Find 10 Captivating Children’s Books About Magic
Book RaiderWands at the ready kids, if Hogwarts didn't send an owl with your acceptance letter yet, don't fret. We're about to embark on a journey through pages where "abracadabra" isn't just for pulling rabbits out of hats. These captivating magical children's books will let you dive headfirst into some of the most magical, spine-tingling and fantastical narratives that children’s literature has to offer.
Remember how Harry Potter whisked us away into a world where broomsticks fly, paintings talk, and chocolate frogs are a thing? Well, buckle up, because these books echo that same magic and allure. They invite us into worlds sprinkled with enchantment, brimming with characters that could very well become your child's new favorite. So, let's ditch the Muggle lifestyle, even just for a few chapters, and enter the realms where magic is the order of the day.
Percy Jackson & Olympians: The Lightning Thief
by Rick Riordan
Why Percy Jackson & Olympians: The Lightning Thief is on this list: The book incorporates the theme of magic intertwined with Greek mythology, making it an exhilarating magical adventure for young readers.
This first book from the Percy Jackson series introduces us to a world where Greek gods are real and often meddle in the lives of mortals. Percy Jackson, our 12-year-old protagonist, finds out he is not an ordinary kid, but the son of Poseidon. You'll follow Percy as he navigates this newfound identity, attends a summer camp filled with other demigod kids, and embarks on a quest to prevent a catastrophic war among the gods.
What readers like: Young readers absolutely love the witty humor, fast-paced action, and engaging narrative of this book. Many appreciate how Greek myths are creatively reimagined and brought to life, often leading them to develop an interest in mythology. The lovable characters and their growth throughout the series is also a highlight.
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The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe
by C.S. Lewis
Why The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe is on this list: It's hard to think of magic without thinking about Narnia. The wardrobe is essentially a magical portal, the lion a talking, kingly beast, and the witch, well, she's as witchy as they come. It's a classic read for magic lovers.
This enchanting book tells a story of four siblings who, while playing hide-and-seek, stumble upon a wardrobe that is a gateway to a magical world named Narnia. Here, they encounter talking animals, mythical creatures, and the evil White Witch who has plunged Narnia into eternal winter. But with the return of the mighty lion, Aslan, the landscape of Narnia is about to change.
What readers like: Readers often rave about the breathtaking world of Narnia that Lewis masterfully crafts. They're charmed by the talking animals, enticed by the intrigue and suspense, and moved by the beauty of redemption and sacrifice. This book serves up a big, hearty dose of magic with a side of life lessons that leave readers pondering long after the book is closed.
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Nevermoor: The Trials of Morrigan Crow
by Jessica Townsend
Why Nevermoor: The Trials of Morrigan Crow is on this list: If you're a fan of journeys filled with enchantments, you'll love how magic is woven into every fabric of the 'Nevermoor' series. Our young heroine navigates a world of magic that's as ever-present as the air she breathes.
This is not your average 'girl finds magic' story. The plot centers around Morrigan Crow, a girl born on an unlucky day, hence doomed to die on her 11th birthday. But wait, she's whisked away to Nevermoor, a magical city where she must compete in four difficult and dangerous trials against hundreds of other children, to secure a place in the city's most prestigious organization - the Wundrous Society. Oh, did I mention that she doesn't actually have any magic? Talk about a plot twist.
What readers like: Fans rave about the imaginative plot, the distinctive characters and the author’s impressive ability to create a whole new magical universe that you'll get lost in. They also enjoy the subtle humor and how, between all the excitement, there are precious life lessons on courage and friendship. With a splash of Harry Potter-esque charm and a spatter of Hunger Games thrill, it's no wonder this book became an instant hit.
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The Spiderwick Chronicles: The Field Guide
by Holly Black
Why The Spiderwick Chronicles: The Field Guide is on this list: If you got kids who are fascinated by the otherworldly, fascinated by a realm outside the tangible, then this book is a must-read. tale is drenched in magical happenings and unseen creatures, just the right mix to feed and fuel those little imaginations with colossal magic vibes.
The story revolves around the Grace children, who navigate the unordinary after stumbling upon a fantastical world right in their own backyard. The magic starts when they discover Arthur Spiderwick's Field Guide to the Fantastical World Around You, spawning a whirlwind of encounter with goblins, griffins, and faeries. Intrigue, suspense, and a whole lot of magical hijinks will keep the kiddos hooked, page after page.
What readers like: Kids (and honestly, a good deal of adults too) dig the rich, immersive fantasy world that Holly Black sketches out. Listeners rave about the adventurous siblings and their explorations into the magical universe. The creatures they encounter are wonderfully eccentric and oddly charming, despite all the trouble they cause. The beautiful illustrations get the readers excited and make the magic seem, although unreal, pretty possible.
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A Wrinkle in Time
by Madeleine L'Engle
Why A Wrinkle in Time is on this list: For those young hearts and minds who are fascinated by magic, time travel, parallel universes, and cosmic adventures, A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle will truly be a treat. Plus, let’s be honest - who hasn't wished they could bend time and space once in a while?
A Wrinkle in Time is a timeless classic that takes us on an adventure across the universe with Meg Murry, her genius little brother Charles Wallace, and her friend Calvin O'Keefe. The story begins when a mysterious old woman named Mrs. Whatsit tells Meg that her missing scientist father is alive and trapped on a distant planet. From then on, they all embark on a perilous journey through a tesseracted, or 'wrinkled', space-time towards a battle of good and evil.
