The Wee Free Men (A Tiffany Aching Novel - Discworld Novels) - Terry Prachett

In this joyous and warm-hearted first part of the Tiffany Aching Series, we meet an aspiring young witch, whom her brother’s sudden disappearance propels into full-blooded sorcery action. Part of the phenomenal Discworld novels, The Wee Free Men brims with unforgettable characters, laugh-out funny dialogue and ever-reliable Terry Pratchett magic.

‘No, it can’t be right. That’s chalk country over that way,’ said Miss Tick. ‘You can’t grow a good witch on chalk. The stuff’s barely harder than clay. You need good hard rock to grow a witch, believe me.’

Tiffany has spent all of her life on The Chalk, it’s her home, and it’s in her bones.

Tiffany wants to be a witch when she grows up. A proper one, with a pointy hat. And flying, she's always dreamed of flying (though it's cold up there, you have to wear really thick pants, two layers). But she's worried Tiffany isn't a very 'witchy' name. And a witch has always protected Tiffany's land, to stop the nightmares getting through.

Now the nightmares have taken her brother, and it's up to her to get him back; armed with a frying pan, of course.

And Tiffany is not alone, she’s got the help of the Nac Mac Feegles, a horde of tiny fightin’, boozin’ blue men in kilts (call them fairies at your peril) at her disposal. She is the twentieth granddaughter of her Granny Aching: shepherdess extraordinaire, and protector of the land.

Tiffany Aching. Now there's a rather good name for a witch.