Helen Parramore

The Frigments of Fern Valley Helen Parramore

Charles, 7, and Victoria, 9 , are sent to spend the summer with Aunt Emily Amelia on a farm in New England. They spend most days playing in the woods. They build a little village.and Charles adds toy soldiers, Indians and cars. Victoria models little women from clay. One night a terrible thunderstorm rages and the children fear their village will be ruined. However, they discover that the lightning has brought the village to life. The little people are called Frigments and are pilgrims come to make a new life in a new land. They are independent, religious and self- sufficient, and want nothing to do with the children. They know that Big Folk bring trouble. The children find ways to help the little people and eventually they become friends. Soon the Frigments have the cars running and they cover the woods and barns, taking whatever they need. The local folk think they have an invasion of varmints, the Frigments think they have a god-given right to make the land their own, and war breaks out. Charles and Victoria, caught in the middle, feel responsible for both sides, and they are the ones who must take drastic action to prevent bloodshed. The last day of their summer on the farm is a day they will never forget.