Discover 10 Enchanting Children’s Fantasy Books
Book RaiderWere you the kind of kid who would dive under the duvet with a flashlight and a new book, ready to be transported to magical realms, far-off kingdoms, and epic adventures? Or perhaps, you're the parent of a curious young mind, hungry for tales laced with whimsy and a dash of danger. Either way, you've landed in the right spot. Let's embark on this exciting journey and uncover children's fantasy books that are enchanting enough to make the most insatiable little imaginations run wild.
In the world of children's fantasy novels, reality is the co-pilot and imagination, the thrilling main driver that takes us through hushed enchanted forests, towering castles and the inevitable touch of magical realism. In this post, we fan the pages of top-tier children's fantasy books. So, buckle up and keep your dragon on standby, as your next grand adventure is but a page away.
Harry and the Sorcerer's Stone
by J.K. Rowling
Why Harry and the Sorcerer's Stone is on this list: Just like finding a stray sock in laundry – you'd be hard-pressed to discover a list of enchanting fantasy books for kiddos that doesn't kick off with Harry Potter. That wizarding world and its bewitching whimsy just fit, you know?
This is where it all starts, folks. Harry's adventure begins at the bleakest place you could imagine - the Dursleys, and then unexpectedly, he's swept into a magical world with an acceptance letter from Hogwarts. There aren't just spells and flying broomsticks here - even the staircases in Harry's new school move! Oh, and did we mention he might be the chosen one to combat the most dangerous dark wizard out there? No big deal.
What readers like: Readers, both the young ones and the not-so-young-anymore, totally love how the book effortlessly mingles real-world issues (like bullying, friendship, and courage) with a magical dimension (which, hello, includes a sport played on flying broomsticks!). And let's not forget the characters; they've got depth and quirks that make you wish you were fighting dragons with them. Some readers genuinely wouldn't mind spending their vacation in a prison if it were The Azkaban.
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How to Train Your Dragon
by Cressida Cowell
Why How to Train Your Dragon is on this list: Every child has dreamed of battling fearsome creatures and embarking on magical quests. How to Train Your Dragon Cressida Cowell is a tale that takes us into a captivating world of fantasy, filled with dragons that can be fearful, friendly and sometimes, hilariously funny.
This is the story of a young Viking named Hiccup and his quest to capture a dragon and train it, to prove his worth to his tribe and become a true hero. But Hiccup isn’t your typical Viking and his unconventional methods lead to a lot of fun and unexpected surprises. Along the way, he discovers that dragons can be more than just terrifying beasts, turning age-old beliefs on their head.
What readers like: Readers absolutely adore How to Train Your Dragon for its vibrant cast of characters, both human and dragon, its tongue-in-cheek humor, and the well-paced, exciting plot. The relationship between Hiccup and his dragon, Toothless, resonates deeply, providing a rewarding exploration into the theme of friendship. It's the type of book that will make you wish dragons were real, just so you could train one yourself.
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The Amulet of Samarkand
by Jonathan Stroud
Why The Amulet of Samarkand is on this list: If you're looking for a book that will transport your kid to an enchanting world where magic is real and danger is always a spell away, then The Amulet of Samarkand should be next on your reading list.
The Amulet of Samarkand tells the tale of a smart and witty apprentice magician, Nathaniel, who dares to summon a powerful djinni, Bartimaeus, and finds himself tangled in a world of political backstabbing, power-hungry magicians, and treacherous lessons in survival and magic. With an ancient amulet holding mysterious powers at the heart of it all, this plot keeps twisting till the last page.
What readers like: Our little readers are absolutely smitten by the cheeky humor of Bartimaeus, the djinni, and the hard-to-put-down adventure. The friendship between Nathaniel and Bartimaeus is endearing and at times, quite hilarious. Sprinkled with a dash of magic, packed with witty dialogue and gripping till the last word - this book hits the sweet spot for kids looking for a thrilling magical adventure.
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Ghosts
by Raina Telgemeier
Why Ghosts is on this list: In our list of enchanting fantasy fiction for children, Ghosts easily busts its way in. Because, well, there are ghosts. And they’re not scary, they’re just folks—the otherworldly kind, adding a magical twist to the real-world dilemmas of the story.
Ghosts is a story about two sisters, Catrina and Maya, whose family moves to a coastal town in Northern California. Looking for a fresh start for Maya, who has cystic fibrosis, what they didn't expect was the town to be filled with spirits. The narrative unfolds as the sisters set off on adventures, understand the concept of life and death and find the beauty in the unseen. This fantastic tale deftly combines its supernatural elements with the reality of dealing with long-term illness.
What readers like: Readers love the way Raina Telgemeier weaves everyday life into a thriving world filled with spirits, instilling a sense of wonder. The graphically animated art style is appealing to children and the real-world issues addressed in the book make it equally intriguing for parents. Also, the way this book portrays the ghostly inhabitants not as scary, but as friendly and part of life, is a delightful twist that seems to charm everyone.
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Amulet: The Stonekeeper
by Kazu Kibuishi
Why Amulet: The Stonekeeper is on this list: If you're on the hunt for a fantastical and mystical adventure, look no further. 'Amulet: The Stonekeeper' is a delightful masterpiece that not only fits but is a shining star in Children’s fantasy books. It scoops up its readers in a whirlwind of magic, bravery, and endless exploration that's hard to put down.
