Bring Sigi's Gentle Gnomes to More Young Readers

Background

For over 17 years, Sigi de Francesca, the heart and soul behind Teach Wonderment, has been crafting enchanting stories for children aged 4-12. Drawing upon her master's degree in education and rich experience of over 30 years as a teacher in Waldorf, public, and home school settings across the United States and Europe. Sigi brings invaluable educational principles and core values to her books, integrating principles of kindness, honesty, generosity, tidiness, and daily celebration.

Her beloved 5-book series, The Tales of Limindoor Woods, introduces readers to a community of Gentle Gnomes who live in a magical forest teeming with charming talking animals, a place where harmony and wonder abound. However, her books aren't just for children; as countless parents and grandparents attest, they are inspirational tools that spark creativity and curiosity in readers of all ages.

To hear an audio sample of The Way of Gnome, click on this link:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=63bnwNTEFCI

A short ad at the beginning of this audio file is added due to YouTube’s policy.

Educational Needs and Concerns

Despite being the world’s wealthiest country, the United States currently ranks 31st in

Education for children aged 4–12. Since 2020, families have sought alternative education models that reflect their values, such as awe, curiosity, and higher principles. Sigi integrates these aspects into her stories through interactions between the Gentle Gnomes and their friends.

The Opportunity

Now, Teach Wonderment has been given a remarkable opportunity to expand its reach across the United States. The American Booksellers Association (ABA), a national organization representing independent bookstores, has proposed distributing copies of Sigi's book, The Way of Gnome, to its members nationwide. To realize this opportunity, we are asking for $19,850. This includes costs for Printing, Travel, and ramped-up International Marketing*.

This is a pivotal moment to elevate Teach Wonderment and share its message of awe, curiosity, and wonder with more aspiring young readers, especially when families are increasingly seeking enriching and value-driven educational resources. With a number of additional Gnome books now in print, the ABA distribution opportunity could potentially expand to include most, if not all, of her other titles in the series..

* ABA will manage all domestic U.S. Marketing through their 160 stores. We will market to our international markets to ensure all repeat and new customers are aware of the availability of this new hardback.

Your Funding is Needed

We need your support to seize this incredible opportunity and bring the magic of Limindoor Woods to countless new homes and bookshelves. Your contribution to this GoFundMe campaign will directly fund the $19,850 needed for this significant distribution opportunity.

Imagine the joy of more children discovering the Gentle Gnomes and seeing their world through the eyes of wonder! Regardless of size, every donation will help us bring Sigi's inspiring stories to a national audience and nurture the next generation's love for reading and learning.

Our Thank You!

As a token of our gratitude, we are offering the first 10 donors of $250-499 a collector's hardback edition ofThe Way of Gnome. The first 10 donors of $500 or more will receive the entire Limindooor Series in a packaged 5-book paperback set, including The Way of Gnome.

Thank you for participating in this exciting journey!

Testimonials

Sigi has received hundreds of affidavits and testimonials from her international customers. Below is a sample of three of these testimonials.

Melisa Nielsen, Co-Owner Waldorf Essentials

“These are exciting stories to savor - stories to captivate the gentle soul yet engage the

active child with humor & adventures - wise stories from a gnome-sized world where

universal lessons abound.”

Kelli M.

“The Way of Gnome completely drew us into their world. Even more than A Donsy of Gnomes, this book pulled us in. My daughter and I could hardly wait to hear the next chapter as the young boy Gus learns more about the world and the Ways of Gnome.

Enchanting, delightful, encouraging, feeds the imagination, and gives positive role models for our children.”

Nicole C.

“We love this book! The Way of Gnome stories are so gentle and lovely that we were both captivated by the world of Limindoor. We have since read all the other gnome books by Sigi De Francesca and love them all, but this first book in the series has a special place in our hearts.

The main character, Gus, is a likeable, thoughtful boy living on a farm with his family. He discovers one day that he

can enter the woods near his home and that in doing so, he has shrunk down to gnome-size.

De Francesca has created a colorful world of gnomes in Limindoor Woods for Gus to meet and learn from, and is a fabulous storyteller. I also love the extras in her books - the questions to ponder, the summary of the five rules of The Way of Gnome, and the recipes and crafts”.