What readers like: Readers across generations have fallen in love with this book because of its blend of science and magic, its courageous and relatable characters, and its profound exploration of love and family bonds. If you’re the type who always picked the mystery door in those choose-your-own-adventure books, then this spectacle of cosmic wonder is most definitely up your alley.
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Emmy and the Incredible Shrinking Rat
by Lynne Jonell
Why Emmy and the Incredible Shrinking Rat is on this list: In a world where 'normal' is overrated, 'Emmy and the Incredible Shrinking Rat' catapults its readers into a magical universe where shrinking rats and secret powers are the order of the day. Encouraging us to embrace the extraordinary, the mysterious, and the magical, it aligns perfectly with the theme of our list.
'Emmy and the Incredible Shrinking Rat' is a charming story of an overachieving girl, Emmy who discovers a magic rat possessing the unique ability to shrink humans into rodents. As Emmy explores a world shrunk down to rodent size, she uncovers many secrets, posing threats she never imagined. It's an adventurous ride filled with enchanting moments, childhood innocence, and lots of magic.
What readers like: Readers, particularly children, are captivated by the unexpected twists the plot unfolds, the magic, as well as Emmy’s courage in navigating life’s challenges. They enjoy the book's blend of whimsy and mystery, and appreciate its suspenseful undertones. It's a book that has the potential to ignite an interest in magic and life's surprising turns.
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The School for Good and Evil
by Soman Chainani
Why The School for Good and Evil is on this list: Think witches, curses, spell-casting students and a school that is definitely not your ordinary educational institution – that's why The School for Good and Evil perfectly snuggles into our magical themed list.
If you stumble into a massive magical forest, avoid two mysterious schools at all costs. The School for Good churns out princes and princesses. The School for Evil? Well, the name says it all. Sophie and Agatha, two friends with contrasting personalities, unexpectedly find themselves at these schools. But here's the twist: good-hearted Sophie is dropped at the School for Evil to be tutored in villainy, and Agatha, known more for her gloom and doom attitude, finds herself at the School for Good. Exploring the blurred lines between good and evil, this magical tale is all about challenging the status quo and disrupting your average happily-ever-after.
What readers like: Readers can't help but get tangled up in the topsy-turvy world of Sophie and Agatha. Between the thrilling plot twists, unique take on fairy tales and loveable (yet complex) characters, The School for Good and Evil competes for top shelf space in your kiddo's library. Plus, who doesn't love a good magic school story, right? And, trust me, it's not just the kids who are sucked into this magical vortex. Adults have been known to swipe the books away for a read too.
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Wings of Fire: The Dragonet Prophecy
by Tui T. Sutherland
Why Wings of Fire: The Dragonet Prophecy is on this list: It fits into our magical compilation because of its intricate world-building, steeped in enchantment and filled with - you guessed it - dragons. Because seriously, what's more magical than a tense dragon prophecy sparkled with some wizardry?
This story taps on our five young dragonets who, according to an ancient prophecy, are destined to end a violent war amongst the dragon tribes of Pyrrhia. Intriguing, right? It's a gripping cocktail of adventure, peril, and magic with a dragon-sized helping of feelings and impulses. How will they fulfill their destiny? That's for you to find out.
What readers like: Readers are swept off their feet by the complexity of its magical dragon-filled universe. The characters are endearingly flawed yet valiant, and it's really hard not to root for them. Also, we bet you'll appreciate the book's detailed narratives and relatable themes of friendship, courage, and destiny. You may even catch a subtle history lesson or two - told through the eyes of dragons, of course.
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Journey
by Aaron Becker
Why Journey is on this list: With 'Journey', Aaron Becker has expertly weaved a tale of magic that fuels the imagination of children, blending elements of fantasy magic into a vivid tapestry. It is a book that takes young readers on a magical journey that fits perfectly into our list.
A lonely girl draws a magic door on her bedroom wall and through it enters into a world where wonder, adventure, and danger abound. Red marker in hand, she creates a boat, a balloon, and a flying carpet that carry her on a spectacular journey toward an uncertain destiny. It's a whimsical and marvelous tale where ink and imagination overflow into a delightfully magical reality. As a bonus, there are no words in the entire book, allowing the captivating art to tell the story and stirring the imagination of every young reader.
What readers like: Readers adore the remarkably enchanting illustrations that transport them into a fantastical world of adventure and excitement. They love the creative storytelling through art alone, relishing their role in shaping the narrative. The book inspires them to unfold their imagination and be a part of the magic. Parents appreciate the book for its ability to engage young minds, and for being a gentle nudge to youngsters in creating their magical worlds. Shhhh... don't tell anyone, but a couple of grown-ups sneak a read of this one themselves for a spot of whimsy.
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Pages & Co.: The Bookwanderers
by Anna James
Why Pages & Co.: The Bookwanderers is on this list: Imagine if you could jump straight into your favourite book. This children's novel deals with that very enchanting concept, filled with magic, mystery, and countless literary references that will capture the heart of any bookworm.
Pages & Co. introduces us to Tilly, an 11-year-old girl, who discovers she can 'bookwander' into any story, hanging out with beloved characters like Alice in Wonderland or Anne of Green Gables. However, it's not all fun and games. Her remarkable ability unlocks a family secret, and a shadowy organization lurks in the background with unclear intentions. Tilly is about to realize that the world of storybook magic has its own set of rules and dangers.
What readers like: Readers love the combination of captivating magical elements and the deep appreciation for books. Tilly's adventures provide a fresh perspective on timeless classics while her character development was well-implemented throughout the story. People have described reading this as bringing a cosy feeling, like sinking into your favourite armchair with a hot cup of chocolate.
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