Recommended Reading: The Black Cauldron and the Chronicles of Prydain

I take back what I said earlier about this story being too scripted. I've come to relish these books and look forward to introducing this series to my kids. I have enjoyed Lloyd Alexander's well rounded characters and plots in both books 2 and 3 of the series. I think that with all the "young adult" books out there these days it is hard to remember what an epic adventure for young children reads like. This is the gold standard. I still think that the dialogue sounds goofy at some points, but in some ways that is the charm of the book. The characters each have both noble and annoying features and the dialogue is true to those traits.

The Black Cauldron (Book #2)

This is the summary from Good Reads:
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 have 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."
....
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 (Book #3)