As a Pratchett fan, I knew that it was only going to be a matter of time before I eventually picked up the Tiffany Aching books. I put it off for a while because I've heard both good & negative things about the books, most of the negative remarks being about how it tends to be slightly different in tone than Pratchett's other books, we shich is true- the book is written slightly differently than his main Discworld series. (Not that most of the Discworld books couldn't be enjoyed by children- there's not that much objectionable material in those books.) 
 Tiffany's story begins as she has her first glimpse of small blue-ish men who cry out a warning about a river monster. Moving just in time to save her little brother, Tiffany then decides to set about getting rid of said monster. (She does so after using same brother for bait.) Unbeknownst to her, her actions were watched by someone else- a witch who recognizes Tiffany's potential & hopes to educate her about witches & magic. Unfortunately Tiffany is about to get a real crash course in magic, witchcraft (the two aren't necessary the same in the story) & herself as her bratty brother gets snatched away by a magical being with powers beyond Tiffany's comprehension. 
 While this isn't my favorite of Pratchett's work, it's not bad. I like the character of Tiffany, although she isn't the most compassionate of characters at times. The true gem of the books is the introduction of the titular wee free men, characters that remind me of Smurfs with attitude. This book won't knock 'The Truth' off of it's spot as my #1 favorite Pratchett work, but it will be something that I recommend to young readers. I like that Tiffany uses her head to get through her bad situations & that she eventually takes charge of herself. At the end of the book Tiffany is definitely a much more mature young lady. I do have to say that those readers who more prefer the more adult stylings of Pratchett may not be as enchanted with this book as I was.