Children’s books are known to include lots of extraterrestrial creatures like dragons and unicorns – children’s imaginations run wild and must be fed. That’s why we’ve made a list of the best epic fantasy books for kids in 2021 that convey beautiful messages while also incorporating fun worlds and creatures. However, we have taken the liberty to include books featuring fantastic creatures, as opposed to those just set in fantasy worlds. All of these incorporate some elements of fantasy magic, and would make for great epic reading for kids!
List of Best Epic Fantasy Books For Kids in 2021 so far | Epic Reading:
Aldrin Adams and the Cheese Nightmares by Paul Howard
This is essentially a superhero book – but an endearing and eccentric one. It follows Aldrin Adams, a regular boy with a super weird and very useful superpower. He can transport himself into people’s dreams if he eats cheese right before going to bed. Our fantasy adventure leads Aldrin to the door of a supervillain – one who creates nightmares for people all over the world. This book is very fun and also teaches you a lot about helping people and making the world just a tiny bit easier for them.
How to Grow a Unicorn by Rachel Morrisroe
Sarah’s grandmother loves plants and everything gardening related. So when Sarah discovers a plant shop that sells magic plants full of surprise and delight, she knows it’s the perfect gift. But she doesn’t realize that though a garden full of unicorns seems like an enchanting and wonderful idea, it’s going to be a handful. This is a perfectly adorable, heartwarming and miraculous book, replete with fun rhymes and beautiful illustrations.
The Hatmakers by Tamzin Merchant
Borrowing characters from Shakespeare’s Tempest, Merchant weaves a fine children’s fantasy set in a world of magical hats. Cordelia comes from a family that for generations has woven enchantment and magic into hats. This magical skill, called Making, is now rare and only a select few Makers are capable of it. But when Cordelia’s father Prospero’s ship is wrecked while fetching hat-making ingredients, it’s upon Cordelia to save him. Illustrated by Paola Escobar, this book is magical, adventurous and full of intrigue.
The Little Mermaid by Anna Kemp
This is a retelling of Hans Christian Anderson’s classic fairytale – but with a twist. In this, mermaid Princess Coral finds herself falling in love with the land of humans after she saves Prince Eldo. Rebelling against her father’s wishes, she seeks out a Sea Witch who grants her a potion that enables her to walk on land. But what price will she have to pay to change her very being with magic? This book has beautiful, rich illustrations and a strong story – making it a must have for your kids.
My Daddies by Gareth Peter
This cute little book follows a family of three on their adventures – from fighting dinosaurs to battling dragons and flying to the moon. The twist is that the family has two daddies and no mommy. This book is a great way to acquaint your kiddo to the diversity in families and to teach him/her that all families are beautiful. The award-winning illustrator Garry Parsons illustrates the books, enhancing the appeal and meaningfulness of the insightful book.
Twitchy Witchy Itch by Priscilla Tey
This picture book follows Itch the Witch, who has invited her friends for tea. She goes into a frenzy, cleaning and dusting the apartment like never before. She must hide everything imperfect and seem perfect for her guests. But when the guests come over, her housekeeping comes unraveling and the flaws in her home are exposed. However, she soon realizes that friends and family matter more than homes and property. This cute little book will teach your child to embrace imperfection and about the value of friendship.
Aru Shah and the City of Gold by Roshani Chokshi
This middle grade fantasy draws on Hindu mythology to craft a story full of ancient mythical creatures and fantastic elements. This book follows Aru as he tries to get in touch with the Wind God Hanuman and the celestial nymph Urvashi in Lanka in an effort to prevent the war between Devas and Asuras. This book is a fabulous fantasy read and also very informative – it will open worlds of heritage and culture for your child.
Also Read: India Needs Graphic Novels And Superheroes Centered Around Indian Mythology?
