Truckers

October 1, 2003
First published individually in 1989 and 1990, The Bromeliad Trilogy: Truckers, Diggers, Wings by Terry Pratchett tells the story of a small band of four-inch-tall nomes, led by young Masklin, who join a larger society of nomes living in a human department store. When they learn that the Store is to be destroyed, various rival factions come together to find safety, and learn the surprising truth about their origins.

January 1, 1990
British author Pratchett's first YA novel is a rollicking tale about a race of ``nomes''--little people who came from outer space and now live under the floorboards of a department store. Since the store is about to be demolished, the nomes must be convinced to move out, even though most of them don't believe in such a thing as Outside. After all, the store has ``Everything Under One Roof!'' In a story reminiscent of Mary Norton's The Borrowers , Pratchett has added distinctive touches of his own to the hilarious complications that ensue. One of the novel's greatest strengths is the depiction of the civilization the nomes have built for themselves, including an intricate religion based on advertising signs. hung in the store. Truckers is funny enough to warrant sequels (at least one more tale is promised), but a clearer resolution would have made this a more satisfying read. Ages 10-up.

January 1, 2004
This volume contains all three books originally published in 1990 and 1991. Both thoughtful and hilarious, these books about the four-inch-high nomes are unusual science fiction for young readers. Reviews 3/90, 5/91, 9/91.

(Copyright 2004 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)