The Best Fantasy Books For Children

Magic Tree House, The Knight at Dawn by Mary Pope Osborne

An enticing passage

The second installment of this revered series is a great place to start.

Best Overall

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If you’re skeptical about starting a series with the second installment, we understand. But lucky for you, Mary Pope Osborne makes this second installment of her Magic Tree House series an accessible read that any kid can jump into. The books follow the adventures of siblings Jack and Annie, who use a magic treehouse to transport themselves to a world where they meet all kinds of historical and mythological characters. In “The Knight at Dawn,” the two find a secret passageway in an old castle on one such adventure, meeting a brave knight on the way. This book may just be your secret passageway into Mary Pope Osborne’s rich tapestry of storytelling.

Pros:

• Great entry point to the larger series
• Both male and female protagonists
• Arthurian references create a good gateway to literature

Cons:

• Includes just one book — and we have a feeling your kiddo will want to pick up the next one as soon as possible

Magic Tree House Boxed Set by Mary Pope Osborne

Cool collection

This collection features the first four books in this popular series.

Best Boxed Set

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The Magic Tree House series by Mary Pope Osborne is widely acclaimed and time-tested, so buying several books in a boxed set could be a great investment. This set collects the first four books of the series, including Dinosaurs Before Dark, The Knight at Dawn, Mummies in the Morning, and Pirates Past Noon. And if your little one devours these books before the day is done, you’ve got an entire series of Magic Tree House books waiting for you beyond this box. For now, this is a great place to start and get up to speed on the exciting adventures of Jack and Annie.

Pros:

• First four books in series make this an excellent starting point
• Multiple books give greater context of world
• Male and female protagonists

Cons:

• Not the complete series

Percy Jackson and the Olympians Boxed Set by Rick Riordan

Marvelous mythology

This affordably priced boxed set collects all five installments of this modern classic series.

Best Mythology

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Rick Riordan has been called “storyteller of the gods” by Publishers Weekly, and while that may seem like divine praise, this set of his Percy Jackson stories makes a solid case for this claim. Originated by Riordan’s bedtime stories to his son, who loved Greek mythology as much as his Dad, the Percy Jackson stories arose out of pure demand; Riordan’s son ran out of Greek myths and wanted his Dad to tell him more. The result is this five-book series, featured in its entirety in this boxed set. Mixing down-to-earth, relatable themes with the influence of Greek myth, the Percy Jackson and the Olympians is an excellent hybrid fantasy for children and adults alike.

Pros:

• Complete series ideal for completists
• Great gateway to Greek mythology for studies
• Appealing to both kids and adults who love fantasy

Cons:

• Some intense situations may rile more sensitive or younger kids

The Spiderwick Chronicles by Holly Black & Tony DiTerlizzi

Wondrous worldbuilding

This exciting series can be hard to put down — luckily, with this boxed set, your kids won’t have to.

Best Page-Turner

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When twins Simon and Jared and their older sister Mallory move in with their mother to the old Spiderwick Estate, they find a world of unusual fantasy waiting for them. Fairies, goblins, trolls, griffins, and dwarves are just some of the beings they encounter on the Spiderwick grounds. The complete series by Holly Black & Tony DiTerlizzi can be found here in this boxed set for a reasonable price. This is the best way to buy them, as the books link together as one and are very much page-turners. For anyone who thinks the fantasy world and the real world aren’t that far apart, The Spiderwick Chronicles is a must-read.

Pros:

• Complete series
• Great illustrations
• Male and female protagonists

Cons:

• Books are quicker reads, so less ideal for those who love thicker texts

The Ramona Collection, Vol. 1 by Beverly Cleary

Reliable classic

This beloved author knew that a good children’s book can last forever, and these four favorites are proof positive.

Most Classic

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What Beverly Cleary’s iconic Ramona novels may lack in fancy mythology or dragon jump scares, they make up for in heart, soul, and humor. Ramona is an iconic character who made her debut in Cleary’s 1955 novel, Beezus and Ramona. That book and three of its sequels are all included in this collection. Beverly Cleary was a librarian herself and understood children’s literature, and it comes across in these defining texts of her early career. They’re great for kids who want a new and perhaps more minimalist adventure or for parents looking to reconnect with an old friend.

Pros:

• Time-tested classic literature
• Great gateway into Ramona series and Cleary’s work as a whole
• Funny, relatable, and well-written

Cons:

• Not done in traditional fantasy or cliffhanger-heavy style

Frequently Asked Questions

My kids may love them, but can an adult enjoy these books?

At this reading level, many adults find these stories just as entertaining as their kids do. Simplicity is not always a bad thing in storytelling — just look at that famous wizard boy with the odd birthmark on his forehead.

What is the age range for these books?

There’s a fine line between basic early childhood reading and the texts offered here. Generally, once your child is at an elementary reading level, these texts will either be on par with their suggested level or help them advance.