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Gerald and the Wee People
In Gerald and the Wee People, Gerald and Vernon discover an unusual spot in the woods. It’s always clear of any vegetation; even autumn leaves remain outside the perimeter. The most alarming characteristic of the clearing is Gerald’s uncanny ability to “see” a miniature village inhabited by the wee people. Vernon tolerates his friend’s “visions” but becomes concerned when Gerald insists he’d had a visitation from one of the villagers. It seems the village is under attack, and the teens are urgently needed to help.Determined to prove that wee people only exist in Gerald’s imagination, Vernon agrees to venture out to the clearing late one night. But, instead of demonstrating that Gerald is wrong, Vernon is drawn into his friend’s enchanted vision, and both boys charge off to the rescue.While in the wee people village, Gerald and Vernon aid the residents in their fight against the misshapen ones while also trying to devise a plan to outsmart a forest god intent on destroying all life. The boys encounter a mystical far-seer named Sheela, who decrees that the fighting will never end until the boys fulfill an ancient prophecy filled with many dangers and obstacles. Against their better judgment, Gerald and Vernon embark on a quest accompanied by Sheela and five other companions into the volcanic realm of Miach, the forest god. Their defeat the demented god and restore peace. However, not everything goes as planned.
- GenresFantasy
199 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 29, 2010
25 people want to read
About the author
Greta Burroughs
11 books30 followersGreta Burroughs loves to read. No matter where she is, there is always a book close at hand. Her love of reading began at an early age and blossomed over time to include many different genres, her favorite now being fantasy.
As a preschool and elementary school teacher, Greta tried to instill the joy of reading in the children she worked with. Books were an important part of her classroom and story time was the highlight of the day.
It has been a while since Greta was in a classroom but she had lots of experience in reading to children of various ages and remembers what they enjoyed listening to. She tries to incorporate that knowledge into her work as an author and believes it makes her a better writer of children's books.
She now resides in SC with her husband, Robert and three dogs. Greta has six books published at the present time; three in the Patchwork Dog and Calico Cat series, two MG/YA fantasies entitled "Gerald and the Wee People" and "House on Bo-Kay Lane", and a nonfiction account of her experiences with an autoimmune blood disorder called ITP - "Heartaches and Miracles".
For more information on Greta's books visit http://booksbygretaburroughs.weebly.com/
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
June 30, 2013
This is a story about bravery and putting others before yourself among many other things. This book was filled with positive messages and was told in an entertaining creative way. I really enjoyed this adventurous journey and was rooting for Gerald and Vernon to save the day. The writing seemed effortless and the narrative was easy to follow. Even though this book is mainly for young boys I enjoyed reading as the mysterious adventure unfolded. There was a sophistication to this saga that made me have to really think and pay attention so I wouldn't miss a thing.
"Vernon could not concentrate on his schoolwork. All he could think about was the stupid promise he had made the night before. Why did he agree to accompany his friend into those woods at night? He started to think he was as insane as Gerald. There was no way to back out now. He had to keep his promise, but he was not going to go unprepared."
"Vernon could not concentrate on his schoolwork. All he could think about was the stupid promise he had made the night before. Why did he agree to accompany his friend into those woods at night? He started to think he was as insane as Gerald. There was no way to back out now. He had to keep his promise, but he was not going to go unprepared."
March 2, 2012
Happy Friday! Today, I am reviewing the book, Gerald and the Wee People by author Greta Burroughs. This is a book for kids ages nine and up. It is fantasy/adventure and a story that all kids and adults would love to read!
This book is about a teenager named Gerald and his best friend, Vernon. In a special clearing in the woods by Gerald's house, a tiny village of Wee people live, but only Gerald can see them, at first. Together, he and Vernon go to the Wee people to help them defeat a band of misshapen ones who are attacking relentlessly. The journey takes off from there and it is hard to put the book down!
There are several things that I love about this book: The author's descriptions are wonderful - I could see the Wee village and all of its tiny residents. I could feel the heat and tremors in Miach's cave. I could feel the hopelessness and despair from the Wee people as they tried to defend their homes every night... If an author doesn't have the ability to pull you into a story, then it isn't worth reading. Mrs. Burroughs has no problem with this!
The main character, Gerald, is not a rich young man - he isn't flashy, has no super powers, nor does he twinkle. He is an every-day boy who just wants to do the right thing. I found that he and Vernon were characters that kids could easily relate to. I also liked that the characters in the book make their points without resorting to cursing and kids learn the value of compromise and working together for a common goal.
