Rating: 
Summary: Funny fantasy: A rare but appetizing treat
Review: Though J.K. Rowling may be remembered as one of the best fantasy writers to incorporate humor in her stories, she is by no means the first. Nor is Lloyd Alexander, but you will quickly forget this fact when you read his works. Endlessly exciting and amusing, "The Book of Three" is the first book in the well-known Prydian Chronicles. In it, Taran the Assistant Pig-Keeper yearns for glory and honor as a warrior outside of his tiny province of Caer Dallben. While chasing after his incredible ocular pig, Taran meets with an array of interesting characters and must face the horrible Horned King.People enjoy making lists of "What to Read After You've Finished All the Harry Potters". This book and its series should top those lists. Alexander (one of the rare all-American fantasy writers) has incorporated Welsh myth with modern storytelling. The result is delightful. I originally read these books when I was ten or so, and though I'd forgotten more than I liked, much of these book stuck with me. Fflewddur Fflam and his breaking harp strings. Gurgi, the creature that is nothing so much as a hungry green Grover Monster from Sesame Street. And the delightful Eilonwy, whose very presence makes Taran even more awkward than usual. Eilonwy is particularly remarkable in that she is more than willing to fight, work hard, and help others without becoming wishy-washy or humorless. It is Eilonwy that clearly points out when Taran has failed to take the feelings of others into account. More interestingly, she is genuinely affectionate towards the awkard hero. As the aforementioned hero, Taran is interesting as well. Unlike some storytime protagonists, this boy is flawed from page one. Hot-headed, impatient, and imperceptive, Taran is only eventually brought to a slow understanding of what it means to be great. I've always enjoyed the fact that while every other character in this book is described from head to toe, Taran is never clearly described. Some have theorized that this is because author Lloyd Alexander wants his hero to be a sort of everyboy that can look like whatsoever the reader wants. Don't let that fool you. Though this series will appeal to boys, girls will adore it as well. While drawing on the same myths and legends of Susan Coopers "The Dark Is Rising" series and creating magic akin to Ursula Le Guin's "Wizard of Earthsea", Alexander has created something entirely unique. Appropriate for many many ages. The violence in this series is no worse than anything you'll find on kids t.v. today, and there is no swearing or suggestive behavior (oh la la!). Instead, you've got a pretty darn good piece of work that kids will gravitate towards regardless of gender or age (I can personally vouch for all the 25-year-olds out there).
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