Childhood is often regarded as the most magical period of one’s life. A time when it is so easy to believe in fairytales, get spooked by ghost stories, or follow white rabbits into strange wonderlands. A time when a book of magic is more than just a book—it’s a portal into another world. A time when imagination and escapism reign supreme.
Children are naturally curious—so it’s easy to draw them towards fantasy novels where nothing is what it seems, while also expanding their vocabulary and developing their critical thinking skills. From epic fights about good vs evil to breaking ancient curses with the power of persistence and some luck, these books teach vital life lessons, with memorable characters they can always look up to.
So, whether you’re looking for fantasy books to gift your kids or you’re just nostalgic for stories about dragons, wizards, fairies, and monsters, these children’s fantasy series promise hours and hours of excitement and adventure. After all, it is never too late to visit or revisit these enchanted lands!
The Dark is Rising
The Dark is Rising Sequence comprises of five books by the celebrated children’s author, Susan Cooper that wonderfully blends Arthurian legends, Norse myths and English folklore in a contemporary setting. It features characters who are 10 or 11 years old, discovering magic for the first time, and getting caught up in an epic crossfire between good and evil. Full of adventure and hilarity, the books are extremely engrossing, while the many references to myths and fairytales makes it a richly rewarding experience for adult readers.
Nightmare Academy
If you’ve ever suffered from nightmares as a child, you’ll probably remember just how terrifying it was—when the monsters under the bed or in the closet suddenly became so real. In that light, the Nightmare Academy series by Dean Lorey and Brandon Dorman is literally about facing one’s deepest fears. It follows Charlie Benjamin whose bad dreams can open up portals to the Netherworld—and it’s up to him and his new friends to keep all the fearsome monsters at bay.
"Who Could That Be at This Hour?"
Most of you might be familiar with Lemony Snicket’s darkly humorous books, A Series of Unfortunate Events, where misfortunes of all kinds continue to plague the Baudelaire orphans. But Snicket also wrote a sort-of four-part prequel series, All the Wrong Questions, of which Who Could That Be at This Hour? is the first book. It unfolds the story of a young Lemony Snicket and his disastrous apprenticeship at the V.F.D. secret society, infused with some film noir details and a lot of wordplay, delighting both kids and adults alike.
The Menagerie
Those who have a soft spot for mythical creatures will adore Tui T Sutherland’s Menagerie series. The first book introduces the reader to a secret facility where all forms of beasts and birds from fairytales and myth are kept—until six griffin cubs escape. And unless the 12-year-old Logan can somehow bring them back, the wildlife center will be closed down forever. If you’re in the mood for a cutesy series with a strong focus on wholesome friendships as well as animal bonding, give these books a try.
Dealing with Dragons
A master storyteller, Patricia C. Wrede paints her imaginative worlds with vividly evocative and lucid prose, brimming with a quaint, old-world charm. Dealing with Dragons is the first book in her Enchanted Forest Chronicles, starring Cimorene—a plucky, smart and tomboyish princess who doesn’t want to be a princess anymore. So, she runs away to live with a dragon, making new friends and learning a lot about the world and herself in the process. Playful and heartwarming, the series subverts many popular fantasy tropes while delivering on an entertaining and engagingly-written adventure.
Charmed Life (Chronicles of Chrestomanci Book 1)
Any listicle about children’s fantasy books is incomplete without some titles by the prolific British author, Diana Wynne Jones. Long before the Harry Potter books came on the scene, Charmed Life (the first book in the series) introduced readers to Cat, an underdog character they can root for, Gwendolen, his talented older witchy sister and the Chrestomanci Castle, a sort of precursor to Hogwarts. Set in a world where magical folk live alongside humans, the books are filled with intriguing worldbuilding details—each a classic worth revisiting.
Have Sword, Will Travel
As the funny title hints, Have Sword, Will Travel is a breezy fantasy tale about two kids who find a talking sword and embark on a grand adventure. Written by Garth Nix and Sean Williams, the story is filled with magic, dragons, knights and bandits. If you’re looking for a simple, straightforward and cutesy tale, this book and its sequel won’t disappoint.
Inkheart
One of my favourite books as a child, Cornelia Funke’s Inkheart (translated by Anthea Bell) is a love letter to the power of storytelling and books as magical objects. It follows Mo and her bookbinder father—both of whom are ‘Silvertongues’ with the ability to read aloud characters from a story into real life. Soon enough, they’re embroiled with the latest developments in the fantasy book called ‘Inkheart’, as the lines between fiction and fact begin to blur. If you’ve ever wished to be transported inside the pages of your favorite book, the Inkworld series will let you vicariously live out that dream.
Eragon
Finally, if you’re in the mood for an epic high fantasy adventure—like Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings but with an easier vocabulary—you’ll definitely enjoy the Inheritance books set in the sprawling realm of Alagaësia, filled with elves, werecats, dragons and sorcerers. The first book Eragon follows a teenage boy trying to raise a dragon in secret even as he’s slowly embroiled in a plot to overthrow the vicious king Galbatorix. And it was written when Paolini was just 15 years old! The series also includes a short fiction collection as well as a companion novel Murtagh, focusing on one of the side characters who later gains prominence.
