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The Wee Free Men (Tiffany Aching, 1) Mass Market Paperback – May 25, 2004
ALA Best Fiction for Young Adults * ALA Notable Children's Book * Horn Book Fanfare Book * Kirkus Reviews Editor’s Choice * SLJ Best Book of the Year
By the beloved and bestselling grandmaster of fantasy, Sir Terry Pratchett, this is the first in a series of Discworld novels starring the young witch Tiffany Aching.
A nightmarish danger threatens from the other side of reality. . . .
Armed with only a frying pan and her common sense, young witch-to-be Tiffany Aching must defend her home against the monsters of Fairyland. Luckily she has some very unusual help: the local Nac Mac Feegle—aka the Wee Free Men—a clan of fierce, sheep-stealing, sword-wielding, six-inch-high blue men.
Together they must face headless horsemen, ferocious grimhounds, terrifying dreams come true, and ultimately the sinister Queen of the Elves herself. . . .
The five funny and fabulous Tiffany Aching adventures are:
- The Wee Free Men
- A Hat Full of Sky
- Wintersmith
- I Shall Wear Midnight
- The Shepherd’s Crown
Tiffany’s mentors, Granny Weatherwax and Nanny Ogg, star in the novels Equal Rites, Wyrd Sisters, Witches Abroad, Lords and Ladies, Maskerade, and Carpe Jugulum.
And don’t miss Terry Pratchett’s hilarious and wise Discworld novel The Amazing Maurice and His Educated Rodents, winner of the Carnegie Medal!
- Print length375 pages
- LanguageEnglish
- PublisherClarion Books
- Publication dateMay 25, 2004
- Grade level8 - 9
- Reading age13 years and up
- Dimensions6.68 x 4.34 x 1.08 inches
- ISBN-100060012382
- ISBN-13978-0060012380
- Lexile measure680L
From #1 New York Times bestselling author Colleen Hoover comes a novel that explores life after tragedy and the enduring spirit of love. | Learn more
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Editorial Reviews
Review
“Like Celtic mythology fused with ‘Buffy the Vampire Slayer.’” — New York Times Book Review
“Wonderful language, genuinely scary explorations, and a young girl whose growing up is believable and exciting.” — The Chicago Tribune
“An enthralling and rewarding read.” — Publishers Weekly (starred review)
“A glorious read.” — School Library Journal (starred review)
“Just the package to appeal to those who admire not just a brave heart but a quick comeback as well.” — The Horn Book (starred review)
“The Carnegie Medal winner’s fans will not be disappointed.” — Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
“The humor and the danger will appeal to Discworld fans and also readers who relish J. K. Rowling’s Harry.” — ALA Booklist
“A lovely romp for Pratchett fans of all ages.” — Locus
“Perfect for anyone who enjoys The Princess Bride and the works of Douglas Adams.” (starred review) — KLIATT
From the Back Cover
A nightmarish danger threatens from the other side of reality . . .
Armed with only a frying pan and her common sense, young witch-to-be Tiffany Aching must defend her home against the monsters of Fairyland. Luckily she has some very unusual help: the local Nac Mac Feegle—aka the Wee Free Men—a clan of fierce, sheep-stealing, sword-wielding, six-inch-high blue men.
Together they must face headless horsemen, ferocious grimhounds, terrifying dreams come true, and ultimately the sinister Queen of the Elves herself. . . .
A Story of Discworld
About the Author
Terry Pratchett (1948–2015) is the acclaimed creator of the globally revered Discworld series. In all, he authored more than fifty bestselling books, which have sold more than one hundred million copies worldwide. His novels have been widely adapted for stage and screen, and he was the winner of multiple prizes, including the Carnegie Medal. He was awarded a knighthood by Queen Elizabeth II for his services to literature in 2009, although he always wryly maintained that his greatest service to literature was to avoid writing any.
