Fantasy picture books have been around for a long time. As an ’80s child, I read many of Stephen Cosgrove’s fantasy children’s books–Serendipity was a favorite. I had my very own stuffed Wild Thing and frequently pored over a set of beloved fairytale picture books. I never did stop reading fantasy.
But while they’ve always been around, fantasy picture books are having a bit of a moment right now. I recently attended a virtual class with children’s book agent Adria Goetz, who said many publishers are seeking high-fantasy picture books rich in world-building and themes. Of course, kids love these kinds of books because magic rocks, but I’d argue even adult fantasy readers would enjoy them, especially cozy fantasy readers. If you like the kind of fantasy that feels like a warm hug, then don’t sleep on picture books!
Here are five fantasy picture books that exemplify this trend, from the most adorable owl ever to a dragon with a bit of a cold.
The Café at the Edge of the Woods by Mikey Please
A key aspect of fantasy is world-building. What I love about this picture book and its companion, The Cave Downwind of the Café, is that the world-building feels as rich and nuanced as any fantasy novel and also plays into the cozy fantasy trend. It’s like the picture book version of Legends & Lattes. Rene dreams of opening her own restaurant, and the ramshackle structure at the edge of the monster-filled woods will do. Though she labors to find the perfect recipes, her monster customers are far from satisfied. But a new green server named Glumfoot might be exactly what she needs to turn things around. The second book is told from Glumfoot’s perspective.
The Bakery Dragon by Devin Elle Kurtz
Competing for the title of “best cozy fantasy picture book” is this sweet dragon series, which is also about food! Ember is the tiniest of dragons and has no interest in collecting treasure like his more fearsome cohorts. When a baker rescues him from a rainy night alone, Ember finally discovers the shade of gold he likes best … freshly baked loaves of bread! In the second book, The Bakery Dragon and the Fairy Cake, Ember despairs over making the perfect cake. No matter how small or how different, Ember shows readers that you should always stay true to yourself, and help yourself to another roll. Stay tuned for a third book in the series, The Bakery Dragon and the Giant Cookie.
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Knight Owl by Christopher Denise
Knight Owl is another example of a character who stays true to themselves and finds an unusual profession. Owl has always dreamed of becoming a knight. When the kingdom opens up knight school to even the most unlikely candidates, Owl is quick to join. Then Knight Owl learns why so many fellow knights have gone missing. This picture book’s acclaim helped propel the subgenre to its current popularity and for good reason. It’s absolutely adorable and charming. Just look at that owl all dressed up in armor! I can’t get enough of it and reread it regularly. Also check out the second book in the series, Knight Owl and the Early Bird.
Roar-Choo by Charlotte Cheng and Dan Santat
Kids also love humor, and Roar-Choo is a great example of combining humor and fantasy. Dragon is fierce and plans to take over the world! But Dragon also has a cold. Will he stay still long enough for Phoenix to help? Nope. Parents will identify with this storyline just as much as kids. In an author’s note, Cheng describes the role of the dragon and phoenix in Chinese mythology.
The Truth About Dragons by Julie Leung and Hanna Cha
This is a very different dragon picture book that entwines Eastern and Western mythologies. In our world, a mother tells her son two different fantasy stories. In one, the questing son finds his grandmother in a cottage in the woods, who tells him a story about dragons who love treasure. In the other, the son enters a different kind of woods, where the white rabbit in the moon gives him directions to his other grandmother, who tells him a story about a lucky dragon that controls the weather. It’s a beautiful picture book about embracing multicultural identities.
English (US) · 