Books About Magical Realism

The Best Magical Realism Books for Kids

By the Bookroo Editors

Looking for excellent children's books about magical realism? 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 Magical Realism

The Girl Who Drank the Moon
Sale price
$1899
Chapter Book · Ages 10–14 · 2016

The Girl Who Drank the Moon

By Kelly Barnhill

A witch raises a magical child, unaware of the looming threats and a young man's quest to end her life.

Newbery Medal (2017)The E.B. White Read Aloud Award (2017)
388 pages· 82,631 words· Est. 9 hour read
6.3/7 Bookroo·4.1/5 Goodreads · 119,986 ratings
$19.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: In a land where babies are sacrificed to a forest witch, kind-hearted Xan secretly saves them. But when she accidentally imbues a child, Luna, with moonlight magic, chaos looms. As Luna's powers awaken on her thirteenth birthday, a determined young man seeks to kill the witch to free his people. Meanwhile, ominous birds gather, a dormant volcano stirs, and a mysterious woman with a Tiger's heart prowls. Can Xan protect Luna and herself from the unfolding dangers?
Fortune's Magic Farm
Sale price
$1498
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2009

Fortune's Magic Farm

By Suzanne Selfors

A girl inherits a magical farm and must choose between two worlds.

304 pages· 54,880 words· Est. 7.5 hour read
6.3/7 Bookroo·4.2/5 Goodreads · 885 ratings
$15.99Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: Isabelle, a ten-year-old orphan from a dreary town, discovers she's the heir to a magical farm where cherries cure and fronds make you fly. As she embraces this enchanting world, a call to save her rain-soaked hometown tests her loyalty. Can she balance the magic of her new life with the needs of the place she left behind? Isabelle's journey is filled with quirky characters and whimsical challenges, leading her to a decision that could change everything. Will she find a way to bring sunshine to both worlds?
James and the Giant Peach
Sale price
$858
Chapter Book · Ages 7–11 · 1961

James and the Giant Peach

By Roald Dahl, Quentin Blake (Illustrator) · Roald Dahl series

A young boy escapes his miserable life with his cruel aunts through a magical giant peach

176 pages· 25,925 words· Est. 3.5 hour read
5.8/7 Bookroo·4.0/5 Goodreads · 528,977 ratings
$8.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: Young James, trapped with cruel aunts, discovers magic crystals that transform a peach into a colossal escape. Inside, he finds unlikely allies like Grasshopper and Centipede. As the peach rolls away, James embarks on an extraordinary journey. Will this adventure lead him to freedom and friendship, or will new challenges arise? Dive into a world where the impossible becomes reality, and every twist holds a new surprise.
Fablehaven
Sale price
$958
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2006

Fablehaven

By Brandon Mull · Book #1 in the Fablehaven series

A hidden refuge of magical creatures faces chaos when ancient rules are broken, unleashing dark forces.

351 pages· 71,896 words· Est. 10 hour read
4.1 Goodreads · 181,936 ratings
$9.99Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: Kendra and Seth discover their grandfather's secret role as caretaker of Fablehaven, a sanctuary for mystical creatures. When Seth's curiosity disrupts the fragile peace, malevolent forces are unleashed. Now, the siblings must confront their deepest fears to protect their family and the magical refuge. Can they restore order before it's too late?
The White Giraffe
Sale price
$858
Chapter Book · Ages 7–10 · 2006

The White Giraffe

By Lauren St John · Book #1 in the Animal Healer series

An orphaned girl discovers a mythical creature on an African reserve. Is it real, or just a legend?

208 pages· 41,897 words· Est. 6 hour read
4.0 Goodreads · 7,705 ratings
$8.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: After losing her parents, Martine moves to a South African wildlife reserve with a grandmother she never knew. There, she hears whispers of a legendary white giraffe. One stormy night, she sees the creature herself. Is it a figment of her imagination, or is the giraffe real? And why is its existence shrouded in secrecy? As Martine delves deeper, she uncovers mysteries that could change everything. Can she unravel the truth before it's too late?
The Shadows
Sale price
$858
Chapter Book · Ages 10–12 · 2010

The Shadows

By Jacqueline West, Poly Bernatene (Illustrator) · Book #1 in the The Books of Elsewhere series

A girl discovers a sinister world within paintings, facing a dark power that threatens her new home.

