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THE LITTLE PEOPLE OF THE OZARK MOUNTAINS®
By Gary Hutchison
Folklore written for adults, loved by children and teens.
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The Little People of the Ozark Mountains® are a fun loving lot, each about as tall as a grape hyacinth. Still retaining their old world brogue, they settled the Ozark Mountains hundreds of years ago, and since then have lived as two separate clans, peaceful and loving by nature, and preferring the simple and uncomplicated, candle lit life, of days gone by. They dwell contentedly in quaint and tidy hollow stump homes, and are a most cheerful, charitable people, who thoughtfully go about practicing their magic, in order to bring happier, safer, more satisfying lives to the mortals who live near by. The books should be read in order because the story flows from one to the another.
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Book One: The Ring of The Farjumpers
Jay, a nine and a half year old mortal boy, and Twiggs, a twelve and three quarters year old Little Person, encounter each other for the first time. A wonderful friendship develops, which, along the way necessitates close scrutiny of the two cultures by the youngsters. Then, the relationship must end, and the boys struggle to deal with the impending loss. Humorous, nostalgic, philosophical, delightful, and thought provoking. You may just see yourself on every page. 1995 [142 pages] ISBN: 1-885631-13-8 |
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Book Two: A Man of the Clan
The odyssey continues as it describes the struggles and the successes of Twiggs (the Little Person) during the first months of coping with his new responsibilities as a Man of the Clan Dewgoodabee. He finds himself in love - another set of struggles and delights. The story reminds us that growing up, though complex, need not be an unpleasant experience. A sentimental reverie of how it was and how it could be. 1995 ISBN: 1-885631-14-6 [142 pp] |
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Book Three: The Ambassador and The Touchperson
Jay and Twiggs have their first of three meetings. Hard-nosed negotiating doesn't interfere with joy-filled escapades at the swimming hole and cabin. The year culminates with "the miracle of the millennium," as Jay's Grampa characterizes it in his country newspaper. The boys learn that even a miracle, like life itself, sometimes has an unanticipated down-side which they struggle to understand and manage. 1995 ISBN: 1-885631-16-2 [142 pages] |
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Book Four: Twiggs and Cinnamon
Twiggs and Cinnamon are wed, and deal with the usual delights and adjustments that confront all young couples. A host of new Little People are introduced as they go about caring for themselves and the Mortals in the nearby hills and valleys. Hardy portions of joyful celebrations are enjoyed and an impending catastrophe is encountered. 1996 [142 pages] ISBN: 1-885631-13-8 |
Review by
Jonathan Alan Bowers
Child Psychologist/Author
Simply delightful! These folk tales work at two levels. The story line is precious, developing the growing friendship between Twiggs, a magical Little Person lad (“about as tall as a grape hyacinth”) and a “mortal” boy, Jay. They romp together through the meadow, swim in the creek and spread cheer and goodwill throughout the surrounding hills and valleys. Children and adults alike will bask in the warmth of these tales.
The boys’ discussions, in which the differing philosophies of their two cultures are compared and evaluated with the fresh frankness seldom found outside of childhood, provide the second level at which these books work. I love the characters and plots, but, personally, I find the social philosophy and its challenges to current “mortal” practices to be the most stimulating aspect of the series. The author is not content to just question our social values and behavior. He also provides a full blown, positive alternative for us to consider.
Whether or not one feels that thoughtful altruism is the ultimate answer to social ills, he or she will come face to face with the wonder-filled questions we must all consider if we believe the survival, happiness and enhancement of our human species is of ultimate importance.
It is plain that the books have been written for adults and young adults with above average reading skills. This doesn’t mean, however, that younger children will not enjoy hearing the stories. Read them for fun or read them for their more serious message - just read them!
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