The Book of Three (The Chronicles of Prydain Book 1)

The Newbery-winning fantasy series now available in gorgeous new paperback editions! Since The Book of Three was first published in 1964, young readers have been enthralled by the adventures of Taran the Assistant Pig-Keeper and his quest to become a hero. Taran is joined by an engaging cast of characters that includes Eilonwy, the strong-willed and sharp-tongued princess; Fflewddur Fflam, the hyperbole-prone bard; the ever-faithful Gurgi; and the curmudgeonly Doli―all of whom have become involved in an epic struggle between good and evil that shapes the fate of the legendary land of Prydain. Released over a period of five years, Lloyd Alexander's beautifully written tales not only captured children's imaginations but also garnered the highest critical praise. The Black Cauldron was a Newbery Honor Book, and the final volume in the chronicles, The High King, crowned the series by winning the Newbery Medal for "the most distinguished contribution to American literature for children."Henry Holt is proud to present this classic series in a new, redesigned paperback format. The jackets feature stunning art by acclaimed fantasy artist David Wyatt, giving the books a fresh look for today's generation of young fantasy lovers. The companion book of short stories, The Foundling is also available in paperback at this time. In their more than thirty years in print, the Chronicles of Prydain have become the standard of excellence in fantasy literature for children. This title has Common Core connections.

Taran dreams of adventure, but nothing exciting ever happens to an Assistant Pig-Keeper until his pig runs away. A chase through the woods leads Taran far from home and into great danger, for evil prowls the land of Prydain. With a collection of strange and wonderful friends whom he meets on his journey, Taran finds himself fighting so that good may triumph over evil and so that his beloved home will not fall to a diabolical fiend.

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Children's Literature

Five enchanting books comprise the "Chronicles of Prydain" by Alexander. Prydain is a land with heroes and legends drawn from Welsh mythology. In The Book of Three, Taran is impatient for manhood. As assistant pig keeper of the oracular pig Hen Wen, his life is very tame. Taran's dreams of glory and adventure soon turn to bitter reality, however, when the Horned King marches to conquer Prydain. Taran must face the evil enchantress Achren, undead warriors, man hunting birds of prey, and the Horned King himself. Companions join his adventure along the way -- the talkative princess Eilonwy, the ever-hungry forest creature Gugi, the bard Fflewdur Fflam whose harp strings break when he stretches the truth, and a grumpy dwarf named Dori of the Fair Folk. Nonstop action and vivid characters work magic on the reader in this first book of the Prydain series. Other books in the Chronicles include The Black Cauldron, The Castle of Llyr, Taran Wanderer, and The High King.

Taran is bored with his Assistant Pig-Keeper duties, even though his charge is none other than Hen Wen, Prydain's only oracular pig. He'd rather be doing something more heroic, like making swords and learning to use them. When Hen Wen escapes and Taran goes after her, he finds himself farther from home than he's ever been. Soon he begins to realize that heroism is no easy task. With the dreaded Horn King on the loose and King Arawn gathering the forces of evil, Taran must look past his own dreams to warn the population of Prydain before it's too late. - Back cover. Taran, Assistant Pig-Keeper to a famous oracular sow, sets out on a hazardous mission to save Prydain from the forces of evil. Taran wanted to be a hero, and looking after a pig wasn't exactly heroic, even though Hen Wen was an oracular pig. But the day that Hen Wen vanished, Taran was led into an enchanting and perilous world. With his band of followers, he confronted the Horned King and his terrible Cauldron-Born. These were the forces of evil, and only Hen Wen knew the secret of keeping the kingdom of Prydain safe from them. But who would find her first? Author's note The assistant pig-keeper The mask of the king Gurgi The Gwythaints The broken sword Eilonwy The trap The barrow Fflewddur Fflam The sword Dyrnwyn Flight through the hills The wolves The hidden valley The black lake King Eiddileg Doli The fledgling The flame of Dyrnwyn The secret Welcomes Prydain pronunciation guide In the first book of the chronicles of Prydain, Taran, Assistant Pig-Keeper at Caer Dallben, searches for the oracular pig Hen Wen while the forces of evil gather Taran, would-be hero and Assistant Pig-Keeper, assembles a group of companions to rescue the oracular pig Hen Wen from the forces of evil. Taran wanted to make a sword; but Coll, charged with the practical side of his education, decided on horseshoes.