Lloyd Alexander Books In Order

The Chronicles of Prydain Books In Publication Order

  1. The Book of Three (1964)
  2. The Black Cauldron (1965)
  3. The Castle of Llyr (1966)
  4. Taran Wanderer (1967)
  5. The High King (1968)

Westmark Trilogy Books In Publication Order

  1. Westmark (1981)
  2. The Kestrel (1982)
  3. The Beggar Queen (1984)

Vesper Holly Books In Publication Order

  1. The Illyrian Adventure (1986)
  2. The El Dorado Adventure (1987)
  3. The Drackenberg Adventure (1988)
  4. The Jedera Adventure (1989)
  5. The Philadelphia Adventure (1990)
  6. The Xanadu Adventure (2005)

Standalone Novels In Publication Order

  1. And Let the Credit Go (1955)
  2. My Five Tigers The Cats in My Life (1956)
  3. Time Cat (1963)
  4. Fifty Years in the Doghouse (1964)
  5. Send for Ryan! (1965)
  6. The Marvelous Misadventures of Sebastian (1970)
  7. The King’s Fountain (1971)
  8. The Four Donkeys (1972)
  9. The Cat Who Wished to Be a Man (1973)
  10. The Wizard in the Tree (1974)
  11. The First Two Lives of Lukas-Kasha (1978)
  12. The Remarkable Journey of Prince Jen (1991)
  13. The Prydain Chronicles (1991)
  14. The Arkadians (1995)
  15. The House Gobbaleen (1995)
  16. The Iron Ring (1997)
  17. Gypsy Rizka (1999)
  18. How the Cat Swallowed Thunder (2000)
  19. The Fantastical Adventures of the Invisible Boy / The Gawgon and the Boy (2001)
  20. A Lloyd Alexander Collection (2001)
  21. The Rope Trick (2002)
  22. Dream-of-Jade (2005)
  23. The Golden Dream of Carlo Chuchio (2007)

Short Story Collections In Publication Order

  1. The Foundling and Other Tales of Prydain (1973)
  2. The Town Cats and Other Tales (1977)

Picture Books In Publication Order

  1. Coll and His White Pig (1965)
  2. The Truthful Harp (1967)
  3. The Fortune-Tellers (1992)

Non-Fiction Books In Publication Order

  1. August Bondi: Border Hawk (1958)
  2. Aaron Lopez: The Flagship Hope (1960)
  3. My Cats and Me: The Story of an Understanding (A Blank Journal) (1989)

The Chronicles of Prydain Book Covers

Westmark Trilogy Book Covers

Vesper Holly Book Covers

Standalone Novels Book Covers

Short Story Collections Book Covers

Picture Book Covers

Non-Fiction Book Covers

Lloyd Alexander Books Overview

The Book of Three

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 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 to a new generation of young readers. Jackets have been handsomely redesigned while retaining the original art of Caldecott Medal winning artist Evaline Ness. Each retypeset volume now includes a pronunciation guide prepared by Lloyd Alexander. A companion book of short stories, The Foundling and Other Tales of Prydain, is also available in hardcover for the first time in twenty years.

In their more than thirty years in print, the Chronicles of Prydain have become the standard of excellence in fantasy literature for children.

The Black Cauldron

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 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 to a new generation of young readers. Jackets have been handsomely redesigned while retaining the original art of Caldecott Medal winning artist Evaline Ness. Each retypeset volume now includes a pronunciation guide prepared by Lloyd Alexander. A companion book of short stories, The Foundling and Other Tales of Prydain, is also available in hardcover for the first time in twenty years.

In their more than thirty years in print, the Chronicles of Prydain have become the standard of excellence in fantasy literature for children.

The Castle of Llyr

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 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 to a new generation of young readers. Jackets have been handsomely redesigned while retaining the original art of Caldecott Medal winning artist Evaline Ness. Each retypeset volume now includes a pronunciation guide prepared by Lloyd Alexander. A companion book of short stories, The Foundling and Other Tales of Prydain, is also available in hardcover for the first time in twenty years.

