Books About Magical Realism · 28 titles considered

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.

James and the Giant Peach
The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About Magical Realism

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 experts·4.2/5 Goodreads · 885 ratings
$15.99Save 6%
Chapter Book · Ages 10–14 · 2016

The Girl Who Drank the Moon

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

Newbery Medal (2017)
388 pages· 82,631 words· Est. 9 hour read
6.3/7 Bookroo experts·4.1/5 Goodreads · 118,787 ratings
$19.99Save 5%
Chapter Book · Ages 7–11 · 1961

James and the Giant Peach

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 experts·4.0/5 Goodreads · 525,702 ratings
$8.99Save 5%
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
4.1/5 Goodreads · 181,056 ratings
$9.99Save 4%
Chapter Book · Ages 7–10 · 2006

The White Giraffe

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
4.0/5 Goodreads · 7,681 ratings
$8.99Save 5%
Chapter Book · Ages 10–12 · 2010

The Shadows

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

272 pages· 45,710 words· Est. 5 hour read
4.0/5 Goodreads · 10,644 ratings
$8.99Save 5%
Chapter Book · Ages 6–9 · 2018

Big Foot and Little Foot

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
4.0/5 Goodreads · 863 ratings
$7.99Save 5%
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2020

Quintessence

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

361 pages· 65,560 words· Est. 9 hour read
6.0/7 Bookroo experts·4.2/5 Goodreads · 1,187 ratings
$16.99Save 6%
Picture Book · Ages 3–6 · 2012

The Color Monster

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

40 pages· 320 words· Est. 3 min read-aloud
4.4/5 Goodreads · 2,608 ratings
$18.99Save 5%
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2023

The Guardian Test

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

151 pages· 24,332 words· Est. 3.5 hour read
4.1/5 Goodreads · 2,063 ratings
$16.99Save 6%
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Magical Realism Picture Books

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

The 500 Hats of Bartholomew Cubbins

Ages 5–8 · 1938

A young boy's ordinary hat causes chaos in the Kingdom of Didd when it magically multiplies and refuses to be removed

Mrs. Noodlekugel

Ages 5–9 · 2012

Discover a whimsical babysitter where cats talk and mice misbehave.

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
Browse by age

Magical Realism Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Longer stories about magical realism for developing and independent readers.

The Dreamer, the Schemer, & the Robe

Ages 10–17 · 2009

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

Graphic Nov.
Sale price
$1399

Next Stop

Ages 8–12 · 2024

A grieving girl seeks healing on a magical bus tour.

Pocket Peaches

Ages 6–10 · 2023

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

What's Black and White and Stinks All Over?

Ages 7–9 · 2011

A super burp leads to chaos on Field Day. Can George avoid disaster?

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and the Race Against Time
Sale price
$699

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and the Race Against Time

Ages 9–12 · 2012

A family travels through time in a flying car, facing wild adventures and unexpected stowaways.

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

Ages 6–9 · 2009

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

Maggie and the Wish Fish

Ages 7–10 · 2017

A magical fish offers Maggie a wish, but can she trust it to change her life?

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.

Growing Home

Ages 6–9 · 2025

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

Snow Day in May

Ages 7–9 · 2021

A wish to cancel school leads Raven to unexpected challenges and self-discovery.

The Lost Slipper

Ages 7–9 · 2021

A lost slipper, a ticking clock, and a mysterious helper. Can the Ballet Bunnies save the day?

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Books about magicBooks about mythical creaturesBooks about facing fearsBooks about factoriesBooks about family lifeBooks about farm life and ranch lifeBooks about good and evilBooks about haunted houses

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