The Arkadians

Our rating: ****½

When the newly-elected King Bromios receives his prophecy from the oracle pythoness, Woman-Who-Talks-To-Snakes, he becomes very angry when all he hears is about ashes and rags, and he orders death to all who serve her. Meanwhile, Lucian, a young man working at the palace, accidentally uncovers a scheme that the King’s right-hand men are involved in, and has to run for his life. On the way, he meets Fronto, a former poet who has been turned into a donkey and he begs Lucian for assistance. The trio is completed when Joy-In-The-Dance, a girl of marvels and mysteries, rescues Lucian and Fronto from a tricky situation. Together, they set out on a journey to The-Lady-of-Wild-Things to find help for Fronto and advice for Lucian.

A well written book, with hilariously twisted Greek mythology throughout. Lloyd Alexander creates a magical and enchanted atmosphere in The Arkadians, while Lucian and Joy-In-The-Dance’s relationship is strikingly similar to that of Taran and Eilonwy, in the Prydain Chronicles.

Winnie-the-Pooh

Our rating: *****

Winnie-the-Pooh and his friends have many adventures in the Hundred Acre Wood. They catch a Heffalump (a honey consuming creature), Pooh goes visiting (it’s nothing like the kid’s movie), rescue Piglet from a flood (nowhere near the video), and many other fun adventures.

First, although kids love Winnie-the-Pooh, everybody can enjoy it. A. A. Milne is funny, in a subtle sort of way. If you’ve seen the movies and videos, I recommend that you read at least the first one to get the true story.

Please note that this is a review of the first book only. However, the link is to the complete collection of both books.