About the Park
The Eli's Park Project is transforming the Burke-Gilman Playground Park into an accessible, nature-based space where people of all ages and abilities can find play and peace. This community-led volunteer group is partnering with Seattle Parks and Recreation and Seattle Parks Foundation in order to make this park a reality in Seattle, Washington. The planning and design phases are funded by the Neighborhood Matching Fund through the Department of Neighborhoods and other generous community donors. Landscape architects at Site Workshop are leading an inclusive design process to ensure that the renovated park is a place where all are welcome.
Proceeds from this book, A Home for Gnome, will go towards The Eli’s Park Project. If you’d like to follow along with the project or make a donation to support this community effort, please visit www.elispark.org.
Accessible, Inclusive, Nature-Based
Book Dedication
Written in loving memory of Elijah Del Reischl, my treasured grandson.
Elijah Del Reischl entered this world on October 3, 2013, with one extra chromosome and enough joy to share with anyone lucky enough to cross his path. Eli saw beauty in everything and shared his bright smile with everyone. Eli adored his mom, dad, brothers, family, friends…and gnomes.
Eli loved cheese, the color red, and school. He danced whether music was playing or not and wrestled with his brothers every chance he got. Eli used a communication device to talk and big hugs to connect. In the not-quite four years Eli had on this earth, he opened people’s minds, stretched their hearts, and inspired change for a more loving world.
About the Author
JUNE VANDERHOFF
Reading to grandkids is one of June’s favorite things to do. That, and telling lively stories to make them smile. And since her grandkids have an affinity for gnomes, a story was born. June lives with her husband, Del, in Wenatchee, Washington, where she claims the “best fruit grows.” She feels blessed to have four kids and ten grandkids… so far! A first-time author and retired strings teacher, June hopes A Home for Gnome brings fun and friendship into your home, too.
About the Illustrator
C.S. FRITZ
Casey “C.S.” Fritz grew up on a farm in Oregon, where he milked cows and had a pet pig. To escape the endless chores of cleaning chicken coops and watering tomatoes, he would draw. C.S. Fritz moved to Arizona, and his work began to gain traction with local galleries and art publications. He had endless support from his wife and two children. C.S. Fritz is now an award-winning author and illustrator, with published titles such as the Cottonmouth trilogy, Good Night Tales, and The Moonman Cometh.
100% of Proceeds Support
an Accessible, Inclusive, Nature-Based
Seattle Park Renovation
"OH, KERFUNKLE!"
Waking up with wet socks, Lampy goes on an adventure to find a home that is dry, safe, and warm. The lovable gnome meets animals along the way who are in a pickle. Lampy helps his new friends, but he soon discovers that he needs some help himself. Clever poems and colorful illustrations keep little—and big—people engaged until the very last page.
Book Reviews
As a Pediatrician with over 30 years of private practice, a father of five children, and grandfather of nine sweet grandchildren, I know your family will be enchanted by this beautiful story! Eli’s spirit is embodied by Lampy’s selfless love and willingness to help anyone in need. His life and this precious children’s tale is a constant reminder of who we should all strive to be!
Whether you are tired, frustrated, scared, sad, worried, or upset, Eli was your instant friend whose very big smile and warm hugs made the world a wonderful place again. Eli, like Lampy, was light in this world, and it is light that brings them to their “perfect, absolutely perfect“ homes.
~ David Cook, MD, FAAP
This is a book that has such a sweet meaning behind it and shows us that helping others along the way as we take our own journey helps everyone around us. I definitely recommend this book to all ages to learn that treating others as we want to be treated will benefit everyone around us.
~ Carley Everson, 13-years old
A Home for a Gnome is an adorable book with heart! My grandkids love the story of Lampy's journey to find a new home. The day after the first reading, they were still talking about the different ways Lampy helped his forest friends. Although Lampy's need is urgent, he notices the needs of others and takes time to help them. Finally other animals notice Lampy's need and help him. What a great story to teach kids about helping others and allowing others to help them!
~ Susan Henn