Books About Curses · 72 titles considered

The Best Curses Books for Kids

By the Bookroo Editors

Looking for excellent children's books about curses? This collection brings together Bookroo's highest-rated and most useful picks in one place.

Start with our editorial favorites, then browse recommendations organized by reading stage to find the right book for your reader.

The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About Curses

Howl's Moving Castle
Sale price
$1139
Chapter Book · Ages 10–13 · 1986

Howl's Moving Castle

By Diana Wynne Jones · Howl's Castle series

A spell turns Sophie into an old woman. Her only hope lies in a moving castle and a mysterious wizard.

Boston Globe–Horn Book Honor (1986)
429 pages· 75,611 words· Est. 8.5 hour read
4.3 Goodreads · 473,511 ratings
$11.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: Sophie, cursed into old age by the Witch of the Waste, seeks refuge in the enigmatic Wizard Howl's moving castle. To break the spell, she must navigate a world where nothing is as it seems, striking deals with fire demons and confronting the witch herself. As Sophie delves deeper into the castle's mysteries, she uncovers hidden truths about Howl and her own destiny. Can she unravel the enchantment before it's too late, or will the castle's secrets consume her? Discover a tale of magic, identity, and unexpected love in this captivating fantasy.
The Wide-Awake Princess
Sale price
$1597
Chapter Book · Ages 10–14 · 2010

The Wide-Awake Princess

By E.D. Baker · Book #1 in the Tales of the Wide-Awake Princess series

Annie must find her sister's true love to break a sleeping curse on the castle.

261 pages· 61,067 words· Est. 7 hour read
4.1 Goodreads · 14,278 ratings
$16.99Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: Princess Annie, immune to magic, is the only one awake after a curse puts her castle to sleep. To save her sister, Sleeping Beauty, she must find true love's kiss. With the help of a guard named Liam, Annie navigates a land of familiar and new fairy tale characters. Is true love the irritating Digby, the charming Prince Andreas, or the scheming Clarence? As Annie races against time, she might just discover her own heart's desire. Can she unravel the mystery and awaken her family before it's too late?
The Sleeper and the Spindle (Graphic Novel)
Graphic Nov.
Sale price
$1899
Chapter Book · Ages 13–17 · 2013

The Sleeper and the Spindle (Graphic Novel)

By Neil Gaiman, Chris Riddell (Illustrator)

A queen's quest intertwines with a cursed sleep, blending two classic tales into one dark adventure.

69 pages· 7,932 words· Est. 59 min read
3.9 Goodreads · 54,573 ratings
$19.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: A queen sets out to rescue a kingdom trapped in enchanted slumber. As she navigates a web of magic and mystery, familiar fairy tales twist into a new, darkly humorous adventure. Will she awaken the sleeper or uncover something more sinister? Discover a world where beauty and danger collide, and nothing is as it seems.
Beautiful Creatures
Sale price
$1697
Chapter Book · Ages 12–18 · 2009

Beautiful Creatures

By Kami Garcia, Margaret Stohl · Book #1 in the Beautiful Creatures series

A cursed girl and a haunted boy uncover secrets in a mysterious southern town.

563 pages· 147,816 words· Est. 13.5 hour read
3.8 Goodreads · 626,662 ratings
$17.99Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: In the forgotten town of Gatlin, Lena struggles to hide her family's curse. Ethan, plagued by dreams of a mysterious girl, is drawn to her when she arrives at the old plantation. As secrets unravel, their connection could change everything. What lies beneath the surface of this southern town?
Inferno New Year
Graphic Nov.
Sale price
$958
Chapter Book · Ages 5–9 · 2021

Inferno New Year

By Jordan Quinn, Glass House Graphics (Illustrator) · Book #5 in the Dragon Kingdom of Wrenly series

A group of dragon friends embark on a journey to deliver a pie to the king, but things take a turn when they discover the pie has been cursed, leading to a series of adventures and challenges

144 pages· 4,843 words· Est. 1 hour read
7.0/7 Bookroo·4.3/5 Goodreads · 434 ratings
$9.99Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: As Inferno New Year approaches, Ruskin and his dragon friends brace for Crestwood's volcanic eruption. With Cinder, Groth, and Roke seeking refuge at the palace, danger looms beyond the lava-fall. When the explosions subside, the island's landscape isn't the only thing transformed. What new challenges will these dragons face in a world forever altered?
Danger at Dead Man's Pass
Sale price
$2374
Chapter Book · Ages 10–14 · 2022

Danger at Dead Man's Pass

By M. G. Leonard, Sam Sedgman, Elisa Paganelli (Illustrator) · Book #4 in the Adventures on Trains series

A young detective faces a family curse and haunted railway mystery.

