Reviewed by Jennifer Senick for Readers' Favorite

Metrognome by Jana Cruz is a whimsical children’s story about Cora, a garden gnome who, along with her parents, spends her days in a garden unable to move. One day, she begins to long for something more. Dreaming of adventure, she sets out for the city, where she discovers a world buzzing with possibility. There, Cora finds joy in music, makes new friends, and learns that curiosity and courage can open doors she never imagined. She encounters inventive minds like Mr. Maelzel, who is working on a device to help keep the beat for musicians, and she decides to help him. Bringing the “metrognome” to life has given her a sense of purpose and confidence, showing her there’s always more to discover. Illustrated with bright, colorful artwork by Hanna Stolier, the visuals complement Cora’s journey and add extra vibrancy to the story. The book leaves readers with a sense of wonder about where curiosity can take them.

After finishing Metrognome by Jana Cruz, I felt like I could relate to Cora. She had an existence built on routine that she never chose for herself. I think as humans we crave change, and Cora is no different. Her decision to step outside the boundaries of what was expected reminded me of times in my own life when I had to be brave enough to try something new. From an educator’s perspective, this book offers many opportunities for meaningful classroom conversations. Students could discuss what it feels like to want “more” in their own lives, or share moments when they’ve been nervous to try something new but were glad they did. The story also opens the door to talking about music, inventions, and creativity, encouraging children to think about the different ways people express themselves. I also appreciate how the engaging illustrations are likely to capture students’ attention during read-alouds. In the end, the story shows that new paths often begin with a simple decision to explore.