Top Fantasy Books for Elementary Learners

There’s nothing quite like getting caught up in a good book. It’s a magical experience that truly helps develop a lifelong love of reading. Knowing this, I am always on the lookout for stories that will grip my readers’ attention! If you are hoping to do the same, look no further than the wondrous world of children’s fantasy books! In this realm dragons take flight, wizards cast their spells, and extraordinary adventures unfold on every page.

Thrill your students with these amazing fantasy books to spark their imaginations and build a foundation for a life-long love of reading.

As elementary school teachers and librarians, we all play a pivotal role in nurturing young minds and sparking their imaginations. We all know the value of cultivating a deep love for reading, and fantasy books are a great way to do so. If you’re in need of some ideas, this post is designed just for you! Come along to see my recommendations for top fantasy books suitable for Kindergarten through 5th grade. Let’s embark on a literary journey that will captivate and inspire your readers!

Fantasy Books for Kindergarten to 2nd Grade

1. The Gruffalo by Julia Donaldson – Fostering Friendship and Imagination

Take a stroll into the enchanting world of The Gruffalo by Julia Donaldson.

The Gruffalo by Julia Donaldson is a wonderful addition to your fantasy books this year and will help spark the imaginations of your littlest learners.

Mouse leads the way on an exciting journey! This fantasy tale will help unlock literacy skills and spark wild imagination in your little learners.

Donaldson’s rhythmic storytelling isn’t just words on pages but an invitation to dive into lively conversations among the whimsical creatures. As Mouse ventures through those deep, dark woods, our readers are soaking up the language nuances and getting hands-on with activities that light up their creativity.

It doesn’t stop at literacy because this story is like a spark plug for imagination. Bring reading to life by having your kiddos draw their very own Gruffalo versions.

Go deeper by diving into role-playing that stirs up empathy and creativity. Toss this enchanting tale into your lineup of plans for library visits. By doing so, you’re swinging open the library doors where learning feels more like an epic adventure for reading and exploration.

2. Dragons Love Tacos by Adam Rubin – A Hilarious Culinary Fantasy Book Adventure

Hold on to your tacos because we’re diving into the boisterous world of Dragons Love Tacos by Adam Rubin! Imagine dragons with an insatiable love for tacos. I’m talking about a fiery passion for those crunchy, savory delights that set the stage for a laugh-out-loud culinary adventure.

Dragons Love Tacos by Adam Rubin is one of those spectacular fantasy books your students will want to read over and over again.

In this entertaining tale, Rubin introduces readers to a dragon crew with an undying love for tacos of all kinds. From mild to spicy, these dragons are ready to devour them all.

But here’s the twist, they have a teensy problem with spicy salsa. It’s a tricky situation that leads to an epic taco-induced meltdown!

Now, why does this matter in your library? It’s not just about reading words on a page but also immersing your students in a story that’s as engaging as it is hilarious.

Dragons Love Tacos is an opportunity for your students to explore the whimsical world of storytelling while incorporating creative activities. Who doesn’t love a library or classroom brimming with laughter as young readers delve into the dragon’s taco obsession?

And the best part? It opens doors for your class to cook up their imaginative taco-filled tales, turning storytelling into a feast of creativity.

3. Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak – Exploring Wild Imagination in a Fantasy Book

Get ready to set sail into the timeless classic, Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak. No fantasy book list would be complete without this one!

Fantasy books like Where the Wild Things are by Maurice Sendak take your students on an unforgettable journey into an imaginary world.

This isn’t your ordinary tale, but instead a fantasy book with a gateway to a world where emotions run wild, creativity knows no bounds, and imagination takes center stage.

Follow Max, the young protagonist, on a captivating journey to the land of the Wild Things. As Max navigates through this fantastical realm, your readers get a front-row seat to discussions about feelings, the boundless power of imagination, and the ways in which creativity can transform ordinary moments into extraordinary adventures.

Where the Wild Things Are invites your readers into lively discussions about the different Wild Things and what each might represent or engaging activities that encourage them to create their own Wild Things.

This book is all about opening doors to a world where emotions are understood, creativity flourishes, and imagination takes flight.

