Chapter Book Genres: Fantasy

So, last month I focused on highlighting genres for our picture book readers, this month I’ll be focusing on newly independent readers and offering up some genre suggestions in the chapter book arena. Let’s start with what is a chapter book. While the term gets thrown around for any book with chapters in it for kids, it’s actually a bit more nuanced than that. Chapter books are actually a group of books that are written typically for the 6-8 year old crowd who have graduated beyond the easy readers and are looking to move up to the next step in their reading skills.

They are typically under 100 pages, have a larger font, lots of white space (think 1.5 or double spaced between lines), and often include a number of illustrations to help readers decode the text. And of course, they have chapters. What many people call chapter books are actually middle grade novels geared toward an older audience (ages 8-12) that are longer, have a lot more text, and may have fewer illustrations.

So, when I talk about chapter books on the blog, these books are what I mean – short, controlled vocabulary, and heavy on the illustrative support. Today’s book list highlights fantasy titles for chapter book readers. Fantasy titles often include magic, enchantments, talking animals, supernatural forces, and more. For chapter book readers, think about monsters, as well as other imaginary animals like mermaids and unicorns. Kids love the fantasy genre, I think because they are so great at using their imagination still and they love falling into other fantastical worlds.

This post may contain affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my links, at no extra cost to you. Please read the full disclosure for more information.

Chapter Book Genres: Fantasy

Bibbidi Bobbidi Academy Rory and the Magical MixUps by Kallie George, illustrated by Lorena Alvarez Gomez

Rory Spellington is fluttering with excitement as she begins her first year at the prestigious Bibbidi Bobbidi Academy! But fairy godmothering might not be as easy as she thought, especially because Rory has always struggled with spelling— magic spelling that is. During her first week at the academy, Rory discovers there is more to being a good fairy godmother than magic, and she will learn she has her own set of talents that set her apart. 

Catwings by Ursula K. Le Guin

Mrs. Jane Tabby can’t explain why her four kittens—Thelma, Roger, James, and Harriet—were born with wings. Whatever the reason, she’s grateful they can use their flying skills to soar away from the dangerous, busy city where they were born. But once the kittens escape, they learn that country life comes with its own difficulties—just as they learn that help and friendship can be found in even the most unlikely places.

Coral Keepers: Search for the Silver Shell by Robin Yardi, illustrated by Paul Kellam

More than anything, Princess Finn and her friends, Moon and Link, want to become Coral Keepers — mermaid magicians sworn to protect the Queendom of Anjeea. Finn is a shark magician, but she is struggling to pass her shark-magic test. And now, an evil magician named Rozaro is plotting to steal the throne! Only the power of the Silver Shell can stop him. Can Finn master her shark magic, find the magical shell, and protect Anjeea?

Dave the Unicorn: Welcome to Unicorn School by Pip Bird, illustrated by David O’Connell

Mira can hardly contain her excitement as her fellow students are paired with their unicorns. Darcy is assigned the statuesque Star, whose shimmering coat always catches the light. Raheem is matched with Brave, whose every step reverberates like thunder. And Mira is paired with…

Dave.

Dave loves doughnuts. He doesn’t follow directions very well. And he farts. A lot.

Mira is a little disappointed. But she soon realizes Dave is unlike his fellow unicorns in another way: He’s a little smarter than they are. When a school trip goes awry, the only way to save the day is for Mira to embrace her unexpected unicorn best friend.

FrankinSchool: Monster Match by Caryn Rivadeneira, illustrated by Dani Jones

Fred is working diligently on his writing assignment when a mist fills the room, and the words on his page come to life, literally.

Suddenly Fred―now Frankinschool―and Luisa―now Princess Luisa―need to save the school from the mysterious potion―and the even more mysterious and devious ghost living in the school attic.

Magic on the Map: Let’s Mooove! by Courtney Sheinmel and Bianca Turetsky, illustrated by Stevie Lewis

We must be dreaming! That’s what twins Finn and Molly Parker think when they discover a camper in their driveway–and it talks! When the RV transports them to a cattle ranch in Colorado, the twins know something magical has happened. Then the camper disappears, leaving Finn and Molly to wonder . . . how are we going to get home?

Magical Animal Adoption Agency: Clover’s Luck by Kallie George

Despite her name, Clover has always felt decidedly unlucky. So when she stumbles upon a mysterious cottage in the Woods, she can hardly believe her good fortune. It’s the Magical Animal Adoption Agency, and it houses creatures of all kinds. Fairy horses, unicorns, and a fiery young dragon are just the beginning!

Mr. Jams, the Agency’s owner, agrees to hire her as summer helper and Clover hopes her luck has finally changed. But when she’s left alone to care for the Agency, a sneaky witch comes after the magical creatures! Will Clover outsmart her in time to protect the animals?

Polly Diamond and the Magic Book by Alice Kuipers, illustrated by Diana Toledano

When a magic book appears on Polly’s doorstep that can make everything she writes happen in real life, she is certain all of her dreams are about to come true. However, Polly soon learns that what you write and what you mean are not always the same thing.

Star Friends: Mirror Magic by Linda Chapman, illustrated by Lucy Fleming

Mia and her star animal, a fox named Bracken, must use their special powers to stop the forces of dark magic. Mia’s older sister has started acting strangely and the Star Animals sense dark magic at work. Soon Mia discovers that the new compact mirror that her sister, Cleo, has been using must be to blame. Can the girls use their newfound Star Magic to help make things right?