Hello kids, get ready for another creature feature.

We digging up amazing creatures from old stories.

We'll learn where they come from, what makes them special and what they might eat.

And we'll learn some fascinating new words along the way.

Then you can draw them and share your pictures on our monstrous masterpieces page.

Imagine a tiny person, no taller than your knee, perhaps even smaller.

They often wear pointy hats and colourful clothes, like little jackets and boots.

They might have long, flowing beards, especially if they're older.

You might find them in gardens, forests, or even living under the roots of trees.

They're small, but they can be surprisingly strong.

Today's featured creature is a gnome.

Gnomes are little people from folklore.

They're often shown as guardians of the earth, protecting gardens and hidden treasures.

Some stories say that they're helpful and friendly,

while others portray them as mischievous or reclusive.

If someone is reclusive, they prefer to live alone and avoid company.

So where do gnome stories come from?

Gnomes are known for their connection to nature.

The idea of Nomes is a bit more recent than some other mythical creatures.

While there were similar little beings in older folklore, the word Nome itself was probably

invented by a Swiss scientist and writer named Paracelsus in the 1500s, about 500 years ago.

Paracelsus described Gnomes as Earth spirits, creatures that lived in the ground and had power over the earth.

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