In their more than thirty years in print, the Chronicles of Prydain have become the standard of excellence in fantasy literature for children.

Taran Wanderer

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 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 to a new generation of young readers. Jackets have been handsomely redesigned while retaining the original art of Caldecott Medal winning artist Evaline Ness. Each retypeset volume now includes a pronunciation guide prepared by Lloyd Alexander. A companion book of short stories, The Foundling and Other Tales of Prydain, is also available in hardcover for the first time in twenty years. In their more than thirty years in print, the Chronicles of Prydain have become the standard of excellence in fantasy literature for children.

The High King

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 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 to a new generation of young readers. Jackets have been handsomely redesigned while retaining the original art of Caldecott Medal winning artist Evaline Ness. Each retypeset volume now includes a pronunciation guide prepared by Lloyd Alexander. A companion book of short stories, The Foundling and Other Tales of Prydain, is also available in hardcover for the first time in twenty years.

In their more than thirty years in print, the Chronicles of Prydain have become the standard of excellence in fantasy literature for children.

Westmark

A boy fleeing from criminal charges falls in with a charlatan, his attendant and an urchin girl, travels with them about the kingdom of Westmark, and ultimately arrives at the palace where the king is grieving over the loss of his daughter.

The Kestrel

Theo is traveling Westmark, learning about the country of which he will soon be Prince Consort. He is not surprised to find great poverty Mickle now known as Princess Augusta could have told him that from her years on the street. His friend Florian could have told him about the aristocracy’s graft and corruption. But neither could have foreseen a loaded pistol in the practiced hand of the assassin Skeit. The echoes of that shot ring from the muskets and cannons of a Westmark suddenly at war a war that turns simple, honest men into cold blooded killers, Mickle into a military commander, and Theo himself into a stranger…
. ‘The plot is magnificent, the characterizations are excellent, and the issues are compelling.’ Children’s Literature

The Beggar Queen

Mickle, once a common street urchin, is now the queen of Westmark. The kingdom is thriving yet, at the same time, it is strangely restless. Ghosts of the past lurk everywhere. And the evil minister Cabbarus, banished from Westmark, is plotting to seize the throne. Theo remembers a time when he was the famed Kestrel, fighting battles that threatened to kill his soul. Now he once again must join in the struggle. Who will at last command the fate of Westmark?

‘The chronicle begun in Westmark…
is brought to a brilliant climax in a novel that skillfully completes this landmark award winning trilogy.’ Booklist, starred review

The Illyrian Adventure

It’s 1872, and adventurous Vesper Holly and her guardian set out for the tiny country of Illyria, on a quest for its legendary treasure. But once Vesper and Brinnie arrive, they are plunged into a fierce struggle between rebel forces and someone is out to kill the two of them! If anyone can triumph over those kind of odds, it’s Vesper one of Lloyd Alexander’s most intrepid and best selling hero*ines. ‘A story that moves at breakneck speed and is filled with delicious details Alexander is to be commended for his elegant writing, astute characterizations, and his presentation of an intelligent hero*ine.’ Booklist, starred review ‘With its wonderfully exaggerated characters, tantalizing chapter endings, literate style, and witty repartee, the book must have been almost as much fun to write as it is to read.’ The Horn Book

The El Dorado Adventure

Vesper has just learned that she owns a volcano in the tiny republic of El Dorado and Vesper being Vesper, she and her guardian respond to the mysterious telegram by sailing to Central America. Almost as soon as they’ve arrived, Vesper and Brinnie are thrust into danger. Someone wants her property, and they will stop at nothing to get it even if that means destroying an entire tribe of Chirica Indians and Vesper herself!’Vesper Holly is Alexander ‘s answer to Indiana Jones.’ Kirkus Reviews

The Drackenberg Adventure

Who could resist a once in a lifetime invitation to the Grand Duchess of Drackenberg’s Diamond Jubilee Celebration? Not Vesper Holly! Off she goes, with her guardian, Brinnie, and his wife, Mary, and plunges into a plot involving a takeover attempt from neighboring Carpatia. In short order, Vesper finds herself mixed up with Gypsies, a kidnapping, and the discovery of a priceless Leonardo da Vinci portrait. Vesper has her hands full. Especially when the despicable Dr. Helvitius shows up. Will Vesper be able to save the day and Drackenberg?

