Module 2 - The Book of Three

Summary

The Book of Three, a fantasy, is the first tale of Taran, the assistant pig keeper of Caer Dalben. His adventure begins when Hen Wen, the pig for which he is responsible, escapes after being frightened by the nearness of the Horned King. Taran persues her and is lead on a chase across parts of Prydain. Along the way, he makes several new friends, including Prince Gwydion, Gurgi, Princess Eilonwy, Fflewddur Fflam, the king turned bard, and Doli, the dwarf.

Bibliography
Alexander, L. (1964). The book of three. New York, NY: Henry Holt and Company.

My Impression
I choose to read this book because I vaguely remember reading and enjoying The Black Cauldron when I was in the fifth or sixth grade. Also, I am a great fan of fantasy and hero quest stories. I was not dissapointed. I found Taran's adventures to be thoroughly enjoyable. So much so that I proceeded to read the rest of the series within a week, despite the fact that I had much other, more pressing reading to do for school and work. I found Taran to be a likeable, real character with virtues and flaws. While reading it, I was transported into the land of Prydain quit thoroughly. I found the storytelling both enchanting and masterful.

To Read or Not to Read:  Read this book, especially if you enjoy good fantasy.

Professional Reviews
Amazon.com
"The tale of Taran, assistant pig keeper, has been entertaining young readers for generations. Set in the mythical land of Prydain (which bears a more than passing resemblance to Wales), Lloyd Alexander's book draws together the elements of the hero's journey from unformed boy to courageous young man. Taran grumbles with frustration at home in the hamlet Caer Dallben; he yearns to go into battle like his hero, Prince Gwydion. Before the story is over, he has met his hero and fought the evil leader who threatens the peace of Prydain: the Horned King.

What brings the tale of Taran to life is Alexander's skillful use of humor, and the way he personalizes the mythology he has so clearly studied. Taran isn't a stick figure; in fact, the author makes a point of mocking him just at the moments when he's acting the most highhanded and heroic. When he and the young girl Eilonwy flee the castle of the wicked queen Achren, Taran emotes, "'Spiral Castle has brought me only grief; I have no wish to see it again.' 'What has it brought the rest of us?' Eilonway asked. 'You make it sound as though we were just sitting around having a splendid time while you moan and take on.'" By the end, Alexander has spun a rousing hero's tale and created a compelling coming-of-age story. Readers will sigh with relief when they realize The Book of Three is only the first of the chronicles of Prydain." --Claire Dederer
Dederer, C. (2006).  [Review of the book The book of three, by L. Alexander]. Retrieved from http://www.amazon.com.


Library Uses

• This book would be good used as a read-aloud.  It would be a good introduction into fantasy and could hopefully spark children's interest in the genre and send them looking for similar stories.
• Another activity could be to create a library quest to learn about the library.  In the book, Taran goes on a quest to find Hen Wen.  A quest could be set up in the library.  The students could be given a map to follow.  At each "stop" on the map, there could be a challenge or obstacle of some sort.  These challenges could be things such as:  answering a riddle, having to properly utilize that library feature, or some sort  of mini-obstacle.  After the child has completed the quest, he or she will know his way around the library and have gained a bit of knowledge about how the library works.

Image retrieved from:  http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/book-of-three-lloyd-alexander/1101968279?ean=9780805080483