The Black Cauldron (Chronicles of Prydain, #2)

by Lloyd Alexander (Author)

Reading Level: 4th − 5th Grade

The Newbery Medal-winning second book in Lloyd Alexander's The Chronicles of Prydain series, The Black Cauldron―the inspiration for Disney's 1985 cult animated film.

In the land of Prydain, evil is never far away. Arawn, Lord of the Land of Death, has been building an army of dark warriors to take over Prydain, and the only way to stop him is to destroy the Black Cauldron he uses to create his dreaded soldiers.

Taran, Assistant Pig-Keeper, and his loyal companions must journey deep into Arawn's domain to destroy the Black Cauldron. For each of them, the quest has special meaning. For Taran, it is a glorious opportunity to use his first sword in battle. But war requires a sacrifice greater than he'd ever imagined. . . .

Includes a new pronunciation guide. This title has Common Core connections.

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Kirkus

Starred Review
Once-in-a-lifetime reading that will assure Prydain a permanent place in geographies of fictional territories.

ALA/Booklist

A wise and wondrous tale written in epic fashion.

Review quotes

"The same characteristics that made the first book so rich are again present—a fine flow of words; an inticate, active plot; an admirable balance between the forces of black and white magic ... Once-in-a-lifetime reading that will assure Prydain a permanent place in geographies of fictional territories." —Kirkus Reviews (Starred Review)

"Taran, the gallant Assistant Pig-keeper, and his companions once again fare forth to destroy the evil that threatens their beloved country, Prydain.... A wise and wondrous tale written in epic fashion." —Booklist

Lloyd Alexander

Lloyd Alexander (1924-2007) was the author of more than forty books for children and adults, including the beloved children's fantasy series, the Chronicles of Prydain, one of the most widely read series in the history of fantasy and the inspiration for the animated Disney film, The Black Cauldron. His books have won numerous awards, including the Newbery Medal, the Newbery Honor, and the National Book Award for Juvenile Literature.

Classification
Fiction
ISBN-13
9780805080490
Lexile Measure
760
Guided Reading Level
-
Publisher
Square Fish
Publication date
May 20, 2006
Series
Chronicles of Prydain
BISAC categories
JUV037000 - Juvenile Fiction | Fantasy & Magic
JUV001000 - Juvenile Fiction | Action & Adventure
JUV022000 - Juvenile Fiction | Legends, Myths, & Fables | General
Library of Congress categories
Pigs
Swine
Magic
Fantasy
Quests (Expeditions)
Taran
Prydain (Imaginary place)
Newbery Medal
Honor Book 1966 - 1966

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