Diggers

A group of small creatures called nomes, whose families have lived for generations hidden in a department store, are forced to flee to a country quarry, where they struggle against harsh weather, destructive humans, and dissension among themselves

Grade 5-8-- This newest addition to what will become the Bromeliad trilogy continues the adventures of a race of miniature creatures called nomes, whose story began in Truckers (Delacorte, 1990). The nomes, a Borrower-like folk, have fled from their comfortable homes beneath the floorboards of a large department store after learning that it is about to be demolished. They now live in an old rock quarry where they are at the mercy of humans, wild animals, weather, and changing seasons. The nomes' salvation seems to rest in their ability to take over and drive the Cat, a huge yellow piece of earth-moving equipment, which will take them to the Barn, a place of relative safety. Their efforts to drive the monster fail just as a mysterious "airplane without wings" floats over them. Dorcas, one of the older, wiser nomes, is convinced that this signals the return of their leader Masklin, who has been off exploring. As the story ends, Dorcas is wondering just what Masklin has been up to, and that, obviously, is what readers will find out in the yet-to-be-published part three of the trilogy. While this tale may work well as a sequel, it will not have wide appeal to readers who missed the first installment. Background information is needed to follow the plot, and character development is dependent on prior knowledge of the major players. The tongue-in-cheek humor that pokes fun at the nomes' many foibles and the satirical slant of the fantasy will be lost on many youngsters. Still, for those who read and enjoyed Truckers , this will be a welcome continuation of those adventures. --Bruce Anne Shook, Mendenhall Middle School, Greensboro, NC
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.

The Bromeliad trilogy, begun in Truckers , continues with this slapstick romp laced with some sharp, satirical barbs. Diggers again features the nomes, little people from outer space who have set up housekeeping in an abandoned quarry. But, as nomes often comment, wherever humans have been, they're sure to return, and the quarry is no exception. Soon the nomes are once again scrambling for safety, with hilarious results. While those familiar with Truckers are sure to have a ball with Diggers, the action will make no sense to the uninitiated. Pratchett may have bitten off more subplots than he can chew here, but he promises to resolve them--including the cliffhanger that ends this volume, in the final installment of the serial. Ages 10-up.
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc.