I loved fantasy books as a kid. Pretty sure, many of us did! Fantasy books offer an escape to magical land whenever we read them.

Check these highly recommended fantasy books for 1st to 5th graders. Kids love them! Let your child’s imagination take wings. Some of them are book series, so the magic ride continues.

The chapters are short and the pages are beautifully illustrated. 6-10 year-olds can choose from a wide range of fantasy books available – Dragons, witches, talking animals, special powers.

If your child is new to this genre, check the fantasy picture books here.

15 Fun Fantasy Books For 1st-5th Graders in 2022

Children's fantasy books for kids in grades 1-5

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On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness

A fantasy book for 1st-5th graders - On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness

On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness by Andrew Peterson(Author), Joe Sutphin(Illustrator). Fangs of Dang have crossed the dark sea and now want to rule the land. Can Janner Igiby and his siblings stop his evil intention?

They need to use all their special gifts. This war story is about the strength of family. The characters are well-etched and the story is rich in fantasy.

The mythical creatures give an otherworldly vibe. Check out other beginner reader fantasy books from this popular series here.

Where the Mountain Meets the Moon

A fantasy book for 1st-5th graders - Where the Mountain Meets the Moon

Where the Mountain Meets the Moon by Grace Lin is a Time Magazine 100 Best Fantasy Books of All Time selection! This fantasy novel is inspired by Chinese folklore.

Young Minli is from a poor family. In the evening, she listens to stories of Dragons and the Old Man on the Moon from her father. Inspired, Minli ventures to find the Old Man in a quest to change her family’s fortune.

Read about Minli’s fascinating journey here, along with other magical creatures she encounters on the way. A good read for 1st graders and above.

Nonni’s Moon

 Nonni's Moon - A fantasy book for 1st-5th graders

Nonni’s Moon This is the story about an adorable child Beanie and her grandmother(Nonni) who live across different time zones. So they find a way to communicate with each other – through the moon.

The concept of the moon is heart-touching and shows a way for kids to be imaginative and feel closer to loved ones staying far. The fantasy book is for 1st-5th grade elementary kids.

James & The Giant Peach

A fantasy book for 1st-5th graders - James & The Giant Peach

James & The Giant Peach Jump into the imagination of Roald Dahl with this classic fantasy book. The characters are fun, quirky and the story is interesting.

The short chapters make this an easy read for beginner readers.

The Girl Who Could Fly

A fantasy book for 1st-5th graders - The Girl Who Could Fly

The Girl Who Could Fly Piper McCloud is a special child who can float and fly. Her parents send her to a top-secret, maximum-security school for kids with exceptional abilities.

But not everything goes smoothly in school. Read the fantasy chapter book series suitable for 6-10 year-olds.

Emerald the Mermaid

A fantasy book for 1st-5th graders - Emerald the Mermaid

Emerald the Mermaid Emerald is a beautiful and kind mermaid. Other mermaids are always jealous of her and do not want to be her friends. However, her life changes when she meets Flip-Flop, the dolphin, one day.

The story is an easy read showcasing that kindness goes a long way. This book is definitely for mermaid lovers.

The Little Wooden Robot and the Log Princess

A fantasy book for 1st-5th graders - The Little Wooden Robot and the Log Princess

The Little Wooden Robot and the Log Princess by Tom Gauld. The king and queen are childless and finally get a wooden robot and an enchanted log princess from an engineer and a witch.

However, one day, the log princess is accidentally carted off. Read how the wooden robot brother finds her, and they help each other to come back home.
The beautiful picture book with a fascinating story and mesmerizing artwork would stay with the reader long after.

Not a Witch, Not a Fairy

A fantasy book for 1st-5th graders - Not a Witch, Not a Fairy

Not a Witch, Not a Fairy by Navita Dello. Read the story of young Marvel with special powers. As she struggles with her school life, she meets an unusual boy Zylo, in the invisible woods.

Read on the journey of self-discovery as Marvel comes to understand her true self and about her past. A mystery and magic-filled story is a delightful read for 3rd graders and above.

The Fartastic Halloween Of Trixie The Witch

A fantasy book for 1st-5th graders - The Fartastic Halloween Of Trixie The Witch

The Fartastic Halloween Of Trixie The Witch is a humorous fantasy book for elementary kids. Little Trixie is a witch, and it is a secret. On Halloween, she decided to have some fun and go on playing real tricks on the people.

Join in the fun adventure of Trixie in trick-or-treating. She ends up meeting some amazing friends and learning some valuable lessons.

It is a hilarious read with moral lessons. Also, check out other books from Fantastic Tales series.

A Wild Ride

A fantasy book for 1st-5th graders - A Wild Ride

A Wild Ride by Niki Danforth. Moxie Wyoming dreams of being a rodeo star. But, her spirit dampened when her father gifted her an old mare, Misty.

However, soon Moxie realizes Misty’s true strength as she helps her meet good friends stop bad people. A fantastic story about the magic of about friendship and adventure.

Polar Express

A fantasy book for 1st-5th graders - Polar Express

Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg is a 1986 Caldecott Medal winner. Read the journey of a young boy to the North Pole. There he makes his Christmas wish.

The book is for kids to believe in the power of magic. This classic holiday story has been a favorite for generations.

A Silly Milly Christmas

A fantasy book for 1st-5th graders - A Silly Milly Christmas

A Silly Milly Christmas is a laugh riot. Read the funny story of Silly Milly and her antics. The canine goes on spoiling Christmas presents, eating holiday goodies, slobbering over visitors a and drinking from the toilet bowl.

With vivid colorful pictures and beautiful rhymes, this animal fantasy book is perfect for a fun family read-aloud.

The Mouse and the Motorcycle

A fantasy book for 1st-5th graders - The Mouse and the Motorcycle

The Mouse and the Motorcycle by Beverly Cleary (Author), Jacqueline Rogers (Illustrator). Ralph- the mouse has his eyes on Keith’s new red toy motorcycle. So, when he finds it unattended one day, he decides to ride it.

But the riding does not get as planned with many prying eyes and obstacles on the way. This entertaining story is a perfect short read.

Also, check out the other two books from this series below.

The Book of Three

A fantasy book for 1st-5th graders - The Book of Three

The Book of Three is the first book from the popular classic series Chronicles of Prydain. In this book, join Taran in his quest of becoming a hero. With help from Eilonwy, Fflewddur Fflam, Gurgi, Doli, and others – he fights the evil for the land of Prydain.

The journey is adventurous with many strange encounters and evil plots. Action, adventures, heroes, villains – this fantasy tale has got it all.

Marauder’s Map Guide to Hogwarts

A fantasy book for 1st-5th graders - Marauder's Map Guide to Hogwarts

Marauder’s Map Guide to Hogwarts This one is for the Harry Potter fans. Use this secret map and explore Hogwarts like never before.

The pages are brilliantly illustrated and the text is fun. With four foldout pages complete with a wand, invisible ink – this book creates pure magic.

More 1st, 2nd, 3rd Grader Books