Product details
- Publisher : Clarion Books (May 25, 2004)
- Language : English
- Mass Market Paperback : 375 pages
- ISBN-10 : 0060012382
- ISBN-13 : 978-0060012380
- Reading age : 13 years and up
- Lexile measure : 680L
- Grade level : 8 - 9
- Item Weight : 6.4 ounces
- Dimensions : 6.68 x 4.34 x 1.08 inches
- Best Sellers Rank: #525,534 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #486 in Teen & Young Adult Humorous Fiction
- #1,343 in Teen & Young Adult Wizards & Witches Fantasy
- #4,749 in Fiction Satire
- Customer Reviews:
About the authors
Terry Pratchett sold his first story when he was fifteen, which earned him enough money to buy a second-hand typewriter. His first novel, a humorous fantasy entitled The Carpet People, appeared in 1971 from the publisher Colin Smythe. Terry worked for many years as a journalist and press officer, writing in his spare time and publishing a number of novels, including his first Discworld novel, The Color of Magic, in 1983. In 1987 he turned to writing full time, and has not looked back since. To date there are a total of 36 books in the Discworld series, of which four (so far) are written for children. The first of these children's books, The Amazing Maurice and His Educated Rodents, won the Carnegie Medal. A non-Discworld book, Good Omens, his 1990 collaboration with Neil Gaiman, has been a longtime bestseller, and was reissued in hardcover by William Morrow in early 2006 (it is also available as a mass market paperback (Harper Torch, 2006) and trade paperback (Harper Paperbacks, 2006). Terry's latest book, Nation, a non-Discworld standalone YA novel was published in October of 2008 and was an instant New York Times and London Times bestseller. Regarded as one of the most significant contemporary English-language satirists, Pratchett has won numerous literary awards, was named an Officer of the British Empire “for services to literature” in 1998, and has received four honorary doctorates from the Universities of Warwick, Portsmouth, Bath, and Bristol. His acclaimed novels have sold more than 55 million copies (give or take a few million) and have been translated into 36 languages. Terry Pratchett lived in England with his family, and spent too much time at his word processor. Some of Terry's accolades include: The Carnegie Medal, Locus Awards, the Mythopoetic Award, ALA Notable Books for Children, ALA Best Books for Young Adults, Book Sense 76 Pick, Prometheus Award and the British Fantasy Award.
Laura was born in Essex in 1988 and now lives in London.
Laura's newest book, RAINBOW GREY, a book packed full of weather magic and cute flying cloud-cats was nominated for the Sainsbury's Children's Book Awards 2021.
The Amelia Fang series was Laura's first fiction series as author and illustrator, featuring a young vampire and her friends. Amelia Fang has been published in over 20 languages. Amelia Fang and the Barbaric Ball was Waterstones Book of the month for October 2017 and won the Leeds Book Award for the 7-9 category.
Laura is also the creator of the Evil Emperor Penguin comic which appears in The Phoenix comic. There are four books in the Evil Emperor Penguin graphic novel series published by DFB. Book Two Evil Emperor Penguin Strikes Back won the Islington Schools Book Awards 2018.
Laura's picture book I Don't Want Curly Hair has been published in over ten languages and is the first of a series of future I Don't Want... books. Other books in the series include I Don't Want to be Small and I Don't Want to be Quiet!
Laura has illustrated a range of book covers such as Terry Pratchett’s Tiffany Aching series, The Amazing Maurice, Dodger and Nation. She also illustrated the relaunch of Enid Blyton’s The Famous Five series, and Cornelia Funke's Dragon Rider series.
Laura has worked with authors such as Sibeal Pounder, Cerrie Burnell, David Solomons, Caryl Hart and Peter Bently.
Customer reviews
Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.
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Learn more how customers reviews work on AmazonCustomers say
Customers find the story charming and engaging, with simple storytelling that is accessible to young readers. They appreciate the sophisticated humor and witty dialogue. The book is described as fun, entertaining, and engaging for both young and adult readers. Readers praise the well-written and insightful writing style.
AI-generated from the text of customer reviews
Customers enjoy the storytelling. They find the story charming and accessible, with clever incorporation of fairy tales and myth lore. The book is described as a funny coming-of-age story with a brave and sensible female heroine. It's suitable for all ages and well-paced, imaginative, and inspiring.
