Escape into a World of Magical Possibility: 10 Magical and Fantastical Reads

Everyone needs a little magic in their life and this list of amazing, magical books will send imaginations into over drive. There are fairies, monsters, witches, warlocks, ancient powerful beings and more. So if your little reader needs an escape from the every day into the land of fantasy, then read on…

Eliza Vanda’s Button Box by Emily Rodda

What it’s about: Life hasn’t been much fun for Milly Dynes lately. There seem to be problems everywhere she looks. No one saw Eliza Vanda arrive in Tidgy Bay that rainy winter afternoon, but as she turns up, magic comes with her…

Why we love it: Eliza Vanda’s Button Box is a sparkling new fantasy adventure from multi-award-winning author Emily Rodda. It’s an adventure about tackling the unknown – with a dash of magic!

10+ readers

A Tale of Magic by Chris Colfer

What it’s about: Brystal Evergreen lives in the oppressive Southern Kingdom where she is forbidden to read books. When she discovers a banned book that reveals her hidden magical powers she finds herself in extreme danger. That is until Madame Weatherberry whisks her away to the Academy of Magic but will she be safe anywhere in a world that despises magic?

Why we love it: This is a beautifully written and fast paced story that also challenges young minds. It’s easy to see why Colfer’s books are bestsellers and we think this one is destined to be a big hit too!

8+ readers

The Wizards of Once: Never and Forever

What it’s about: Never and Forever is the final book in The Wizards of Once saga. Warriors and wizards combine forces against the dreadful power of the Kingwitch, whose searing evil threatens not only the Wildwoods, but all its creatures. Will they succeed in their quest… or will witches reign forever?

Why we love it: A bittersweet end to The Wizards of Once World, Never and Forever takes middle-grade readers on a rollercoaster ride of surprise. It’s an engaging saga for any reader in need of some magical adventure, and is a captivating addition to their bookshelf.

9+ readers

Vincent and the Grandest Hotel on Earth by Lisa Nicol

What it’s about: When Vincent is appointed as the official shoe-shiner at The Grandest Hotel on Earth he can’t believe his luck. The hotel is renowned for its inflatable rooms, edible rooms and rooms filled with butterflies, chandeliers, exotic animals and chocolate fountains – could things get any better? Yet even in the grandest of places there are challenges to be faced.

Why we love it: This heart-warming book is a lot of fun, filled with the most amazing creations that author Lisa Nicol conjured up with the help of several little wild imaginations, including that of her co-author nine-year-old godson, Finley Wright Curnow. If your little reader enjoyed Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, they will love this book.

8+ readers

A Glasshouse of Stars by Shirley Marr

What it’s about: Meixing Lim and her family have arrived at the New House in the New Land. Everything is vast and unknown, but she finds solace in the glasshouse in the garden. When her fragile universe is rocked by tragedy, it will take all of Meixing’s bravery to find her place of belonging in this new world.

Why we love it: A Glasshouse of Stars is the perfect reading experience for young readers. It’s endearing, raw, and highlights the realities of change in an intimate way, allowing children to understand the experience of migration.

9+ readers

Jinxed! by Rebecca McRitchie

What it’s about: Cora is 11 years old and doesn’t remember anything before Dot a collector saved her from the streets five years ago. When she embarks on her first mission alone things don’t go as planned. She finds herself in the company of two fairies and being pursued by a very dark creature. Can she escape and does she actually have some magical powers herself?

Why we love it: This is a very appealing new magical series from the author of Whimsy and Woe and beautifully illustrated throughout by Sharon O’Connor. Filled with all manner of magical creature and exciting worlds it’s the perfect new fantasy series for the 8+ reader.

8+ readers

The Monster Who Wasn’t by T.C. Shelley

What it’s about: You may be familiar with the idea that a fairy comes from a baby’s first laugh but did you know that a monster is created by the regret in someone’s last sigh?  When elderly Samuel’s last sigh combines with his 10-week-old granddaughter’s first laugh a creature is born that is an unprecedented mix of both good and bad. With unknown but highly desired powers, can he show strength and choose to be who he really wants to be?

Why we love it: T.C. Shelley has created a richly layered world above and below ground, with truly moving characters. The story covers themes of family, loyalty, choice and belonging and it hurtles along at a fast-pace.

9+ readers

Starfell: Willow Moss and the Lost Day by Dominique Valente

What it’s about:  Willow Moss is a finder-of-lost-things, a valuable skill to have but not quite so impressive when you come from a long line of witches. All of this changes when the most feared witch in all of Starfell asks Willow to find a whole entire day, or else…

Why we love it:  Primary school readers who enjoyed Nevermoor and The Wizards of Once will love this magical quest and journey of self-discovery. Along with witches, there are dragons, trolls, secret portals, long lost spells and lots of intrigue.

8+ readers

Malamander by Thomas Taylor

What it’s about:  This mysterious tale is narrated by Herbert Lemon (Herbie), the Lost-and-Founder at the Grand Nautilus Hotel in the misty seaside town of Eerie-on-Sea. Mostly, he assists with a lost hat or bag, that is, until Violet Parma lands in his office. And so begins the unravelling of an intricate web of secrets surrounding what is known as the Malamander, and the disappearance of Violet’s parents.

Why we love it:  This stand-out middle grade read will appeal to so many different readers. Much like Nevermoor and Lemony Snicket, older children and their parents will also love the intriguing plot. The layers of quirkiness, history, legend, natural history and small-town community all create a wonderful atmosphere.

8+ readers

Monuments by Will Kostakis

What it’s about: 16-year-old Connor finds a trap door under his school that leads him to discover a Monument (an ancient being or God) that has been hidden away for many years. When he learns that there are five of them and they are in danger, he joins with Sally and Locky to find and move them all to safety but there are a few things that get in their way…

Why we love it: A mix of school legend, mythology and fantasy, Monuments also explores friendships, family relationships, loss and grief – there’s lots of fun and a lot of dry humour but also a chance to reflect on real life issues.

14+ readers