Except for Gummy, who made up funny jingles and roamed the hills and fields; Curley Green, who painted pictures and wore a bright scarlet cloak; and Walter the Earl, who spent his time digging for ancient records that no one else believed existed, the Minnipins were a sober and sedate people who dressed in browns and dark greens, minded their own jobs, and never questioned the authority of the Periods, the leading family.

For generations, the Minnipins had lived securely and well in an isolated mountain valley—so securely that they had grown smug and intolerant. Eventually they even outlawed Curley Green; Muggles, who supervised the Museum; Walter the Earl; and Gummy—as well as Mingy, the town treasurer—when they dared question the Periods' wisdom. Then, high on the mountain where the little group of exiles have established a new home for themselves, they discover that the Minnipins' ancient enemies, the Mushrooms or Hairless Ones, have found a way into the valley through an ancient gold mine and are preparing to attack! Can the Minnipins be roused in time? Will they survive?

In this fascinating and highly original story, which skillfully builds to its dramatic climax, Mrs. Kendall has created an entire new world and peopled it with unforgettable characters—a rare treat for the imaginative reader of any age. 

From the dust jacket