"...The humor is witty and many times unexpected. I laugh out loud which is unusual for me because it takes a lot to make me laugh!..." Read more
"...The story is completely charming in itself, a young girl meets some little men with red hair, blue tattoos, wearing kilts, about 6 inches tall..." Read more
"...of Granny Weatherwax and Nanny Ogg at the end, sets up further adventures of Tiffany and connects her subseries with the Witches subseries with the..." Read more
"...Finding out it was part of a book series was a lovely surprise and Tiffany Aching offers the right amount of comfy for autumn reading...." Read more
Customers enjoy the book's humor. They find the writing sophisticated yet witty and funny, with wonderful turns of phrase. The characters are brilliant and the plot twists are clever. The storyline is tight and the message is thoughtful and well-received.
"...The humor is witty and many times unexpected. I laugh out loud which is unusual for me because it takes a lot to make me laugh!..." Read more
"...The characters are well developed and almost always entertaining and hilarious – for example her younger brother constantly asks for “sweeties”,..." Read more
"...is the second time he’s written for young adults but his writing and humor are top notch as well follow a nine-year witch Tiffany Aching going up..." Read more
"...Their dialogue is hilarious, once you learn to translate their accent which sits somewhere between a Scottish and Irish brogue...." Read more
Customers enjoy the book. They find it engaging and fun, with beautiful prose. The story is described as a delightful adventure through a familiar yet magical world.
"...The characters are well developed and almost always entertaining and hilarious – for example her younger brother constantly asks for “sweeties”,..." Read more
"...Throughout it all is a great sense of adventure...." Read more
"...the adventure they and tiffany go on is just that, adventurous and fun and i laughed till i cried at some bits...." Read more
"...to have a favorite since they.are all grand adventures! Great fun and plenty of twists in this one...." Read more
Customers find the book appropriate for young readers. They say it's a good place to start for young people, with an accessible narrative and relatable characters. The female protagonist is described as smart for her age, and the issues are presented in a way that children can understand.
"...Starting with the history of a young, inexperienced witch with a big heart we learn about how she meets challenges and the Wee Free Men...." Read more
"...Wee Free Men is aimed at young adults with the female protagonist just a child (around 9 years old), and is the first book in the Tiffany Aching..." Read more
"...Tiffany is very smart for her age and sees things as they are just like her grandmother, so when strange things pop up she uses an iron pan to beat..." Read more
"...Highly recommended for adults and older teens, mostly because of the reading difficulty with the language of the Nac Mac Feegles...." Read more
Customers praise the book for its well-written and unique style of writing. They find it a good place to test out Terry Pratchett's writing style, which is unique and hilarious. Readers appreciate the author's writing for young readers as well as older ones. The dialogue in dialect is amazing, and there are no obvious spelling or grammatical errors.
"...The book was a very easy, very entertaining read...." Read more
"...aimed in a "younger audience" direction, please know that it is so well written that you'd scarcely notice, no matter your age...." Read more
"...tiffany, the young heroine "hag" (or witch,) is engaging, knowable, and human...." Read more
"...book, I found it a bit slow in the beginning but not too hard or boring to get through...." Read more
Customers find the book insightful and engaging. They praise the intelligent heroine, who is honest and observant. The story has many levels of intellect built in, encouraging critical thinking and good decision-making guidance. While aimed at young readers, it's clever, engaging, and full of things to learn. The pictures capture the essence of the book and provide lessons in growing up and being sensible.
"...point-of-view character, save from a narrator, which keeps the book fairly orderly when reading as well as being in line for a book for younger..." Read more
"terry pratchett is a genius....amazingly funny, extraordinarily insightful...." Read more
"...But she is wise and observant, which grants her many advantages and opportunities throughout her adventure...." Read more
"...Pratchett presents an amazing girl, thoughtful, intelligent, strong-willed, and observant and you feel you know her and can't help but admire her..." Read more
Customers appreciate the well-developed characters in this book. They enjoy the delightful and likable heroine, Tiffany Aching, and her Scottish companions. The story is described as an escape from reality with magical creatures, shipwrecks, and adventures full of ships, fairy queens, skillets used as weapons.