The Jedera Adventure

Returning a library book is simple unless the library is in North Africa and the book is Vesper Holly’s! She organizes a library bound caravan, deals with feuding desert tribes, rough terrain, and slave traders but then is faced with the evil Dr. Helvitius…
.

‘In addition to being solid entertainment, the Vesper Holly books have the power to create a host of well informed armchair travelers.’
Publisher’s Weekly

The Philadelphia Adventure

Vesper Holly has foiled murderers, crossed mountains, and narrowly escaped earthquakes. Now she’s home in Philadelphia, where she can relax until President Ulysses S. Grant asks for her help. The Centennial Exposition of 1876 is about to begin, and luminaries from around the world will be there. But so will Vesper’s arch nemesis, the evil Doctor Helvetius. There’s only one person who can thwart his evil plans Vesper Holly! ‘A combination of historical fact, nonstop danger and intrigue, and masterful writing.’ The Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books

The Xanadu Adventure

Lloyd Alexander’s beloved Indiana Jones style hero*ine, Vesper Holly, is back for one last adventure. Delving into the mystery of the origins of Western civilization, Vesper and her friends set out for the site of the legendary Troy, only to fall into a trap laid by the despicable Dr. Helvitius. Helvitius imprisons the companions in the palace he calls Xanadu, and Vesper will need all her intellectual cunning to engineer an escape. Lloyd Alexander’s clever storytelling is as polished and delightful as ever, and his many fans will thrill to the return of his most brilliant leading lady.

Time Cat

Gareth’s definitely not an ordinary cat. For one thing, he can talk. For another, he’s got the power to travel through time ‘Anywhere, any time, any country, any century,’ Gareth tells Jason. And in the wink of a very special cat’s eye, they’re off. From ancient Egypt to Japan, the land of young Leonardo da Vinci to the town of a woman accused of witchcraft, Jason and Gareth are whisked from place to place and friend to foe. Full of fun, excitement, and a good dose of history, here’s a fantastic tale that grabs the imagination and takes it far and wide, on the adventure of not one but nine amazing lifetimes.

The Marvelous Misadventures of Sebastian

When fourth fiddler Sebastian loses his place in the Baron’s orchestra, he has to leave the only home he knows which turns out to be the least of his troubles. He rescues a stray cat from a group of tormentors, who then smash his precious violin; and the troubled young boy he tries to help turns out to be the Crown Princess, on the run from an arranged marriage. Sebastian, Princess Isabel, and Presto the cat soon find themselves fleeing stuffy officials, hired assassins, furious guardsmen and sentries and, in their journey, find out what is truly important in life. The action and humor never stop in Lloyd Alexander’s classic novel, written on the heels of his famed Prydain Chronicles. ‘The articulate and vivid writing pulls together the threads of picaresque action, humor, chicanery, social commentary, and romance into an intricate and lively whole.’ Saturday ReviewAwards: Winner of the 1971 National Book Award An ALA Notable Book

The Cat Who Wished to Be a Man

Lionel the cat promises to return to his feline state if the magician Stephanus would transform him into a man, but Lionel becomes attached to the lifestyle filled with adventure, emotion, and the lovely Mistress Gillian. SLJ. AB.

