banks & Bobby Jaspar
YABC: Do you have an unusual office supply?
Like Gnome, I have a record player and records—mostly jazz!
YABC: What daily thing brings you joy?
Birds in the yard—cardinals, goldfinches, even a scarlet tanager once. Most of all though, my family. My boys are off to college this year, so our “hotel” will soon be an empty nest.
YABC: If you could collaborate with any writer in history, who would it be?
George Saunders, John Irving, Nathaniel Philbrick, Barack Obama, Mark Twain, Doris Kearns Goodwin, Lois Lowry, Tina Fey, Michelle Obama, Harper Lee. Their hearts and talent inspire me.
YABC: What would you say is your superpower?
Not my sense of humor. But…maybe my sense of humor?
YABC: How do you cope with criticism?
Editorial notes: I read them, let them sit, then return with fresh eyes.
Public criticism: I remind myself it’s easier to critique than to create—and get back to the work I love.
YABC: What new release are you looking forward to in 2025?
There’s No Place Like Gnome’s, of course!
YABC: What’s up next for you?
Bats at the Beach by Alison Jackson, illustrated by me. It’s a Halloween twist on The Wheels on the Bus, starring a bus full of monsters—vampires, mummies, ghosts—all with a ticket to rise!
YABC: Is there anything you’d like to add?
Only that I’m grateful—to readers, teachers, librarians, and booksellers—for welcoming my books into your homes, schools, and stories. I hope There’s No Place Like Gnome’s plants a little seed of kindness that grows wherever you are. And if a garden gnome happens to help water it…well, all the better.
Title: THERE’S NO PLACE LIKE GNOME’S
Author/Illustrator: Scott Magoon
Release Date: 09/09/2025
Publisher: Viking Books for Young Readers
Genre: Picture Book – Environment; Picture Book – Animals
Age Range: 4-8
~ Giveaway Details ~
Two (2) winners will receive a hardcover copy of THERE’S NO PLACE LIKE GNOME’S (Scott Magoon) ~US Only!
Our family loves gnomes and can’t wait for this book.
Book looks great!
Can’t wait to read this!
This sounds like a sweet story!