“The Wee Free Men” by Terry Pratchett
"The Wee Free Men" was published as a children's book. Ok. But only because the main characters are all children. It is a children's book, written for adults. The author, the peerless Terry Pratchett, clearly believes that just because a book was written with children in mind does not mean that it needs to be dumbed down. It is a clever, well-crafted story that will appeal to children and adults alike. It is NOT one of those children's books where you need a child to read it to. Adults can enjoy it on their own.
Our hero, Tiffany Aching, is a child who can think, which puts her ahead of most of the adults in her community. The world is a certain way, and she always wants to know WHY it is that way. And she often does not like the answers. Because of an incident that took place involving a lonely, bewildered old woman Tiffany has decided to become a witch in order to protect those who need her help.
Not long after this decision, and no doubt because of it, Tiffany learns that the world is different than she once thought. Bigger. More dangerous. There are bad things out there which she must defend against. And when her baby brother Wentworth disappears it is up to Tiffany to get him back.
Using the memory of her beloved Granny Aching to guide her, and the friendship of the nearby Nac Mac Feegle clan to protect her Tiffany steps into the Faerie Lands controlled by the Evil Queen to recover Wentworth (even though Wentworth is always sticky, and she doesn't really like him very much).
Tiffany proves that you do not have to be big or strong to be a hero. As long as you can think clearly and have a nice, solid iron frying pan to KABOING the bad guys in the face you'll do ok. And it doesn't hurt to have the memory of Granny Aching to keep you safe, either.
We read this on Audible, which is always fun to listen to in the evenings instead of television. This was a strong, professional production.
"The Wee Free Men" takes place on the edges of Pratchett's Discworld so that we can be treated with a visit by Nanny Ogg and Granny Weatherwax. It is fun to see Granny and Tiffany meet, since they are so VERY much alike.
Lastly, the Nac Mac Feegle. These little blue guys are the greatest fantasy race ever created. The Wee Free Men will steal your heart. And your wallet too, so keep an eye on it!
We hope you enjoy this book! Read every day and read for fun!