272 pages· 52,385 words· Est. 6 hour read
7.0/7 Bookroo·4.3/5 Goodreads · 1,092 ratings
$24.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: Twelve-year-old Hal Beck, an artist and budding detective, is drawn into a chilling mystery involving a family curse and a haunted railway. Invited by Baron Essenbach, Hal and his Uncle Nat must uncover the truth behind the Kratzenstein family's dark legend—a supposed deal with the devil. As they go undercover, strange occurrences escalate, challenging Hal to solve the supernatural puzzle before time runs out. Can Hal unravel the secrets of the past and save the present, or will the curse claim another victim? Dive into this thrilling adventure and discover the truth lurking in the shadows.
The Sleeping Beauty
Sale price
$1797
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2017

The Sleeping Beauty

By New York City Ballet, Valeria Docampo (Illustrator)

Experience a modern ballet retelling of The Sleeping Beauty with stunning illustrations.

40 pages· 1,157 words· Est. 9 min read-aloud
5.5/7 Bookroo·3.7/5 Goodreads · 95 ratings
$18.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: Step into the enchanting world of The Sleeping Beauty, reimagined by the New York City Ballet. Follow the captivating journey of a princess cursed to eternal slumber, brought to life through exquisite choreography and breathtaking illustrations by Valeria Docampo. Will true love's kiss awaken her? This beautifully illustrated book is a must-have for aspiring ballerinas and families who cherish timeless fairy tales.
Jujutsu Kaisen, Vol. 26
Graphic Nov.
Sale price
$1139
Chapter Book · 2024

Jujutsu Kaisen, Vol. 26

By Gege Akutami · Book #26 in the Jujutsu Kaisen series

A demon's power could save a friend or doom the world.

192 pages· 4,122 words
4.4 Goodreads · 7,295 ratings
$11.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: Yuji Itadori swallows a demon fragment to save his friend, plunging into a supernatural war. As cursed spirits threaten humanity, sorcerers battle to protect the living. The epic clash between Gojo and Sukuna escalates, with the balance of power hanging by a thread. When Sukuna summons Mahoraga, will darkness prevail?
Jujutsu Kaisen, Vol. 6
Graphic Nov.
Sale price
$1139
Chapter Book · 2019

Jujutsu Kaisen, Vol. 6

By Gege Akutami · Book #6 in the Jujutsu Kaisen series

A student swallows a demon fragment, igniting a supernatural war. Can he survive the deadly chaos?

192 pages· 4,018 words
4.5 Goodreads · 22,369 ratings
$11.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: Yuji Itadori, desperate to save his friend, consumes a demon fragment, thrusting him into a supernatural battle. As cursed spirits threaten humanity, a school of jujutsu sorcerers stands as the last line of defense. During a critical event, Yuji becomes a target for assassination by fellow students, while a sinister force launches a devastating attack. With teachers trapped and chaos unfolding, survival hangs by a thread. Will Yuji and his allies withstand the demonic onslaught, or will the world fall to darkness?
Will Solvit and the Mummy's Curse
Chapter Book · 2010

Will Solvit and the Mummy's Curse

Book #3 in the Will Solvit series

A boy's trip to Egypt uncovers a cursed tomb and zombie mummies.

128 pages· 13,792 words
4.4 Goodreads · 137 ratings
Hardcover
Summary: Ten-year-old Will embarks on an unexpected journey to Egypt, thanks to his dad's wild inventions. Faced with a cursed tomb and a temple of zombie mummies, Will must navigate ancient mysteries and crack secret codes. Can he survive the adventure and uncover the truth behind the curse? Dive into this thrilling tale filled with action and intrigue, perfect for young explorers.
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Curses Picture Books

Illustrated read-alouds about curses for preschool and elementary-age readers.

Reading Beauty
Series
Sale price
$1799

Reading Beauty

Ages 3–5 · 2019

A princess sets out to break a curse that causes her to fall into a death-like sleep after getting a paper cut from a book.

Princess Tales
Sale price
$1699

Princess Tales

Ages 4–6 · 2013

Discover reimagined princess tales where familiar stories take unexpected turns and hidden secrets await.

Disney Sleeping Beauty
Sale price
$599

Disney Sleeping Beauty

Ages 3–7 · 1986

A princess's fate hangs in the balance when love defies a dark curse.

The Six Swans
Sale price
$1795

The Six Swans

Ages 4–8 · 2006

A sister must break a spell to save her brothers turned into swans.

View all curses picture books
Browse by age

Curses Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Longer stories about curses for developing and independent readers.

Jujutsu Kaisen
#2 in Series
Graphic Nov.
Sale price
$1199

Jujutsu Kaisen

Ages 13–17 · 2018

A young sorcerer swallows a demon's fragment, igniting a battle against powerful curses threatening humanity.

Of Mice and Magic
#2 in Series
Graphic Nov.
Sale price
$1499

Of Mice and Magic

Ages 8–12 · 2016

A princess tackles a mysterious curse that forces mice to dance all night.

The Carrefour Curse
Sale price
$1899

The Carrefour Curse

Ages 8–12 · 2023

A girl uncovers dark family secrets in a crumbling magical mansion.

Miss Fortune
#3 in Series
Sale price
$599

Miss Fortune

Ages 8–12 · 2010

A cursed necklace brings chaos. Can Zoe break the spell before disaster strikes?

The Girl in White
Sale price
$1699

The Girl in White

Ages 8–12 · 2022

A girl confronts a ghost to break a town's ancient curse.

View all curses chapter books
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