As we approach the autumn solstice, why not cozy up with a book that transports you to another world? For this month’s S-Collection blog we are placing the spotlight on books within the genres of fantasy and magic. In the fantasy genre, authors utilize magic and other supernatural elements to build a world that is different from our own. In children’s and youth literature, these elements can be seen through talking animals, magic use, paranormal activity, and other potentially mythical creatures. This collection of fantastical picture books, middle grade books, and young adult books engulfs the reader in an aura of magic, mystery, and adventure just in time for fall.

Picture Books

Li, Qiaoqiao
Dad, Don’t Miss It! 2022. Picture Book.
Inspired by Chinese folk culture, this playful tale follows a distracted parent as they come to appreciate a child’s imagination. A child and his dad are taking the day off in the countryside, but the dad is consistently distracted by his computer screen. The child keeps trying to grab his dad’s attention, until finally the dad can see all the magic around them. Now, parent and child can join the imaginative parade full of magical creatures together. This heartwarming story encourages readers to reconnect with their imagination and have fun.
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Murray, Lily
Illustrated by: Katie Hickey
Once Upon a Magic Book. 2018. Picture Book.
In an old toy shop, Sophie and Jack discover a glowing key inside a book. When they turn the key, the friends are transported inside the book. Once inside, a fantastical adventure begins. Sophie and Jack move through beautiful fairy tale forests and encounter pirates — but watch out for the wicked witch! Once Upon a Magic Book uses an I Spy format that allows readers to find objects that help the friends return home.
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Wahl, Phoebe
Little Witch Hazel: A Year in the Forest. 2021. Picture Book.
Little Witch Hazel lives in the forest helping creatures of all sizes. She is a hard worker, kind friend, and avid explorer. In this book, readers can follow Hazel’s adventures through four seasons as she helps creatures and solves forest mysteries. Little Witch Hazel helps everyone she can, but who helps Hazel when she needs help? This story is a lovely celebration of nature and friendship.
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Middle Grade

Chivers Khoo, Rachel
Illustrated by: Rachel Sanson
The Wishkeeper’s Apprentice. 2024. Middle Grade.
Local wishkeeper, Rupus Beewinkle, is in trouble. He is in desperate need of an apprentice, but the council keep rejecting his proposal. Rupus sees the perfect opportunity to finally have an apprentice when ten-year-old Felix makes a special wish. After wishing in the town’s fountain, Felix did not expect to be offered a job. He just wanted his older sister to like him again. But when the town’s wishes are threatened by the mysterious wishsnatcher, it is up to Felix to save and restore the dreams of his fellow townsfolk.
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Johnson, Ginger
The Other Side of Luck. 2021. Middle Grade.
Princess Una longs for a different life outside the palace. Una has experienced extreme loneliness ever since the passing of her mother. For her twelfth birthday, Una’s father opens a contest to the public: Whoever could find the rare Silva Flower and present it to Una would receive a handsome reward.
Julien’s Baba has been arrested by debt collectors. Now, Julien’s only chance to save his father is to win the palace contest. Unbeknownst to him, Princess Una is also embarking on the adventure to find the elusive Silva Flower. What will happen when their paths become intertwined with one another?
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Meloy, Colin
Illustrated by: Carson Ellis
Wildwood. 2011. Middle Grade.
Wildwood, the first book in the Wildwood Chronicles, transports readers to a different world hidden in the woods of Portland, Oregon. Eleven-year-old Prue and her classmate Curtis uncover a secret world inside the Impassible Wilderness when Prue’s baby brother, Mac, is kidnapped. Prue and Curtis’s original rescue mission turns into something much greater as they continue to learn more about those who reside in Wildwood. With everything they learn and with everyone they meet, Prue and Curtis quickly find themselves at the center of a revolution. The Wildwood Chronicles are bursting at the seams with interesting characters, vivid world building, and timeless illustrations.
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Young Adult

Dabos, Christelle
A Winter’s Promise. 2018. Young Adult.
A Winter’s Promise is the first book in the La Passe-Miroir series. Long ago, the world was ruptured into multiple floating celestial islands known as the Arks. Each ark has developed distinct ways, with their own relationships to concepts such as time. Ophelia lives on Anima, an ark where objects have souls. Ophelia actively hides her ability to read and communicate with souls of objects and her power to travel through mirrors. Everything changes when Ophelia is betrothed to a significant member of the Dragon clan. Now, Ophelia finds herself swept up in adventure, mystery, and politics as she leaves behind everything she once knew.
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Klune, TJ
The House in the Cerulean Sea. 2021. Young Adult.
The House in the Cerulean Sea is the first book in the Cerulean Chronicles and takes the reader on a cozy, fantastical journey. Generally, Linus Baker leads a quiet life. As a Case Worker at the Department in Charge of Magical Youth, he manages the well-being of magical children. One day, Linus is tasked with determining whether six dangerous magical children are likely to bring about the end of the world. The children reside in the Marsyas Island Orphanage and are cared for by Arthur Parnassus. As unexpected relationships are formed, Linus must choose between a home or the world. This is a powerful story about love and discovering family in the most unlikely of places.
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Walls, Jasmine
Illustrated by: Teo DuVall
Brooms. 2023. Teen Graphic Novel.
In 1930s Mississippi, magic is permitted only in certain circumstances, and by certain people. Unsanctioned broom racing is banned, but for those who are looking it is there to be found. Luella is trying to protect her cousins, Mattie and Emma, from the government. If the government found out about their magic, Mattie and Emma would be sent away to boarding school where they could potentially have their magic sealed away from use. So, to help them harness their magic and earn money to help the family, Luella asks Billie Mae, Loretta, and Cheng-Kwan if her cousins could join their broom racing team. Meet the Night Storms racing team: Captain Billie Mae, Second-in-Command Loretta, Cheng-Kwan, Mattie, Emma, and Luella. Brooms is a fast-paced graphic novel that navigates friendship, family, and rebellion.
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