Everything is so loud and full of doom these days, so sometimes kids (and adults) need a good book or five to take them away from all the noise. A book with a great story and magical happenings, but not a lot of action or dire circumstances. Welcome to the world of quiet fantasy!
Here are five low-stakes fantasies with gentle magic that are full of fun, and focus more attention on characters and emotions. They’re a delight for any age! There’s also the classic Howl’s Moving Castle by Diana Wynne Jones. And if you or your little reader enjoys graphic novels, I highly recommend The Tea Dragon Society by K. O’Neill and Wizkit: An Adventure Overdue by Tanya J. Scott!
Eva Evergreen, Semi-Magical Witch by Julie Abe
There’s nothing Eve Evergreen wants more than to be a Novice Witch, but she doesn’t have enough magic to pass the tests. But that doesn’t stop Eva from trying, flying around her town, moving to a small town, and using what magic she does have to do good deeds and help her neighbors. This is perfect for fans of Kiki’s Delivery Service!
A Spoonful of Time by Flora Ahn
Maya’s grandmother, Halmunee, is an amazing cook and likes to share stories of her childhood while they enjoy her delicious meals. But lately, Halmunee’s memory is not what it used to be. Then one day, Maya and her grandmother are transported back in time by Halmunee’s delicious food, and Maya gets to see her grandmother’s stories for herself.
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The Ogress and the Orphans by Kelly Barnhill
This is a book about kindness from the Newbury Medal-winning author of The Girl Who Drank the Moon. In a failing town with a corrupt mayor, a group of children from the Orphan House befriends the Ogress, who has been blamed for all the town’s ills. But the children know the truth of the gentle giant—she is not to blame for anything that has occurred. Instead, the kids work together to expose the mayor as the real problem.
Catwings by Ursula K. Le Guin
Legendary SFF author Ursula K. Le Guin’s Catwings series doesn’t get the love it deserves! It’s about Mrs. Jane Tabby’s four kittens—Thelma, Roger, James, and Harriet—who were all born with the ability to fly. And they get up to all kinds of mischief as they explore the world around them.
The Story of Gumluck the Wizard by Adam Rex
And finally, there’s this story about an adorable little wizard, a “bumbling noodlehead” named Gumluck. With the help of his friends, a ghost with amnesia and a talking raven, he hopes to achieve his dream of becoming a hero.
Okay, star bits, now take the knowledge you have learned here today and use it for good, not evil. If you want to know more about books, I talk about books pretty much nonstop (when I’m not reading them), and you can hear me say lots of adjectives about them on the Book Riot podcast All the Books! and on Instagram.
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