The Wizard in the Tree

Mallory notices there’s something funny about an old oak tree, takes a closer look, and before she knows it, she’s broken a magical spell. Arbican the wizard has been trapped in the oak for thousands of years, and his powers are gone. Will he get them back in time to save Mallory’s village from greedy Squire Scrupner? Deft storytelling.[Full of quotable bits of wisdom about the real nature of magic. –Booklist, starred review

The First Two Lives of Lukas-Kasha

Lukas is in the town square, watching a seedy looking magician and the next thing he knows, he’s drowning in a far distant sea. When he comes ashore, the first people he meets hail him as king of Abadan. Being king is fine with Lukas; that is, it would be fine if everyone wasn’t trying to murder him! A fantasy so original, told in such imaginative English, that it may be considered Alexander’s peak performance. Publishers Weekly Lloyd Alexander’s many honors include a Newbery Medal for The High King, a Newbery Honor Award for The Black Cauldron, and two American Book Awards. His most recent novel is The Iron Ring Dutton. He and his wife live in Drexel Hill, Pennsylvania.

The Remarkable Journey of Prince Jen

When Prince Jen volunteers to search for the legendary court of T ien kuo, a mysterious old man chooses six gifts for him to bear in homage: a saddle, a sword, a paint box, a bowl, a kite, and a flute. Puzzled by the gifts but full of high spirits and pride, Jen sets off but stumbles almost immediately into a series of misfortunes. Only with the help of his faithful servant, Mafoo, and valiant flute girl, Voyaging Moon, and only after a breathtakingly exciting string of adventures can Jen discover the real meaning of the gifts and face his true destiny…
.

The Arkadians

To escape the wrath of the king and his wicked soothsayers, an honest young man joins forces with a poet turned jackass and a young girl with mystical powers as they embark on a series of epic adventures through the land of Arkadia. K. AB.

The Iron Ring

When Tamar, the young king of Sundari, loses a dice game, he loses everything his kingdom, its riches, and even the right to call his life his own. His bondage is symbolized by The Iron Ring that appears mysteriously on his finger. To Tamar, born to the warrior caste, honor is everything. So he sets out on a journey to make good on his debt and even to give up his life if necessary. And that journey leads him into a world of magic, where animals can talk, the foolish are surprisingly wise, and danger awaits…
‘At every turn, there is adventure, magic, and often treachery, but most of all the quest for honor…
Alexander offers a tale that is thoughtful without being leaden and moral without being moralistic. Alexander’s legion of fans will respond to the moments of high adventure as well as the many twists and turns, internal and external, that will make them think.’ Booklist, starred review

Gypsy Rizka

Master storyteller Lloyd Alexander centers his newest tale around a clever, engaging gypsy girl who, with her feline sidekick, is always at the center of everything. Jaunty, outspoken, and unable to suffer fools, Rizka is the kind of person everyone in town has strong feelings about she is either loved or despised. Since no one can ever get the better of her, certain ‘respectable’ citizens of their small old world hamlet want to rid the town of the troublemaker. If only someone had the brains to think up something that could do the trick. Laced with laughs throughout, the novel is told through episodically linked chapters about the absurd inhabitants of the town and their interactions with Rizka. Full of foibles, farce, fun poking, and buffoonery, it is high comedy as much as a celebration of Rizka’s brains and brassiness, her flouting of conventions, and her own brand of magic. Despite the foolishness, the book is infused with Alexander’s recognition and respect for the rich and good heart of its main character and the human truth of accepting others’ differences.

How the Cat Swallowed Thunder

Mother Holly is tired of Cat’s rascally ways. When going out one day, she tells him she doesn’t want to see one thing out of place in the house upon her return. Quicker than a cat can pounce, he is in trouble. One mishap leads to another and another. For, unbeknownst to the cat, Mother Holly is no ordinary granny. Her watering can produces spring showers, her bellows bring on the wind, and her popping corn makes thunder. Even when one tiny kernel is swallowed by the cat, it continues to rumble softly in his throat. There is a lot of magic here not only in Mother Holly’s objects but also in Alexander’s tart, pithy prose and Schachner’s hilarious illustrations. Readers will join Mother Holly in slipping under the spell of that irresistible purring.