Overall, this is a great read! It is a mixture of magic, action and adventure that will appeal to everyone. I look forward to reading more from this author and I hope we haven't heard the last from Gerald and his new friends!
This book is about a teenager named Gerald and his best friend, Vernon. In a special clearing in the woods by Gerald's house, a tiny village of Wee people live, but only Gerald can see them, at first. Together, he and Vernon go to the Wee people to help them defeat a band of misshapen ones who are attacking relentlessly. The journey takes off from there and it is hard to put the book down!
There are several things that I love about this book: The author's descriptions are wonderful - I could see the Wee village and all of its tiny residents. I could feel the heat and tremors in Miach's cave. I could feel the hopelessness and despair from the Wee people as they tried to defend their homes every night... If an author doesn't have the ability to pull you into a story, then it isn't worth reading. Mrs. Burroughs has no problem with this!
The main character, Gerald, is not a rich young man - he isn't flashy, has no super powers, nor does he twinkle. He is an every-day boy who just wants to do the right thing. I found that he and Vernon were characters that kids could easily relate to. I also liked that the characters in the book make their points without resorting to cursing and kids learn the value of compromise and working together for a common goal.
Overall, this is a great read! It is a mixture of magic, action and adventure that will appeal to everyone. I look forward to reading more from this author and I hope we haven't heard the last from Gerald and his new friends!
May 26, 2012
Gerald has watched the wee people for years. In the woods near his home is a peculiar cleared area. For some reason, Gerald is able to see into that area and view a different world. Vernon, Gerald’s best friend, is not able to see beyond the enchantment, but he has always supported Gerald, and trusted his instincts. But lately, things are amiss in the small kingdom – some creatures are attacking the fortress, and it appears as if the wee people are in trouble. Gerald convinces Vernon to accompany him to the clearing. Both teens arrive armed, and actually clacking with some hastily gathered weapons, intending to help the people being attacked. After some effort, and a few false starts, the boys are finally able to breach the invisible wall separating the enchanted clearing from their world. Then the adventure truly begins.
I fell right into this marvelous fantasy story right along with Vernon and Gerald. Once involved, I could not get the wee society out of my mind. For that reason, this was a very fast, very entertaining read for me. The boys quickly proved their worth to the skeptical folk. There were some decidedly amusing episodes as trust and friendship gradually developed between the new-comers and the besieged community.
The conversations were spiffy, often amusing, and uncommonly heartwarming. This well-wrought fantasy story should have exceptionally broad appeal to nearly everyone – young and old. Besides the adventure, there are some universal messages that anyone may take from this story. I was enchanted.
Reviewed by Laurie-J for Night Owl Reviews
I fell right into this marvelous fantasy story right along with Vernon and Gerald. Once involved, I could not get the wee society out of my mind. For that reason, this was a very fast, very entertaining read for me. The boys quickly proved their worth to the skeptical folk. There were some decidedly amusing episodes as trust and friendship gradually developed between the new-comers and the besieged community.
The conversations were spiffy, often amusing, and uncommonly heartwarming. This well-wrought fantasy story should have exceptionally broad appeal to nearly everyone – young and old. Besides the adventure, there are some universal messages that anyone may take from this story. I was enchanted.
Reviewed by Laurie-J for Night Owl Reviews
July 30, 2013
"Gerald and the Wee People" tells the story of Gerald and his friend Vernon, two 16-year-old boys, who are summoned to help the wee people save their village from monsters. Gerald is known as the Watcher, as he alone has been able to observe the tiny villagers wander about their town for many years. But now the wee people are in danger and Gerald is the only one who can help.
The boys finally manage to enter the diminutive village, only to be treated as invaders. They encounter many memorable characters, such as Dora (the healer), the other members of the Council of elders (Rachel, Jonathan, Brin, and the rambunctious Sean), Sheela (a magical far-seer), Alyson (a young firestarter), brothers Tomas and Cian, Balor (the leader of the misshapen ones), and Miach (the forest god). The boys take part in many interesting adventures in their quest to fulfill Sheela's prophecy and save the village from destruction.
This book has a bit of everything: magic, monsters, battles, even an erupting volcano. There is even a scene reminiscent of "The Wizard of Oz", as well as an actual reference to the book later on when the boys are attempting to get back home. The book reinforces the values of friendship, cooperation, trust, and courage. It is especially suitable for boys aged 8 to 14, but girls and adults alike will also enjoy it. There were some minor editing problems, including the lack of punctuation, the lack of the use of contractions in speech, and the misuse of some words. Overall, however, it was well-written and easy to read. I look forward to sharing Gerald and Vernon's further adventures with the wee people in "House on Bo-Kay Lane".
