Somewhere in Alaska, a garden gnome is standing in the rain, holding a watering can, completely unbothered.

The Gnomes of Alaska is a humorous photo book five years in the making

— a collection of real garden gnome photographs taken across the seasons of an Alaska backyard, each paired with a short comedic story told in the voice of someone who has been watching these gnomes a little too closely for a little too long.

Meet Gunder, the original gnome, who lost his head in a windstorm and came back stronger. Meet Greta, the pond supervisor, who once fell face-first into the mulch and has never acknowledged it. Meet Pip, who discovered a 35-pound bucket of buttercream frosting and made very few good decisions about it. Meet the Blue Hat Wizard, who simply appeared one day hanging from the porch ceiling among the flower baskets and has refused to explain himself.

Through spring tulips and summer pansies, autumn squash and Christmas cookie spreads, these gnomes have stood their ground through Alaska rain, wind, and the particular chaos of a backyard that takes itself seriously.

This is not a gardening book. It is not a travel book. It is not entirely clear what kind of book it is, which is part of the charm.

It is, however, a perfect gift for:

• Gnome collectors and gnome enthusiasts
• Gardeners who have ever talked to their plants (or their decorations)
• Anyone who loves Alaska
• People who appreciate humor in small, ceramic form
• Coffee table book lovers who want something genuinely funny
• The person in your life who already has everything except a book about Alaskan garden gnomes

Still here. Still watching. Still completely unbothered.