A Lloyd Alexander Collection

In this value priced trio of popular novels by Lloyd Alexander, an Indian heir journeys to reclaim his lost kingdom, a wanted young man flees through a land steeped in ancient Greek mythology, and a Chinese prince seeks a legendary country overflowing with peace and happiness. Rich in multicultural lore and zesty wit, this collection offers Alexander at his best.

The Rope Trick

It’s magic! The great American storyteller Lloyd Alexander conjures an engrossing tale of a bewitching magician. Lidi is not only beautiful she has the talent to perform the greatest magic feat imaginable The Rope Trick. But she must find the one master who can teach her how.

On her quest to find master magician Ferramondo, she meets some traveling companions who all help on the journey: a child with true supernatural powers, a handsome outlaw with a price on his head, a successful entrepreneur who wants her in his troupe. But when the child is kidnapped, Lidi must abandon the search and summon her own powers to save the girl. The thrilling conclusion is Alexander at the top of his form in a remarkable fantasy that is both light and dark, funny and serious, believable and mystical. As always with an Alexander novel, the real magician is the storyteller himself.

Dream-of-Jade

No ordinary man is permitted to see the great Kwan Yu, emperor of China, but this doesn’t stop the beautiful, green eyed Dream of Jade, since she is not an ordinary man, but a rather unusual cat. When Dream of Jade decides she wants to see His Highness, she simply slips into the empty throne room and sits upon the imperial throne. When Kwan Yu arrives, she does not give up her seat, but does point out the dangerous state of the emperor’s ceiling. Thus begins the great friendship between an Emperor and a little white cat, who not only saves the emperor s life at their first meeting, but knows how to cure his ailments, make him laugh, and entertain him, and whose greatest wish is to make Kwan Yu the best emperor ever to rule China. Lloyd Alexander has written this little masterpiece filled with details from ancient Chinese court life. With his sharp wit, tongue in cheek humor, and good natured satire, he exposes the rigidity of ancient imperial customs and traditions. Dream of Jade s no nonsense solutions to seemingly insurmountable problems delight children and adults alike, making this tale an unforgettable reading adventure for the entire family.

The Golden Dream of Carlo Chuchio

A beautiful Kirkassi girl, cold eyed villains and smiling killers, a bazaar merchant peddling slightly used dreams could any young adventurer ask for more? Not Carlo Chuchio, who is seeking hidden treasure on the legendary Road of Golden Dreams. With Baksheesh, the world’s worst camel puller, Carlo leads a caravan through the realm of Keshavar. Robbed of all but his underdrawers, mistaken for a mighty warrior and then for a crown prince, Carlo risks his life for a prize that may not even exist. Newbery medalist Lloyd Alexander weaves a glorious tale of adventure, love, and the treasures that matter most. The Golden Dream of Carlo Chuchio is a 2008 Bank Street Best Children’s Book of the Year.

The Foundling and Other Tales of Prydain

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 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 to a new generation of young readers. Jackets have been handsomely redesigned while retaining the original art of Caldecott Medal winning artist Evaline Ness. Each retypeset volume now includes a pronunciation guide prepared by Lloyd Alexander. A companion book of short stories, The Foundling and Other Tales of Prydain, is also available in hardcover for the first time in twenty years. In their more than thirty years in print, the Chronicles of Prydain have become the standard of excellence in fantasy literature for children.

The Town Cats and Other Tales

Meet Baraka, the cat who plays chess more cunningly than any human Pescato, who acts as mayor for a day and dupes royalty; and other cats who befriend, aid, and outwit their human companions. As in Time Can Lloyd Alexander brings these felines to life with his trademark verve, making sure you’ll never take a cat for granted again!

The Fortune-Tellers

This original folktale set in Cameroon is full of adventure and sly humor. Lloyd Alexander’s story of a young man visiting and then becoming the village fortune teller is brought to vibrant life with some of Caldecott Medalist Trina Schart Hyman’s most memorable artwork. Boston Globe/Horn Book Award. New York Times Best Illustrated Book of the Year. School Library Journal Best Book of the Year. Full color.

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