Magical Picture Books To Inspire a Love of Fantasy
by Dena McMurdie
Childhood is a magical time filled with wishes on dandelions, shooting stars, and mythical beliefs. When my children were small, I wanted to capture their sense of wonder in a jar and keep it safe. If you feel the same way, here are several picture books that do an excellent job of bringing magic and fantasy into everyday life. Young children (and adults) will love these magical picture books.
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A Little Like Magic
Available from:When a little girl loses a beloved horse figurine at an ice festival, she is devastated. However, when she returns the next night and sees the finished ice sculptures, she can't help but feel a sense of magic among them. This beautiful book is about the power of art and imagination.
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The Paper Kingdom
Available from:An ordinary experience can be made extraordinary with just a little imagination. When their babysitter cancels, Daniel's parents take him with them to work as night janitors. At first, Daniel doesn’t want to join, but then his parents weave a fantasy, turning the deserted office into a kingdom filled with paper. Soon, Daniel is finding dragons and taking his rightful place as king. This gorgeously illustrated book is a wonderful tribute to hardworking families and the magic they create.
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Alice in a Winter Wonderland
Available from:Jan Brett is a master of bringing a touch of magic to the everyday. In this book, she puts an Alaskan spin on Alice in Wonderland. Regardless of whether or not readers are familiar with the original story, they will love this magical and snowy rendition of the beloved classic.
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Dragon Dreams
Available from:Frustrated after spending the day disagreeing with her sister, a girl dreams of being whisked away by a magical dragon. When they reach a place filled with wishes, stars, and dancing, the little girl sees her sister there. This sweet story is perfect for children hoping to find common ground with their siblings.
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Uni the Unicorn
Available from:This story is one of my all-time favorite picture books. Uni the unicorn believes in little girls, no matter what anyone says, and dreams of meeting one. Meanwhile, a little girl hopes to meet a unicorn. Readers will love the magical moment when the unicorn and the girl find each other.
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How to Catch a Star
Available from:This gorgeous picture book from the creator of Here We Are and Stuck reminds us that magic exists all around us. A young boy decides to catch a star and tries various ways of accomplishing his goal. Of course, he doesn't have much luck until he finds a star in the most unlikely place.
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Frostfire
Available from:A winter walk turns magical for two sisters in this gorgeously illustrated picture book. As a snow dragon expert, Miriam tells her little sister Celeste everything she knows about the mythical creatures. But when the sisters become separated, Miriam has a once-in-a-lifetime experience. This gently suspenseful book celebrates the magic of nature, imagination, and sisterhood.
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The Bakery Dragon
Available from:A tiny dragon named Ember worries he will never have a hoard of gold like the other dragons. But when he discovers a new kind of gold — one you can eat and share — his life goals take a tastier turn. Kids will love this heartwarming story!
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The Night Tent
Available from:If you are looking for a magical bedtime story, look no further. A young boy can't fall asleep, so he ducks under the covers and goes on a magical nighttime adventure under a blanket of stars. Children with big imaginations will appreciate this one!
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Flower Fairies Magical Doors
Available from:As a little girl explores the house her family has just moved into, she discovers a tiny door that transports her to the magical world of the Flower Fairies! Filled with paper ephemera, pop-ups, and special interactive features on every spread, reading this book feels almost as magical as the fairy world. Kids will love exploring each unique and fantastical door!
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