The Illustrated Wee Free Men : A Story of Discworld - Terry Prachett

I have come across this book many times before at BookXcess but was not interested. It's due to the name Terry Prachett. Many have praised his works but for me, I don't really fancy his books.

The reason was, I had bought one of his book "Jingo" a few years ago from Pay Less Books Warehouse sale. Till today, I have yet to read it. Have tried reading that a couple of times but kept getting stuck at the first few pages. That's why I sort of gave up on Terry Prachett books.

Then what makes me change my mind and get this book? Well, it's due to the endless "kiasu-ness". You see, BookXcess were having World Book Day Promotion the other day. Each day they offer one book from Children Section, Fiction Section and Non-Fiction Section up for discount, 50% discount. Needless to say my "kiasu-ness" knows no bound.

 Well, am glad I bought this book. Coz the illustration are simply terrific.  There are several pages where we can unfold for a bigger view

 Each page are sure to have drawings of something.

 Some are beautiful

While some can be really scary like this one.

The story is about a Tiffany Aching who is a fledgling witch. Her little brother was stolen by an evil Fairy Queen and she have to get him back from her. In order to get her brother back, she will have to follow him to the other realm. There are a lot of new things, horrors and fighting.

At the beginning it's rather hard to understand the story as Tiffany's world is not the same as ours. In her world, they don't have school and they don't go to school for an education. They buy education using apples and carrots from something like a bazaar or circus where the educators have tents selling their knowledge.

Another thing which makes the story difficult to follow are the weird language by the Wee Free Men. For example, can you understand this "Crivens! Gang awa' oot o' here, ye daft wee hinny! 'Ware the green heid!". I can't so I have to guess as I read along.

Despite it all, I found myself enjoying this book a lot. It takes quite a bit of adjusting the mindset. It feel like going back into childhood and discovering fairytale or like reading The Magic Faraway Tree the first time. Releasing oneself from this world and going into another world.

Yes, I think I will look for more of these Wee Free Men books. Any recommendation?

Odd and The Frost Giants by Neil Gaiman

I have heard a lot anout Neil Gaiman but have yet to read any of his book. Saw this book at BookXcess during one of their sale.

It's suitable for young readers but I am always young at heart. Hence, I get to read this.

The story is a bout a little Viking boy whose name is Odd. But his name is not considered as odd during his time coz it meant "The Tip Of A Blade" which is considered as very lucky.

His mother was a Scoitish maiden kidnapped by his father the Viking in one of their raids. But she gradually grew to be accustomed to her husband.

Now, Odd's father was a good woodsman but he pass away during one of the raid.

He tried to take his father's place but his one of his legs was crushed when a tree fell on him. His mother re-married and the man already have sons. He was ignored.

One day he decided to runaway and  go back to his father's old house to stay.

There he run into the Gods themselves. The Gods were in trouble and he helped them to saved the City of God from the "Evil" Frost Giants

I love this simple but thought provoking book. Some of the things can really apply to our everyday life. Such as Odd's courage and determination. And then of the God's foolishness.

I think this book would very much be enjoyed by both boys and girls