Module 2: The Book of Three

The Book of Three
by Lloyd Alexander

Bibliography: Alexander, L. (2006). The Book of Three. New York: Square Fish.

Summary:
The Book of Three stars Taran, the assistant pig keeper for an oracular pig named Hen Wen. Taran dreams of excitement and adventure to take him away from his everyday boring existence. But in a classic case of be careful what you wish for when Hen Wen runs off and Taran pursues her he becomes mixed up in all sorts of trouble. As Taran runs for his life from the Horned King he meets some new friends including Gurgi, Eilonwy, Doli, and Fflewddur Fflam. These friends become invaluable allies along Taran's journey to find Hen Wen and save Prydain from the evil of Annuvin and its Lord Arawn.

Impressions:
The only encounter I have ever had with this book before I sat down to read it for this module was Disney's animated version of the Black Cauldron. I loved the movie as a child so when I saw this book on the list I knew I had to read it. I wasn't disappointed either. The Book of Three has everything that makes children's fantasy so fun and engaging. Strong likable characters that are also fallible, humor, creatures, magic, and mythical settings. I'm honestly surprised a movie studio has not attempted to adapt these books yet. I will definitely be seeking out the rest of the series to read.

Review:
Kirkus Review
"Taran, young boy, dubbed "Assistant Pig Keeper" to satisfy his dreams of glory, is the central character. A ward of the wizard, Dallben, he is in charge of an oracular pig, Hen Wen. His search for her after a raid by the horrible Horned King brings him to such strong fantasy characters as: Gwydion, a prince who teaches him the first principle of leadership -- self control; Eilonwy, a runaway junior witch, and Fflewddur, an incompetent bard. If these characters don't suggest T.H. White's treatment of the Arthurian legends, they should. The author draw his figures with the same touches of irritability, doltishness and contrariness that leavens with high good humor the high fantasy. The major theme is good against evil-- black magic against white -- but (give thanks for creative restraint) only to a draw." (Kirkus Review, Oct. 27, 2011).

Library Setting:
The Prydain series would do excellent in any middle or elementary school library next to J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter or Rick Riordan's Percy Jackson series. It might also be fun to do a library program or display highlighting Disney movies, which almost all kids are familiar with, and then juxtapose the DVDs with the books that serve as their source material.

Reference Review:
Kirks Reviews. (2011, October 27). Kirkus reviews the book of three. Retrieved from https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/lloyd-alexander/the-book-of-three/
Image:
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