The boys finally manage to enter the diminutive village, only to be treated as invaders. They encounter many memorable characters, such as Dora (the healer), the other members of the Council of elders (Rachel, Jonathan, Brin, and the rambunctious Sean), Sheela (a magical far-seer), Alyson (a young firestarter), brothers Tomas and Cian, Balor (the leader of the misshapen ones), and Miach (the forest god). The boys take part in many interesting adventures in their quest to fulfill Sheela's prophecy and save the village from destruction.
This book has a bit of everything: magic, monsters, battles, even an erupting volcano. There is even a scene reminiscent of "The Wizard of Oz", as well as an actual reference to the book later on when the boys are attempting to get back home. The book reinforces the values of friendship, cooperation, trust, and courage. It is especially suitable for boys aged 8 to 14, but girls and adults alike will also enjoy it. There were some minor editing problems, including the lack of punctuation, the lack of the use of contractions in speech, and the misuse of some words. Overall, however, it was well-written and easy to read. I look forward to sharing Gerald and Vernon's further adventures with the wee people in "House on Bo-Kay Lane".
January 12, 2012
I read Gerald and the Wee People in concert with my 10-year son. I had a feeling that he would naturally gravitate to the adventures of Gerald and his best friend Vernon as they tried to help the Wee People defeat the misshapen ones who are attacking the Wee People's village. Gerald is put on a hero's journey after learning of a prophecy that he must fulfill in order to reach his destiny and save the Wee People from the evil forest god, Miach.
My son blew through the book in a matter of days. The part that he enjoyed the most was near the end when Gerald had to confront and defeat Miach. He did comment a few times that the book was long, but I think part of that was his excitement to finish the book.
His favorite character was the far-seer Sheela who had magical skills- he's been a big fan of magic for years. I think the author did a great job of describing the Wee People's village and really giving the reader an immerse experience of what life was like there. My son said that he would like to visit the village to see all of the jobs in action.
As a parent, this is exactly the type of book that I am delighted to see my son read. The fantasy elements are just right and the author brought together the right blend of action and character development to keep a reader of his age entertained.
My son blew through the book in a matter of days. The part that he enjoyed the most was near the end when Gerald had to confront and defeat Miach. He did comment a few times that the book was long, but I think part of that was his excitement to finish the book.
His favorite character was the far-seer Sheela who had magical skills- he's been a big fan of magic for years. I think the author did a great job of describing the Wee People's village and really giving the reader an immerse experience of what life was like there. My son said that he would like to visit the village to see all of the jobs in action.
As a parent, this is exactly the type of book that I am delighted to see my son read. The fantasy elements are just right and the author brought together the right blend of action and character development to keep a reader of his age entertained.
March 15, 2013
I love books that take you to an imaginary place and make you feel like your part of it. Greta does exactly that in this book. I was having a tough with reality when I started reading this book, it pulled me in and kept me there. Though it's a young adult book and I'm way past that point, I couldn't help falling in love with most of the characters...yes, even the evil Micah. Follow Gerald and Vernon as they help the Wee people in their war against the misshapen ones.
This is the first book in this terrific series...make sure you also read House on Bo-Kay Lane to continue the adventure.
This is the first book in this terrific series...make sure you also read House on Bo-Kay Lane to continue the adventure.
June 16, 2012
Coming Of Age
In Gerald and The Wee People, Greta Burroughs speaks to the imaginations of young adults as she catapults Gerald and his best friend Vernon into another world, stretching their ability to believe what is happening. Beyond the strangeness of this new world, however, they soon realize that it mimics their own in many ways. The pettiness, the prejudices, the love, the caring—both the good and the bad exist in both worlds, all contributing to the drama in their lives.
Gerald and Vernon find themselves in a surprising position, one for which they feel ill-equipped, because the wee people are inexplicably depending on them to help defeat their enemy. In the course of fulfilling their destiny, the mettle of the two boys is tested to the point of breaking. In my opinion, this young adult fantasy novel can be especially viewed as a coming of age story for Gerald as his experiences among the wee people contribute to both his psychological and moral development.
Greta Burroughs has a soft spot for children, and it shows in the way she is able to write from their perspective. This story would be enjoyable for adults as well, at least those who still have a little child inside who’s alive and well!