"...The characters are well developed and almost always entertaining and hilarious – for example her younger brother constantly asks for “sweeties”,..." Read more
"...But it also has a grand adventure full of "ships", fairy queens, skillets used as weapons, and 6" high scotsmen with 6" long..." Read more
"...adjacent to other Discworld stories, there are hints of the character and plot overlaps to come...." Read more
"...Free Men is a charming coming-of-age story with a brave and sensible female heroine...." Read more
Customers find the book a good introduction to the Discworld and witches for younger readers. It's a gateway into other Discworld books and a starting point for people new to Terry Pratchett. They appreciate the imagination and introduction of a new character.
"...end, sets up further adventures of Tiffany and connects her subseries with the Witches subseries with the hopes of seeing favorite characters in..." Read more
"...As well, it is a great gateway into other Discworld books...." Read more
"...If a reader is new to Discworld, this would be a good introduction..." Read more
"...Pratchett is the introduction of a very sympathetic and interesting young witch-in-training...." Read more
Reviews with images
If nothing else, read it for the Nac Mac Feegles,
Top reviews from the United States
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- Reviewed in the United States on August 26, 2024I have been a fan of Terry Pratchett for well over 10 years. His Tiffany Aching series (5 books) are probably my favorites. Starting with the history of a young, inexperienced witch with a big heart we learn about how she meets challenges and the Wee Free Men. The humor is witty and many times unexpected. I laugh out loud which is unusual for me because it takes a lot to make me laugh!
I recommend the audiobooks as Stephen Briggs is the master of many, many voices.
If you have a sense of humor you will probably love these silly but meaningful books.
I think this book would be appreciated by 8-90 year olds!
Elizabeth
- Reviewed in the United States on March 19, 2017This was my first Terry Pratchett book ever, thus my introduction to Discworld. I’ve wanted to read the series, but with 41 books I wasn’t sure I even wanted to attempt it. Wee Free Men is aimed at young adults with the female protagonist just a child (around 9 years old), and is the first book in the Tiffany Aching series, so it was a great place to start.
I’ve got to say, this was one of the best books I have read in a long time. The story is completely charming in itself, a young girl meets some little men with red hair, blue tattoos, wearing kilts, about 6 inches tall called Nac Mac Feegle or the Wee Free Men, and together they have to rescue her young brother. The characters are well developed and almost always entertaining and hilarious – for example her younger brother constantly asks for “sweeties”, the Wee Free Men speak in Scottish accents and say things like “Ah, crivens” and are generally good natured despite being thieves. The best part for me, however, were all the surprising references to other books and pop culture which I did not expect but always put a smile on my face. For example, Pratchett parodies Lord of the Rings with “See their swords? They glow blue in the presence of lawyers” and Braveheart with “They can tak’ oour lives but they canna tak’ our troousers!” There’s possibly even a Bushism from the early 2000s (this book was published in 2003, so would make sense).
The book was a very easy, very entertaining read. I’m looking forward to reading the rest of the Tiffany Aching miniseries as well as perhaps starting in on the rest of the larger Discworld universe.
- Reviewed in the United States on June 27, 2017The Chalk is a place of sheep and shepherds but never a witch was known to be there, however that might have been incorrect. Terry Pratchett’s 30th Discworld novel, "The Wee Free Men", is the second time he’s written for young adults but his writing and humor are top notch as well follow a nine-year witch Tiffany Aching going up against the Queen of Elves with only a horde of six-inch blue little men.
Tiffany Aching finds her family farm being invaded by monsters from dreams as well as a horde of little blue men, the titular Wee Free Men. Tiffany is very smart for her age and sees things as they are just like her grandmother, so when strange things pop up she uses an iron pan to beat them back. Although she later figures out that her grandmother was a witch, Tiffany has her first encounter with one in the form of Ms. Lick who tells her to be careful but not to tackle the problem on her own but when her brother is kidnapped by the Fairie Queen, Tiffany knows she’s going to need help while not sounding desperate. Tiffany’s help comes to her when the local clan of the Wee Free Men shows up looking for the new “hag ol’ the hills” because of the invasion of the Queen. Tiffany and the Wee Free Men invade ‘Fairyland’ and manage to return with her brother, a feat that Granny Weatherwax finds impressive for someone so young and untrained.