In this tale, Emily and her brother Navin move into their great-grandfather's creepy old house in a strange, unknown world. Soon after, their mom is kidnapped by a tentacled creature and the kids discover a mystical amulet which possesses powers they never would've imagined. Now, it's up to Emily and Navin to enter this distant realm and rescue their mum. Buckle up kids, because visionary creator Kazu Kibuishi spins a web of intense fantasy full of wonders and perils!
What readers like: Readers love 'Amulet: The Stonekeeper' for its imaginative storytelling that keeps them on their toes. They adore the depth and diversity of the characters who feel relatable despite the fantastical world. Additionally, Kibuishi's stunning, cinematic illustrations have left them spellbound and eagerly awaiting more.
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Cakes in Space
by Philip Reeve
Why Cakes in Space is on this list: Well, who doesn't love cakes...and space? This quirky little gem of a book finds a way to combine both in a fantastical, hilarious, and delightful story that becomes a perfect fit for our list of enchanting children's fantasy books.
Our young heroine, Astra, wakes up one day to find her spaceship being overrun by cakes - which wouldn't be such a bad thing if they weren't sentient and aggressive pastries. As she navigates cake-pocalypse, she also has to deal with the perils of space travel. Expect silliness, sci-fi, and a whole lot of icing.
What readers like: The lucky readers who get their hands on 'Cakes in Space' are likely to be charmed by the whimsical plot, the humorous dialogue, and the imaginative setting. Plus, the scrumptious descriptions of cake gone rogue just might inspire some cosmic kitchen adventures. There's adventure, there's dessert, there's a fantastical journey with lessons about courage – the perfect recipe for an engaging read.
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Tuesdays at the Castle
by Jessica Day George
Why Tuesdays at the Castle is on this list: If a castle that rearranges itself every Tuesday doesn't stir your inner child's sense of fantasy and wonder, I don't know what will. This book fits seamlessly into the enchanting children’s fantasy genre with its magical elements and adventurous story.
The story follows Celie, the youngest princess of Castle Glower, which has its own magical way of determining the next ruler. Believe it or not, the castle takes an active role in the plot by rearranging its rooms and corridors every Tuesday. When Celie's parents go missing, it falls to this clever young princess to protect their home and kingdom from dangerous intruders.
What readers like: Readers love the environment of Castle Glower - it's practically a character itself, with its unpredictable changes and magical qualities. They also appreciate Celie - her spunk, her intelligence, and her determination to save her kingdom are inspiring. The familial relationships and the adventures that Celie embarks on, paired with the author's signature wit and charm, keep readers eagerly turning pages.
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The Serpent's Secret
by Sayantani DasGupta
Why The Serpent's Secret is on this list: Now, here's a book that takes 'enchanting' to a whole new level. This one screams 'fantasy' louder than a dragon with a megaphone. It's filled with myth, magic, and mayhem, guaranteed to cast a spell on young readers.
'The Serpent's Secret' is about Kiranmala, an ordinary Jersey girl who on her twelfth birthday, discovers she's actually a real Indian princess from another realm. Summoned by a riddle-spewing serpent, she embarks on a quest in a parallel universe full of creatures from Bengali folktales. Fasten your seatbelts for a hair-raising, adventure-laden ride as Kiranmala uncovers secrets about her own identity and saves the world on the side. No biggie.
What readers like: Readers love that this book combines humor, excitement, and folklore in a beautiful, fun, and suspenseful narrative. It's a particularly big hit for those eager to see a powerful young girl as the heroine. As an added bonus, DasGupta's writing style is out there to steal your heart.
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The Magicians' Guild
by Trudi Canavan
Why The Magicians' Guild is on this list: The Magicians' Guild is a magical adventure full of intriguing characters and enchanting locations. It's the perfect addition to our list of enchanting children's fantasy books as it takes young readers on an incredible journey into a world where magic is reality and danger is ever-present.
The story revolves around Sonea, a poor girl living in the slums who discovers that she has extraordinary magical powers. She finds herself on the run from the powerful Magicians' Guild who wish to train her in their ways. But Sonea hides a dark secret that could risk the lives of everyone she loves. Will she unravel the mystery of her powers and overcome her fear of the Guild?
What readers like: Young readers love the atmospheric world-building that transports them straight into a fantastical realm of magic and mystery. They admire Sonea's brave and resourceful character as she defies the norms and proves that heroes can come from the most unlikely places. The thrilling plot and the suspenseful magic duels are a huge hit among children who are fans of fantasy and adventure stories.
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The BFG
by Roald Dahl
Why The BFG is on this list: Roald Dahl's The BFG takes us on a fantastical adventure, one that's full of whimsy, charm, and magic in every corner. This enchanting tale, perfect for children (and adults too), perfectly fits the theme of our list of enchanting fantasy books.
You might wonder what BFG means—it actually stands for Big Friendly Giant. The BFG is about a sweet, gentle giant who, unlike his larger kin, doesn't eat kiddos but rather dreams. Quite literally! He collects, creates, and distributes dreams among children. The story gets tensely exciting when a young girl named Sophie and the BFG must stop the other not-so-friendly giants from eating, well, you guessed it—children.
What readers like: Readers absolutely adore the BFG's silly words (or should we say, Gobblefunk?), the comical moments, and the tender friendship between Sophie and the BFG. The book masterfully combines quirkiness and drama, making it universally loved. Moreover, Dahl's ability to write a children's book with an ample amount of heart, courage and hilarity is what really leaves the readers enchanted long after they've finished reading.
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