7 Best Children’s Books About Magic and Fantasy in 2025

Magic is in the air for young readers this year. There’s something truly enchanting about sharing magical stories with kids and if you’re curious why magical tales resonate so deeply, check out our full breakdown of the Magic Fantasy Genre: Origins, Themes, and Why We Love It. The wonder in their eyes as a dragon takes flight or a wand sparkles is a joy that never gets old.

If you’re on the hunt for the most spellbinding Children’s Books About Magic in 2025, you’re in luck. This year brings a stellar collection of imaginative tales, from whimsical children’s picture books about magic to epic middle-grade sagas.

Below are curated 7 of the very best, a mix of beloved authors and new tales, all delivering unforgettable adventures. Whether you have a budding wizard or a fairy-tale dreamer at home, these magic books for kids will ignite their imagination. Check out our list of the best magic books for young readers in 2025! These fantasy books will grab your attention.

List of 7 Best Children’s Magic Books in 2025

1. Daylight and Darknight: A Tale of Colors and Magic – Raissa B.

Imagine if colors weren’t just things we see but living, breathing forces of emotion and magic. “Daylight and Darknight” brings this idea to life in a beautifully told story about identity, emotions, and the balance between light and darkness.

Daylight is the Goddess of Color, responsible for painting the world in radiant hues. Her siblings each embody different shades and emotions—Red’s fiery passion, Blue’s calm, Green’s wisdom, and Violet’s mystery. But when a disagreement with her sister Violet leaves Daylight feeling misunderstood, she retreats into the night, transforming into Darknight.

In this quiet, shadowy form, Daylight discovers the power of stillness and introspection. Yet, she feels like something is missing. Can she find a way to embrace both sides of herself?

This stunning book isn’t just about magic; it’s about understanding emotions and learning that light and darkness aren’t opposites but complements. Inspired by the science of colors and human feelings, “Daylight and Darknight” is one of the best children’s books about magic in 2025. It’s perfect for young readers exploring self-identity, emotional intelligence, and creativity.

With its breathtaking storytelling and vivid characters, this book will leave children and parents alike reflecting on the magic within themselves.

2. Silverborn: The Mystery of Morrigan Crow – Jessica Townsend

One of the most anticipated children’s books about magic in 2025 is undoubtedly Silverborn, the fourth adventure of Jessica Townsend’s Nevermoor series. In this thrilling installment, Morrigan Crow returns to the enchanting city of Nevermoor, delving deeper into its mysteries than ever before.

Invited to the opulent Silver District, Morrigan stumbles upon a family secret involving a white wedding, a golden dragon, and a pool of blood—definitely not your typical school year! Before long, she finds herself on a perilous quest, struggling to control her growing Wundersmith powers and racing against time to solve a murder before midnight strikes.

Fans have been on the edge of their seats, especially after the previous book left many significant questions unanswered. Townsend delivers a gripping narrative that early readers describe as darker and more thrilling, yet still filled with the whimsy and humor that make Nevermoor so special.

Jessica Townsend is renowned for crafting spellbinding tales of magic and mystery, and “Silverborn” is no exception. It masterfully balances fantastical world-building with themes of friendship and self-discovery.

If your kid has raced through Harry Potter or Percy Jackson, this series – and especially this new book – will keep that magical reading momentum going. It’s a must-read entry in children’s books on magic and fantasy, and even parents might find themselves sneaking a peek to see what twists await Morrigan this time around!

3. The Poisoned King (Impossible Creatures #2) – Katherine Rundell

Mythical creatures, a hidden archipelago, and a daring duo on a quest – welcome back to the world of Impossible Creatures. Katherine Rundell’s first book in this series was hailed as “the biggest fantasy book of the year for kids,” and now the sequel, The Poisoned King, continues the magic.

Young adventurers Christopher and Mal return to the secret Archipelago of mythical beasts, only to find a new evil afoot. This time, the very king of these magical creatures is in peril (the title gives a hint), and our heroes must race to save him and prevent a catastrophe from spilling into both the creature realm and our own. Rundell’s talent for vivid world-building shines here – expect to encounter talking cats, mercurial demons, maybe even a phoenix or two.

The narrative moves at a brisk pace, with enough humor and heart to balance the high-stakes adventure. Kids who love fantastical animals and magical ecosystems will be glued to the pages, and parents might catch references to classic adventure tales embedded cleverly throughout.

The Poisoned King solidifies this series as one of the magical children’s books series to watch. It’s not only an adventurous page-turner but also touches on loyalty and courage. In short, if “magical creature mayhem” sounds up your alley, this book will be an absolute delight.

If your young reader lights up at the mention of dragons, talking animals, or hidden realms, take a peek at what makes these stories timeless in our blog on the Magic Fantasy Genre.

4. Bird of a Thousand Stories – Kiyash Monsef

This novel takes readers on a globe-trotting, myth-chasing adventure. Bird of a Thousand Stories is the sequel to Once There Was, a book that introduced us to Marjan, a girl who inherited a secret veterinary clinic for mythical creatures.

Now, Marjan is back and searching for a legendary bird said to hold all the stories of the world. Her journey spans continents and cultures, connecting her with the wildest of mythic beasts, from Persian surges to maybe a phoenix or Chinese dragons. Kirkus Reviews praised this book as a “breathless adventure in richly imagined settings – an entrancing sequel,” and you can feel that richness in every chapter.

What makes Bird of a Thousand Stories stand out among children’s books on magic and fantasy is how it weaves real-world folklore into a modern girl’s story. As Marjan travels, young readers subtly learn about different cultures’ mythical creatures and legends – a real-life educational bonus amid the page-turning excitement. Parents have noted their kids curiously Googling folktales after specific chapters, eager to know more.

The story also doesn’t shy away from emotional depth: Marjan struggles with the responsibility she’s shouldered and the fear of losing friends as she delves deeper into the magical world. It’s one of those magical children’s books that spark both wonder and conversation. Profound, adventurous, and beautifully written, Bird of a Thousand Stories will leave your child wide-eyed and perhaps dreaming of far-off lands filled with speaking beasts and ancient magic.

5. The Wish Switch – Lynn Painter

Who hasn’t daydreamed about a magic wishing well to fix their problems? In The Wish Switch, that fantasy comes to life – with a hilarious twist! This is bestselling author Lynn Painter’s first children’s book, and she brings her trademark wit to younger readers in a story about middle school mayhem and magic.

Seventh-grader Emma finds instructions from her late Nana on how to access an ancient secret wishing well. Naturally, Emma plans out a few perfect wishes to make her upcoming school year unforgettable. But when a pesky new kid, Jackson, literally bumps into her ritual and throws in his wishes, the magic goes awry.

Suddenly, all of Emma’s wishes start coming true for Jackson instead of herself! The result is chaos – imagine wishing for confidence to ace a presentation, only to have your rival get the glow-up instead. Painter has crafted a story that is equal parts funny and heartfelt. Emma and Jackson’s race to undo the mixed-up wishes leads to slapstick mishaps and unexpected friendships. With its warm humor and a sprinkle of chaos, The Wish Switch is a fresh addition to children’s books on magic and fantasy, one that shows how even the best-laid plans can backfire in magical ways.

Fans of lighthearted graphic novels and school adventures will feel right at home (the book’s style is perfect for Raina Telgemeier fans, as the publisher notes). Be careful what you wish for has never been more fun to read. This book proves that magic books for kids don’t always have to be about dragons and quests – sometimes, a wish gone wrong in your hometown is adventure enough!

6. The Last Great Heir – Carina Finn

Dueling princesses, mystical houses, and a destiny decided by combat – The Last Great Heir hits the sweet spot for young fantasy fans craving a new world to immerse in. This stunning fantasy adventure is the debut by Carina Finn, and what a debut it is! The story is set in the land of Fauret, which has been ruled for generations by House Feast… much to the chagrin of rival House Famine.

Now, the two families’ young heirs must duel on their thirteenth birthday to determine who will guard the land’s magic and rule next. Finn introduces us to Merriment Feast – who lives a life of lavish parties (when not training intensely with her aunt) – and Rue Famine, a studious girl mastering potions in a dusty library, determined to help the downtrodden. Raised as rivals, Merri and Rue both believe utterly in their cause. But as the fateful duel approaches, outside dangers force them to question everything.

This book has all the ingredients that make the best magic fantasy books appeal to kids: a fantastical setting with its own rules and lore, a friendship-and-rivalry dynamic, and plenty of magical action. The writing is fast-paced and vivid—many readers say they tore through it in one sitting.

(In fact, author Jen Calonita called it a book you’ll read from start to finish without stopping!) The Last Great Heir also subtly weaves in themes of empathy and understanding different perspectives as the two girls discover they may have more in common than they thought. It’s an exciting, uplifting ride that feels both fresh and like a classic fairy tale. If your young reader loves magical children’s books with strong heroines and inventive magic systems, this one will likely become their new obsession.

7. Wicked Marigold – Caroline Carlson

Not all princesses are perfect – and thank goodness for that! Wicked Marigold gives us a fairy tale turned on its head, with humor and heart to spare. Eleven-year-old Princess Marigold has grown up in the shadow of her ridiculously perfect older sister, Rosalind, who was kidnapped by an evil wizard long ago.

When Rosalind miraculously returns home, hailed as a hero, Marigold feels pressure to be just as good… and concludes that if she can’t be perfect, she might as well be wicked. So what does she do? She runs off to apprentice herself to the very same evil wizard, of course! You can imagine things don’t go quite as planned. Marigold’s attempts at being bad are more funny than fearsome, and she soon gets tangled in a magical plot that threatens the entire kingdom.

This witty adventure is one of those children’s books about magic that also doubles as a clever parody of fairy-tale tropes. Kids will laugh at Marigold’s misadventures (picture an evil lair full of quirky creatures, including a grumpy blob of glop as a sidekick), and adults will appreciate the gentle lesson about self-worth hiding beneath the hijinks.

Critics love this book – it earned a starred review with praise for being “rib-tickling” and a fresh look at princess stories. Indeed, Wicked Marigold will have princess and anti-princess fans alike chuckling and cheering. It’s a whimsical exploration of belonging and the idea that it’s okay not to fit the mold.

With Caroline Carlson’s witty, playful prose (reminiscent of classics like Ella Enchanted or Howl’s Moving Castle), this story is a magical romp from start to finish. If your child enjoys fairy tales but wishes they were a tad less predictable, Marigold’s misadventure will be their new favorite escapade.

Conclusion:

From exploring emotions through colors to battling dragons and outwitting wizards, these seven books showcase the breadth of today’s children’s books on magic and fantasy.

Whether it’s a gentle, teaching children’s picture book about magic like Daylight and Darknight or a thrilling fantasy saga like Silverborn or Wicked Marigold, there’s something here for every young reader’s taste.

These picks certainly earn their spot among the year’s best books with magic fantasy themes – and who knows, they might just become bedtime favorites in your household. To explore what makes fantasy and magic such powerful storytelling tools, visit our blog on the Magic Fantasy Genre Explained.

So grab a comfy seat, open one of these magic books for kids, and watch your child’s eyes light up with enchantment.