Truckers

British author Pratchett's first YA novel is a rollicking tale about a race of ``nomes''--little people who came from outer space and now live under the floorboards of a department store. Since the store is about to be demolished, the nomes must be convinced to move out, even though most of them don't believe in such a thing as Outside. After all, the store has ``Everything Under One Roof!'' In a story reminiscent of Mary Norton's The Borrowers , Pratchett has added distinctive touches of his own to the hilarious complications that ensue. One of the novel's greatest strengths is the depiction of the civilization the nomes have built for themselves, including an intricate religion based on advertising signs. hung in the store. Truckers is funny enough to warrant sequels (at least one more tale is promised), but a clearer resolution would have made this a more satisfying read. Ages 10-up. (Feb.)