Elwood the Gnome Children's Book On Sale Now!

Reiman Gardens Introduces New Children's Book Inspired by Elwood the Gnome 

Reiman Gardens is pleased to announce the release of a new children's picture book, Adventures with Elwood the Gnome: Small Things — inspired by Elwood, the Gardens' beloved oversized gnome, and its 2026 seasonal theme, Big and Small.

Written by Reiman Gardens Marketing and Communications Director Andrew Gogerty, illustrated by Ames, Iowa artist Tim Read, and printed locally by Heuss Printing, the book is available for online ordering now. It will be officially released beginning June 11 at Reiman Gardens with a book reading and author/illustrator signing at 10:15 a.m.

In the story, Elwood — a gentle giant who towers over the gardens — finds himself feeling lonely, wondering if he'll ever find someone who looks like him. With the help of his garden friends, including the energetic Rodeo Rabbit, the adventurous Beverly Butterfly, and the upbeat conservatory band The Sassy Succulents, Elwood realizes a heartfelt truth: it's the small things — and the unexpected discoveries — that bring the greatest joy.

Set against the real-life beauty of Reiman Gardens, the story features scenes and experiences longtime visitors may recognize, creating a heartfelt connection between the story and the Gardens themselves. Moments in the book were inspired by actual events at Reiman Gardens.

"Elwood has been a big part of the Reiman Gardens experience for 15 years, and we're excited to give visitors a story they can take home," said Gogerty. “This book is rooted in values, celebrating friendship, belonging, and the joy of discovering wonder in everyday moments."

Adventures with Elwood the Gnome: "Small Things" is written for children ages 3–10 and gnome lovers of all ages. It makes a perfect keepsake for families who have visited the Gardens, as well as young readers discovering Reiman Gardens for the first time. The book includes a brief history of Elwood and a scavenger hunt featuring items readers can spot both in the story and throughout Reiman Gardens.

Availability

The book is available for purchase online now through Heuss Printing. Pre-orders include a signed copy of the book by the author and a package of character stickers. The book will be available for purchase in-person at Reiman Gardens beginning June 11 at 10:15 a.m. in the Reiman Gardens Gift Shop. 

Retail price: $20

About the creators

Andrew Gogerty — Author

A lifelong Iowan and storyteller, Andrew Gogerty has been crafting stories since his first book in 2009, with work appearing in local newspapers and a second book following in 2021. Adventures with Elwood the Gnome is his first children's book — inspired by the charm of Reiman Gardens, visitors' enduring love for Elwood, and the readers closest to his heart: his wife, a local library director; his children; and his newest and tiniest fan, his first grandchild, born in March 2026. Andrew serves as Marketing and Communications Director at Reiman Gardens.

Tim Read — Illustrator

A seasoned illustrator and graphic designer with more than 30 years of experience working with clients across the United States and Canada, Tim Read brings rich imaginative detail to every page. In 2012, he created My Very Silly Monster, a playful educational book series for kids of all ages. Adventures with Elwood the Gnome is his 24th illustrated book project. Tim and his wife have called Ames home since 2003, where they live with their four children. Long-time members of Reiman Gardens, the Read family has a deep appreciation for the beauty and community the Gardens provide — making this collaboration a natural and fitting one.

Heuss Printing — Publisher

Adventures with Elwood the Gnome was printed and published by Heuss Printing, a local Ames printer.