In Gerald and The Wee People, Greta Burroughs speaks to the imaginations of young adults as she catapults Gerald and his best friend Vernon into another world, stretching their ability to believe what is happening. Beyond the strangeness of this new world, however, they soon realize that it mimics their own in many ways. The pettiness, the prejudices, the love, the caring—both the good and the bad exist in both worlds, all contributing to the drama in their lives.
Gerald and Vernon find themselves in a surprising position, one for which they feel ill-equipped, because the wee people are inexplicably depending on them to help defeat their enemy. In the course of fulfilling their destiny, the mettle of the two boys is tested to the point of breaking. In my opinion, this young adult fantasy novel can be especially viewed as a coming of age story for Gerald as his experiences among the wee people contribute to both his psychological and moral development.
Greta Burroughs has a soft spot for children, and it shows in the way she is able to write from their perspective. This story would be enjoyable for adults as well, at least those who still have a little child inside who’s alive and well!
June 15, 2011
In a clearing, in the dark woods, is a secret society of wee people and Gerald, with his friend Vernon, has just stumbled into a wee war. With wonderful imagery and imagination, Burroughs takes her readers into a magical world filled with terror, adventure and an unsuspecting hero.
Gerald and the Wee People is a book that brings the impossible to life and takes the reader right along with it into a battle that may mean death for the wee people. Without the help of Gerald, who doesn’t even know how to help, and his best friend Vernon, all may be lost. With an “Alice in Wonderland” feel, Gerald is shrank down to wee size and is at the mercy of the attacking misshapen ones along with Sheela, Cian and Sean. Can Gerald save himself and his new friends or will they all cease to be.
This is a great story of courage, faith and friendship for any age. Young adults and more mature juveniles ( some violence) will enjoy the action and adventure that Burrough’s characters bring to the reader. A pleasurable read and very talented writing make this book a winner. Makes me want to go look for the magic in my own back yard.
Gerald and the Wee People is a book that brings the impossible to life and takes the reader right along with it into a battle that may mean death for the wee people. Without the help of Gerald, who doesn’t even know how to help, and his best friend Vernon, all may be lost. With an “Alice in Wonderland” feel, Gerald is shrank down to wee size and is at the mercy of the attacking misshapen ones along with Sheela, Cian and Sean. Can Gerald save himself and his new friends or will they all cease to be.
This is a great story of courage, faith and friendship for any age. Young adults and more mature juveniles ( some violence) will enjoy the action and adventure that Burrough’s characters bring to the reader. A pleasurable read and very talented writing make this book a winner. Makes me want to go look for the magic in my own back yard.
November 8, 2011
This book opens with Gerald trying to persuade his sceptical best buddy, Vernon, to go down to the woods to help the Wee People who he has been seeing in visions since they were at school. Like all good adventures, we have a character who believes & a character who disbelieves... even what he's seeing. This is a book that teens & adults will enjoy, I think. It's good for young readers and there is enough going on to keep adults interested. I like fantasy books where the author builds a new world for you to exist in for a while. This is an enjoyable read and there are a variety of characters here. There's also some morals and lessons to be learnt. Some characters grow, others... The interaction is good and the conversations natural. One of my favourites is the girl who is quite hot stuff - you'll have to read to find out who I mean. I like the ending - everything is tied up at the end, but there is a strand or two that can be picked up in book two, and I look forward to reading it.
October 20, 2011
I really enjoyed reading this book. The author took a few plot twists that I probably wouldn’t have taken and when I read them I wondered how in the world that was ever going to work out but I have to say she surprised me every single time. I fell in love with the wee people and especially the far-seers. As far as I’m concerned they were the heroes here.
The world created by Burroughs was fantastic. I got lost a couple times with where the boundaries were but the story didn’t really need them. As the group traveled the world just seemed to go with them. Still a bit unclear on that but I don’t feel I’ve missed out on anything.
The plot was fun, the story believable, the outcome wonderful and the entire book was entertaining. I wouldn’t mind coming back to visit the wee people once in a while and probably will!
The world created by Burroughs was fantastic. I got lost a couple times with where the boundaries were but the story didn’t really need them. As the group traveled the world just seemed to go with them. Still a bit unclear on that but I don’t feel I’ve missed out on anything.
The plot was fun, the story believable, the outcome wonderful and the entire book was entertaining. I wouldn’t mind coming back to visit the wee people once in a while and probably will!
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October 25, 2014Gerald and his friend Vernon find themselves facing adventures in the world of the wee people that test their views of what the real world is. In it they encounter magic and strange creatures they must help the wee people defeat. How that ends will surprise readers - in a good way.