"The Wee Free Men" features Tiffany as the only point-of-view character, save from a narrator, which keeps the book fairly orderly when reading as well as being in line for a book for younger readers. The story itself is somewhat familiar for long time Discworld fans with the antagonist being the Queen of the Elves invading, but Pratchett changes things up with the use of dreams and the conflict as seen from a nine-year old. The cameo appearance of Granny Weatherwax and Nanny Ogg at the end, sets up further adventures of Tiffany and connects her subseries with the Witches subseries with the hopes of seeing favorite characters in future books.
The second young adult and first Tiffany subseries book of the Discworld canon is a fantastic book; "The Wee Free Men" gives someone new for long time fans while introducing older characters for younger new readers. While it’s intended for a younger audience, older fans will appreciate Pratchett’s humorous fantasy writing with his twists and turns.
- Reviewed in the United States on November 9, 2024I first read Tiffany Aching starting with the fourth book, as I happened upon it at a local bookstore. Finding out it was part of a book series was a lovely surprise and Tiffany Aching offers the right amount of comfy for autumn reading. Likewise, I'm happy to have found the series by visiting every bookstore I know, and the only book that eluded me was this one. Hopefully Terry's daughter continues the adventure in the future. I know she did an e-book for the character at one point.
Top reviews from other countries
- NCReviewed in Canada on May 20, 2024
5.0 out of 5 stars One of Pratchett's most inventive
The beginning of the Tiffany Aching series and our introduction to the Wee Free Men. A deeply satisfying story on so many levels; the history of the Aching family, the Wold and the society that has grown on it. A sketch of witchcraft and its realities - and rules. This book formed the foundation on which Terry constructed so many story arcs, set so many levels and explored so many byways of the mind.
Strongly recommended.
- VivReviewed in the United Kingdom on December 7, 2024
5.0 out of 5 stars The wee free men
I have always loved Terry Pratchett books and this one was no exception. It was funny and a very enjoyable read
-
Silvia B.Reviewed in Spain on November 12, 2020
5.0 out of 5 stars Fantasía con puntos muy cómicos
Muy imaginativa y cómica. De lectura fácil. Fantasía pura
- Deirdre2411Reviewed in Australia on October 27, 2024
5.0 out of 5 stars Fun Scottish book
Easy read
- mansi mudgalReviewed in India on September 28, 2017
5.0 out of 5 stars Crivens!
“If you trust in yourself. . .and believe in your dreams. . .and follow your star. . . you'll still get beaten by people who spent their time working hard and learning things and weren't so lazy.”
Witches don't grow on chalk, it's not a hard rock and that is what a witch needs or that is what some might think.
Tiffany Aching wants to be a witch and has the makings of one, she has the first sight and second thoughts which is great. Tiffany lives on chalk which is at a far away end on the discworld and it's hers (witches are selfish) and so she must protect it . Fortunately she has the best thieves, fighters and drunkards in the world at her side, the Nac Mac Feegle whose motto is "Nae King! Nae quin! Nae Laird! Nae master! We willna' be fooled agin!" , they are the Wee Free Men.
This is the first in the Tiffany Aching series and an absolute delight, it's rich detail adds multiple layers to the book. Only Sir Terry Pratchett can do it, he has given us a precocious, brave and intelligent heroine and characters who are insightful, sinister and absolutely hilarious.
This can be a gateway book to Pratchett's world for people who find the other books intimidating, also the younger readers would enjoy it a lot. A must read
mansi mudgal
Reviewed in India on September 28, 2017
Witches don't grow on chalk, it's not a hard rock and that is what a witch needs or that is what some might think.
Tiffany Aching wants to be a witch and has the makings of one, she has the first sight and second thoughts which is great. Tiffany lives on chalk which is at a far away end on the discworld and it's hers (witches are selfish) and so she must protect it . Fortunately she has the best thieves, fighters and drunkards in the world at her side, the Nac Mac Feegle whose motto is "Nae King! Nae quin! Nae Laird! Nae master! We willna' be fooled agin!" , they are the Wee Free Men.
This is the first in the Tiffany Aching series and an absolute delight, it's rich detail adds multiple layers to the book. Only Sir Terry Pratchett can do it, he has given us a precocious, brave and intelligent heroine and characters who are insightful, sinister and absolutely hilarious.
This can be a gateway book to Pratchett's world for people who find the other books intimidating, also the younger readers would enjoy it a lot. A must read
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