Cybils Award (2010)
272 pages· 45,710 words· Est. 5 hour read
4.0 Goodreads · 10,671 ratings
$8.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: Eleven-year-old Olive moves into a mysterious mansion filled with eerie paintings and talking cats. When she finds antique spectacles, she can enter the paintings, uncovering a sinister world. With only the cats and a peculiar boy as allies, Olive must unravel the dark mystery threatening to consume her home. Can she save the house from the shadows before it's too late?
Big Foot and Little Foot
Sale price
$759
Chapter Book · Ages 6–9 · 2018

Big Foot and Little Foot

By Ellen Potter, Felicita Sala (Illustrator) · Big Foot and Little Foot series

A young Sasquatch named Hugo befriends a human boy named Boone through a series of letters and gifts exchanged through a magical stream

160 pages· 10,445 words· Est. 2 hour read
4.0 Goodreads · 882 ratings
$7.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: Hugo, a young Sasquatch, dreams of adventure beyond his hidden world. Boone, a curious boy, longs to meet a Sasquatch. When their paths cross, an unexpected friendship forms. Together, they embark on a quest to find mythical creatures like Ogopogos and Snoot-Nosed Gints. As they explore each other's worlds, they discover that despite their differences, they share more in common than they ever imagined. Will their bond withstand the challenges of their journey, or will the secrets of their worlds keep them apart?
Quintessence
Sale price
$1597
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2020

Quintessence

By Jess Redman

A girl must save a fallen star with science and magic.

361 pages· 65,560 words· Est. 9 hour read
6.0/7 Bookroo·4.2/5 Goodreads · 1,198 ratings
$16.99Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: Twelve-year-old Alma feels lost in her new town, battling panic attacks and loneliness. When a star resembling a child falls into her backyard, she embarks on a quest with new friends from Astronomy Club. Can Alma find the elements, grow the light, and save the starling, using a blend of science and magic? Her journey of self-discovery and friendship might just illuminate her path home.
Growing Home
Sale price
$1697
Chapter Book · Ages 6–9 · 2025

Growing Home

By Beth Ferry, Terry Fan (Illustrator), Eric Fan (Illustrator)

Magical creatures unite to protect their home from a greedy intruder.

272 pages· 33,022 words· Est. 6 hour read
5.5/7 Bookroo·4.1/5 Goodreads · 3,033 ratings
$17.99Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: In a whimsical household, Ivy the plant, Toasty the goldfish, Arthur the spider, and Ollie the singing plant discover magical powers. When a mysterious man seeks their enchanted fish tank, they must unite to protect their family. Can this unlikely team overcome their differences and save the day?
The Dreamer, the Schemer, & the Robe
Sale price
$1597
Chapter Book · Ages 10–17 · 2009

The Dreamer, the Schemer, & the Robe

By Jenny L. Cote · Book #2 in the Epic Order of the Seven series

Can Max and Liz save Egypt from famine and ensure a nation's birth?

400 pages· 131,495 words· Est. 12 hour read
4.6 Goodreads · 699 ratings
$16.99Save 6%
Paperback
Summary: Immortal envoys Max and Liz face their greatest challenge yet: ensuring Joseph's destiny in Egypt. With a scheming adversary and new allies—a British mouse and a camel—they must navigate treachery and ancient mysteries. If they fail, Egypt faces famine, and a nation may never rise. Will they overcome the forces of evil and fulfill their divine mission?
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Magical Realism Picture Books

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

The Color Monster
Series
Sale price
$1899

The Color Monster

Ages 3–6 · 2012

A monster sorts out its emotions with the help of a friend.

Mrs. Noodlekugel
Series
Sale price
$699

Mrs. Noodlekugel

Ages 5–9 · 2012

Discover a whimsical babysitter where cats talk and mice misbehave.

The Copycat
#8 in Series
Sale price
$799

The Copycat

Ages 5–9 · 2021

A young princess navigates friendships and individuality in a magical land called Lollyland

View all magical realism picture books
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Magical Realism Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Longer stories about magical realism for developing and independent readers.

The Guardian Test
Series
Sale price
$1699

The Guardian Test

Ages 8–12 · 2023

A girl must unlock her hidden powers to save a magical island's ecosystem.

Next Stop
Graphic Nov.
Sale price
$1399

Next Stop

Ages 8–12 · 2024

A grieving girl seeks healing on a magical bus tour.

Pocket Peaches
Series
Graphic Nov.
Sale price
$1199

Pocket Peaches

Ages 6–10 · 2023

Can Peaches befriend the spooky-loving Taro despite their differences?

Pedro Páramo
Sale price
$795

Pedro Páramo

1955

A man seeks his father in a ghostly village, uncovering haunting secrets.

Making Friends
#1 in Series
Graphic Nov.
Sale price
$1299

Making Friends

Ages 8–12 · 2018

A magic sketchbook brings a perfect friend to life, but can she stay a friend?

The Magical Ms. Plum
Sale price
$699

The Magical Ms. Plum

Ages 6–9 · 2009

A magical teacher's supply closet reveals unexpected life lessons.

The Magician's Elephant
Sale price
$899

The Magician's Elephant

Ages 8–12 · 2009

An orphan's quest for his sister hinges on a mysterious elephant.

Rainy Day Stories
Series
Sale price
$1399

Rainy Day Stories

Ages 6–8 · 1970

Discover secret rooms and weather-forecasting gnomes in rainy day adventures.

The Evil Eel
#3 in Series
Graphic Nov.
Sale price
$1499

The Evil Eel

Ages 6–10 · 2023

A snail is turned evil by an eel and must be saved by his friends with the help of a magical jellyfish.

View all magical realism chapter books
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