4. Journey by Aaron Becker – Where Imagination Takes the Lead!

This is a great fantasy picture book that will get your young students learning how to develop stories of their own!

Journey by Aaron Becker is a wordless picture book that tells a captivating story entirely through illustrations. The book follows a lonely and imaginative young girl who discovers a magical red marker. As she draws a door with the marker, she steps through it and finds herself in an otherworldly realm filled with adventure.

Throughout her journey, the girl encounters wondrous landscapes, mysterious creatures, and unexpected challenges. The story unfolds as she uses the red marker to create and interact with her surroundings, leading to moments of creativity, courage, and friendship.

Journey is a visually stunning book as well as a celebration of the power of imagination and the ability of art to connect people. The absence of words allows readers to create their own story. This makes it a unique and engaging experience for readers of all ages.

5. Secrets of Droon series by Tony Abbott – A Magical Chapter Book Adventure!

This fantasy series is a great introduction to chapter books for your youngest students.  Perfect to use as a read aloud that continues day after day.

The Secrets of Droon series, written by Tony Abbott, is a well-loved collection of fantasy chapter books geared towards young readers. The series begins when three friends, Eric, Julie, and Neal, discover a hidden staircase in Eric’s basement. This seemingly ordinary staircase becomes the gateway to the magical world of Droon. A realm filled with ancient secrets, mystical creatures, and extraordinary adventures.

As the friends explore the enchanting landscapes of Droon, they encounter a wide array of fantastical elements, including magical amulets, talking creatures, and powerful sorcery. Each book in the series unveils new challenges and quests that the trio must face to protect Droon from various threats.

One of the strengths of the series is its ability to balance excitement and suspense with age-appropriate storytelling. The books are accessible for early readers making the transition to chapter books. The magical elements spark the imagination, fostering a love for reading and fantasy.

With around forty books in the series, Secrets of Droon offers a rich and immersive reading experience for young adventure-seekers. The combination of friendship, magic, and exploration makes it a delightful and engaging series that has captivated young readers for years.

Fantasy Books for 3rd Grade to 5th Grade

1. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone by J.K. Rowling – A Journey into Wizardry

Gear up for a spellbinding journey into the magical realm of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone by J.K. Rowling.

This modern-day classic introduces your readers to the extraordinary life of Harry Potter, a young boy who discovers he’s a wizard. As Harry navigates his way through Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, readers are treated to the ultimate adventure.

This story is filled with wizards, spells, and, of course, a dash of mischief. Keep in mind that Rowling’s storytelling isn’t just about spells and potions. From the enchanting world of Diagon Alley to the captivating allure of Hogwarts Castle, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone offers an immersive experience that sets the stage for the rest of the beloved series.

This book is an initiation into a world where every page turn unveils new mysteries, friendships, and the transformative power of magic. It’s a portal to a world where magic is real, friendships are forever, and courage takes center stage.

2. The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster – A Whimsical Journey through Language and Math

The fantastical realms of language and math with Norton Juster’s The Phantom Tollbooth is an extraordinary adventure.

Your readers accompany the imaginative and curious Milo as he drives through the mysterious tollbooth entering the magical Lands Beyond.

Juster’s narrative is a delightful fusion of literary puns and mathematical concepts. He creates a tapestry that seamlessly blends the worlds of words and numbers.

Milo encounters characters like the Whether Man, the Mathemagician, and the Dodecahedron, each representing different parts of language and math. It’s an exploration of the connections between language and math, sparking curiosity and engagement.

Your class will dive into discussions about wordplay, mathematical puzzles, and the imaginative possibilities that arise when literature and math join forces. It’s a whimsical adventure that transcends the pages. Laying the foundation of a lifelong appreciation for the beauty of language and logic of math.

3. The Counterclockwise Heart by Brian Farrey – Unveiling an Enchanting Destiny

The Counterclockwise Heart is another great fantasy novel grades 3 - 5.

Brian Farrey’s The Counterclockwise Heart is a mesmerizing fantasy that weaves together mystery, magic, and the heartbeat of destiny. Join Prince Alphonsus and mage Esme on an extraordinary quest where past and future entwine in a race against time.

