Inspired by folktales, writer Mireille Messier and illustrator Charlotte Parent present a heartwarming picture-book story full of vibrant color imagery about devotion and generosity, for all lovers of gnomes and whimsical forest creatures.

Many moons ago, in a tiny, thatched cottage at the edge of the woods, lived two children named Isaura and Arlo with their hedgehog, Crispin. When their beloved pet becomes ill, Isaura suggests that they seek the magical healing power of gnomes. Convinced this will heal Crispin, the children set off into the woods with humble offerings, hoping to attract the gnomes.

The trick does not seem to work, however, and gnomes are nowhere to be seen despite the children’s good intentions. Isaura and Arlo will have to remain hopeful and wish for a magical solution!

Mirelle Messier's profile page

Charlotte Parent's profile page

Mireille Messier is a children’s author with a background in theater and broadcasting. She has published more than 30 picture and chapter books, including Star, The Branch, and Sergeant Billy. When she’s not writing, Messier works in children’s television as a scriptwriter for various programs. Born in Montréal, she now lives in Toronto with her family.
Charlotte Parent is a freelance illustrator and comic artist based in Montréal. She holds a BFA from Concordia University, where she specialized in drawing. She also has an MA in art conservation and works as an archaeological and world cultures conservator.

“…this folkloric charmer, touched with magic and awash with love . . . This gentle adventure leads with kindness, a powerful magic in its own right.”

Booklist starred review

"Illustrator Charlotte Parent welcomes children to a forest realm that’s as cozy and comfortable as a patchwork quilt in The Magic Cap, a picture book by Mireille Messier that’s full of satisfying seek-and-find opportunities . . . The child reading the book has a very different and more exciting view of the situation in this soothing story of kindness and cooperation."

Wall Street Journal