This is a book that will appeal to young teens and adolescents. It has lots of adventure, imagination, and characters they will relate to and love. It grabbed me from the first page and never let go. While there was plenty of tension, danger and emotion this was accomplished without gratuitous violence, gore or trauma. The writing style is engaging with great dialogue.
For the most part it is well edited with one caveat. There were some grammar issues regarding tense but perhaps these bothered me only because I also am a writer. They did not detract from my enjoyment of the story.
This is a book that will appeal to young teens and adolescents. It has lots of adventure, imagination, and characters they will relate to and love. It grabbed me from the first page and never let go. While there was plenty of tension, danger and emotion this was accomplished without gratuitous violence, gore or trauma. The writing style is engaging with great dialogue.
For the most part it is well edited with one caveat. There were some grammar issues regarding tense but perhaps these bothered me only because I also am a writer. They did not detract from my enjoyment of the story.
May 11, 2015
This review is from: Gerald and the Wee People (Kindle Edition)
This is a charming fantasy story, difficult to put down, and the pages and action quickly fly by. The plot and setting have been mentioned in previous reviews so I won't be repetitious, but what I will bring up again is the quality of the story and its delivery. Readers nine or ten years old and up will enjoy the action, dialogue, and themes ranging from childlike to mature in this well edited novel that is a clean read with no sex or profanity. The underlying theme is not dark but one of hope, often, it seems, against insurmountable odds. It leaves you wondering: did this actually happen? This is a great older children's and young adult story.
This is a charming fantasy story, difficult to put down, and the pages and action quickly fly by. The plot and setting have been mentioned in previous reviews so I won't be repetitious, but what I will bring up again is the quality of the story and its delivery. Readers nine or ten years old and up will enjoy the action, dialogue, and themes ranging from childlike to mature in this well edited novel that is a clean read with no sex or profanity. The underlying theme is not dark but one of hope, often, it seems, against insurmountable odds. It leaves you wondering: did this actually happen? This is a great older children's and young adult story.
August 9, 2011
This review was done by my 9 year-old daughter. Here is what she had to say: "I loved the story! It was very adventurous. I couldn't stop reading it the moment I started."
March 4, 2021
A Magical Journey!
16-year-old Gerald goes on a mission to save the Wee People that only he can see, and he takes his best friend, Vernon, and the reader along for this bumpy fantasy ride. The difficulty getting into the tiny village should have been a clue that this would not be an easy task, but Gerald cannot sit back and do nothing while the Wee People are being slaughtered by the monsters. And even if they are successful, will Gerald and Vernon be able to get back home? So, buckle up and ride this twisty, windy rollercoaster as an unlikely group of friends go on an unexpected adventure through the forest to find and conquer the evil forest god. This book will remind you to never underestimate the power of perseverance and faith; not only in yourself but also in people you never knew you could trust. It’s ok to be different because there is power in diversity if you simply take the time to discover it. Great book for kids of all ages, 6 to 106.
16-year-old Gerald goes on a mission to save the Wee People that only he can see, and he takes his best friend, Vernon, and the reader along for this bumpy fantasy ride. The difficulty getting into the tiny village should have been a clue that this would not be an easy task, but Gerald cannot sit back and do nothing while the Wee People are being slaughtered by the monsters. And even if they are successful, will Gerald and Vernon be able to get back home? So, buckle up and ride this twisty, windy rollercoaster as an unlikely group of friends go on an unexpected adventure through the forest to find and conquer the evil forest god. This book will remind you to never underestimate the power of perseverance and faith; not only in yourself but also in people you never knew you could trust. It’s ok to be different because there is power in diversity if you simply take the time to discover it. Great book for kids of all ages, 6 to 106.
September 28, 2019
Maybe
This wasn’t to my taste. Found it lacking meat, was dry and boring. Maybe if I were young and male it would be a good read but I couldn’t stay with it. This is one of her books so if you don’t like this one try another.
This wasn’t to my taste. Found it lacking meat, was dry and boring. Maybe if I were young and male it would be a good read but I couldn’t stay with it. This is one of her books so if you don’t like this one try another.
June 24, 2013
Well I read this book in front of a young reading group, or at least, I tried to. Half way through the story became confusing and rambled all over the place. Nothing made much sense it seemed. Very little details and that left me wondering where this story was headed!
Poor reading and I'm sorry I bought this book.
Andi K.
Poor reading and I'm sorry I bought this book.
Andi K.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews