6 Spellbinding Books for Younger Readers

The Newbery Honor Book "Elf Dog and Owl Head" by M. T. Anderson is a masterpiece that blends the mundane with the magical. Set against the backdrop of a global plague, it follows young Clay as he escapes the tribulations of home life by venturing into the woods. There, he meets an enigmatic little dog named Elphinore, who guides him into uncharted territories both physical and emotional. This spellbinding narrative, enriched with Junyi Wu's evocative black-and-white illustrations, weaves a tale of adventure and self-discovery, challenging readers to consider the paths they tread. Read more

In "The Hotel Balzaar," the sequel to "The Puppets of Spelhorst," Kate DiCamillo crafts an enchanting tale full of mystery and nostalgia. The story unfolds with young Marta, who roams the corridors of the titular hotel while her mother works. Through encounters with a mysterious countess and her parrot, Marta is drawn into an intricate web of storytelling that might reveal the fate of her missing father. This novella elegantly explores themes of hope and perseverance, each tale unfolding with Júlia Sardà’s graceful line illustrations illuminating the land of Norendy with warmth and depth. Read more

Kekla Magoon invites readers into the world of "The Secret Library," where eleven-year-old Dally embarks on an extraordinary journey through time. After discovering a map left by her grandfather, Dally finds herself in a hidden library where books act as portals to the past. This remarkable tale emphasizes the importance of family and the courage to forge one's destiny. With adventure, mystery, and a heartwarming search for identity, this novel captures the spirit of youthful curiosity and the thrill of piecing together one's family secrets. Read more

Hilary McKay's "Rosa by Starlight" presents a whimsical yet heartwarming narrative crafted in the spirit of beloved classics. Taking inspiration from "Matilda," this novel follows the young orphan Rosa, whose life takes a whimsical turn through her encounters with a magical cat and mysterious allies in Venice. Packed with enchanting imagery and drawn richly by McKay's storytelling finesse, this novel serves as a beacon of hope and magic, capturing the reader's imagination as Rosa navigates the challenges set by her unkind relatives to find her own place in a world brimming with wonder. Read more

"The City Beyond the Stars" whisks readers into a riveting adventure where time travel unfolds as the ultimate quest. Yara and her friends discover the secrets of their kingdom's survival, setting them against the cunning alchemists as they voyage through time. This spellbinding tale emphasizes courage, friendship, and the wisdom of uncovering the past to forge a future. Readers will find themselves caught in a whirlwind of mystique and suspense as Yara's journey highlights the magic found beyond the ordinary constraints of time. Read more

Indulge in "Impossible Creatures," the first book in a groundbreaking new fantasy series hailed for its inventive imagination and storytelling prowess by esteemed authors like Philip Pullman. This story unfurls as Christopher and Mal set out to save the Archipelago, the last refuge of magical creatures. They are compelled to face sphinxes, krakens, and more in their quest to restore magic to the world. With Katherine Rundell’s vibrant narrative and illustrations that bring every creature and location to life, this book promises to be a delightful trip into realms where anything is possible, a quest that tests the very bounds of belief and bravery. Read more