In the heart of Rheinvelt, shadows cast a foreboding veil over the empire. A mysterious statue calls for impending darkness as the disappearance of the Hierophants leaves the land vulnerable. Prince Alphonsus, entrusted with a clock in his chest ticking backward to an unknown fate, is dispatched by Empress Sabine to calm fears. Meanwhile, the borders bristle with shadowy creatures, and an ancient countdown begins.

As Alphonsus encounters Esme, a Hierophant girl with her own quest, their intertwined destinies unravel riddles that could shape the future of Rheinvelt. The ticking clock becomes a heartbeat echoing urgency. Propelling them into a quest where trust, courage, and the power of shared history hold the key.

Enter into a world where shadows whisper secrets, magic challenges both heart and mind, and the fate of an empire rests in the hands of two unlikely heroes.

4. The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan – Fantasy Book Full of Mythical Quests and Modern Adventures

Grab your swords and put on your armor because we’re diving headfirst into the mythical quests and modern adventures of The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan.

This isn’t your average bedtime story but an epic journey that seamlessly weaves the tapestry of Greek mythology into the fabric of contemporary storytelling.

Percy Jackson is an ordinary kid with a not-so-ordinary destiny. As he navigates the challenges of the modern world, he discovers that he’s not just any teenager.

He’s the son of Poseidon, the Greek god of the sea. And the adventures? Oh, they’re as epic as they come. From battling monsters straight out of ancient myths to unraveling the mysteries of Mount Olympus, Percy’s quest is a rollercoaster of mythical proportions.

Rick Riordan isn’t just telling stories but crafting a transportive experience that plunges your readers into the heart of Greek mythology. Your readers will journey alongside Percy, encountering gods, monsters, and prophecies that’ll have them on the edge of their seats.

It’s a tale that ignites your imagination, introduces complex characters, and leaves your readers eagerly reaching for the next installment.

5. The Tale of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo – A Mouse’s Quest for Heroism

Prepare to be whisked away on a captivating adventure with The Tale of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo.

This enchanting tale follows the extraordinary journey of a small mouse named Despereaux, whose heart beats with courage in a world that often underestimates the power of the tiny.

Despereaux, unlike his fellow mice, isn’t content with the mundane. Instead, he dreams of grandeur, knights, and heroic deeds.

As he sets out on a quest against the odds, readers are drawn into a world filled with intricate characters, unforeseen challenges, and the timeless themes of bravery and heroism.

The Tale of Despereaux is a tapestry of courage woven into every page. DiCamillo’s narrative explores the resilience found in the smallest of creatures. This leads your readers to engage in discussions about bravery, standing up against adversity, and embracing one’s inner hero.

Your students will be spellbound by Despereaux’s adventures and will root for a hero who defies expectations.

Fostering a Love for Fantasy Books in Your School Library!

As you weave captivating fantasy novels into your collection, remember the profound impact each page can have on your readers’ relationship with reading and learning.

Beyond the words on paper, these fantasy books serve as portals to realms of wonder and discovery. Each turn of the page is an invitation for your students to not only delve into enchanting narratives but also explore the boundless landscapes of their own imaginations.

As you witness your students enthralled by the allure of mythical creatures, courageous heroes, and imaginative landscapes, relish in the knowledge that you’re fostering more than just literacy. You’re nurturing a lifelong appreciation for the written word. A gift that never goes out of style and accompanies them on every page of their personal journey.

So, here’s to happy reading and happy teaching! May the magic within these fantasy books continue to illuminate the path to a world where learning is an adventure. Each story read becomes a cherished chapter in the book of a lifelong reader.

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Embark on a captivating journey with fantasy books, specially crafted for school librarians! Enter into the enchanting universe of fantasy books designed for Kindergarten through 5th grade, where mythical creatures and epic adventures come to life. Discover handpicked tales that are more than just stories. They're gateways to imagination in the classroom. Transform learning into an exciting journey and ignite the magic of reading in your students. #stayingcoolinthelibrary #fantasybooks

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