Books About Curses And Spells

The Best Curses And Spells Books for Kids

By the Bookroo Editors

Looking for excellent children's books about curses and spells? 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.

Howl's Moving Castle
Series
#1 in Series
Graphic Nov.
The Shortlist

Our 7 Favorite Books About Curses And Spells

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$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
4.3/5 Goodreads · 468,729 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.
Chapter Book · Ages 7–11 · 1981

The Witches

By Roald Dahl, Quentin Blake (Illustrator)

A young boy discovers a convention of witches at a hotel and must use his wits to survive their evil plans.

201 pages· 35,905 words· Est. 5 hour read
4.2/5 Goodreads · 436,362 ratings
$8.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: A young boy, enthralled by his grandmother's chilling tales of witches, discovers the horrifying truth when he encounters the Grand High Witch. Can he outsmart these child-hating sorceresses and survive their sinister plots? The stakes are high as he navigates a world where danger lurks in every shadow, and the line between story and reality blurs. Will he find a way to thwart their evil plans, or will he become another victim of their dark magic? Dive into a tale where courage and cunning are the only defenses against the most dangerous creatures on earth.
Chapter Book · Ages 9–12 · 2018

Winterhouse

By Ben Guterson, Chloe Bristol (Illustrator) · Book #1 in the Winterhouse series

An orphan unravels a hotel's magical secrets, risking everything to break its curse.

370 pages· 76,175 words· Est. 8.5 hour read
3.9/5 Goodreads · 13,244 ratings
$16.99Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: Orphaned Elizabeth Somers is sent to the mysterious Winterhouse Hotel, where she uncovers a magical book of puzzles. As she delves deeper, she learns of her unique connection to the hotel and its dark secrets. With the fate of Winterhouse and her newfound friends at stake, Elizabeth must solve the mystery and break the curse. But will her discoveries come at too high a cost? Adventure and intrigue await in this enchanting tale of magic and mystery.
Chapter Book · Ages 11–15 · 1938

The Sword in the Stone

A young boy's destiny unfolds as he learns magic and chivalry to claim a legendary sword.

288 pages· 77,832 words· Est. 7 hour read
3.9/5 Goodreads · 29,024 ratings
$6.50Save 5%
Mass Market Paperbound
Summary: In medieval England, young Arthur, guided by the enigmatic Merlin, embarks on a transformative journey. Amidst knights and dark magic, he learns the art of chivalry and the mysteries of life. As he is turned into various animals, Arthur gains unique perspectives, preparing him for his ultimate challenge: to draw the enchanted sword from the stone and claim his destiny as England's rightful king. Will he rise to the occasion and fulfill the prophecy?
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2002

The Frog Princess

A princess's kiss turns her into a frog, sparking a quest to regain her human form.

240 pages· 49,072 words· Est. 7 hour read
3.9/5 Goodreads · 28,349 ratings
$9.99Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: Princess Emma's life takes a wild turn when a kiss meant to break a spell turns her into a frog. Now, alongside a transformed prince, she embarks on a whimsical quest to reclaim her humanity. With a cast of quirky companions, including a self-conscious bat and a loyal snake, Emma must navigate a world of magic and mischief. Can she find a way back to her true self, or will she remain a frog forever? Dive into this enchanting adventure where nothing is as it seems, and every leap leads to unexpected surprises.
Chapter Book · Ages 10–15 · 2005

Magyk

By Angie Sage, Mark Zug (Illustrator) · Book #1 in the Septimus Heap series

A wizard apprentice's mysterious disappearance sparks a quest filled with magic and secrets.

564 pages· 109,430 words· Est. 10 hour read
3.9/5 Goodreads · 126,069 ratings
$9.99Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: On the night Septimus Heap is born, he vanishes, declared dead. Meanwhile, his father finds a mysterious baby girl with violet eyes in the snow. As Septimus's fate intertwines with this enigmatic child, a journey of magic, identity, and destiny unfolds. Who is she, and what secrets lie in their past? Embark on a spellbinding adventure where quirky characters and magical charms reveal the truth behind lost identities and hidden powers. Will Septimus fulfill his destiny as an ExtraOrdinary Wizard, or will the mysteries of his birth change everything?
Picture Book · Ages 5–9 · 2021

The Coldfire Curse

A young dragon must save the kingdom of Wrenly from a deadly curse

144 pages· 3,544 words· Est. 37 min read-aloud
5.3/7 Bookroo·4.0/5 Goodreads · 1,400 ratings
$9.99Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: Ruskin, a sheltered dragon, faces a dire choice when a curse threatens Wrenly. Leaving palace comforts, he joins new allies to confront a perilous mission. But why is Ruskin the curse's target? As danger looms, Ruskin must decide how far he'll go to save his world. Can he unravel the mystery before it's too late?
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