7 Fantasy Stories Primary School Readers Will Love To Devour

We’re back with more story book recommendations for primary school readers – because, as you know, reading is a highly beneficial for kids! Developing this daily habit is not just great for your child to keep themselves entertained and explore their imagination. Kids who read also improve in their language skills, especially in terms of reading comprehension and vocabulary, which can also translate to better writing skills.

If you’ve missed them, do also check out our other recommended books for primary school readers:

7 Mind-Boggling Mystery Stories For Primary School Readers

Satiate Your Thirst For Adventure: Stories For Primary School Children

7 Meaningful Stories About Family For Primary School Readers

Now, back to our current list – this time, we are looking at fantasy books, which is all about imagined worlds, magical creatures, and physics-defying phenomena. From secret lands to wizards and dwarfs, there’s plenty to discover and be enrapture by in these fantasy story books for children!

The Book of Three (Alexander, Lloyd)

Looking after a pig isn’t the most glamourous job, but as Assistant to the Pig Keeper, Taran had no choice. But Hen Wen is no ordinary pig, and his disappearance resulted in Taran being embroiled in a perilous journey to save the land of Prydain. Along the way, Taran is joined by memorable characters like the shaggy Gurgi, fiery Princess Eilonwy, the bard Fflewddur Fflam, and dwarf Doli.

A classic Tolkien-esque tale for kids, this story brings together lessons of courage, loyalty, and the true meaning of heroism. With thrilling plot twists, compelling characters, and imaginative world-building, the Chronicles of Prydain series is sure to captivate young readers and suck them into the world of fantasy.

The Dark is Rising (Cooper, Susan)

Most preteens have things like toys and games to look forward to on their birthdays, but not Will Stanton. At eleven years old, he discovers that he is the last of the Old Ones, a group of immortal beings who guard the world against the forces of darkness. From then, his life is changed forever as he embarks on a danger-stricken journey to defeat the evil powers that are fast enveloping their world.

Artful writing and dark themes make this series quite a mature read for young readers, but the thrill, magic, and wonder will more than make up for it. Be prepared to be inspired by the themes of bravery, sacrifice, and the enduring power of hope, gracefully weaved from elements of Celtic mythology and Arthurian legend.

A Wizard of Earthsea (Le Guin, Ursula)

Everyone has a darkness within them. But we choose whether to feed it or squash it. Ged, a brash and cocky sorcerer, was known as the greatest sorcerer in all Earthsea. Until one day, he makes a grave mistake and unleashes a terrible shadow creature into the world. Facing his own fears and even death, Ged has to do all that he can to restore the balance in the world.

At first glance, this is another of those ‘hero saves the world’ fantasy story. But this is one of those that is also beautifully introspective, with lessons of growth, self-discovery, and explorations of the tension between good and evil.

The Firework-Maker’s Daughter (Pullman, Philip)

Lila’s father is a firework-maker, and she has learnt everything she needs to know about the craft from him. Except for one thing her father has been afraid to tell her – anyone who wants to become a firework-maker needs the Royal Sulphur, and the journey to acquire it is far from easy. Determined to fulfil her dream, Lila sets off with her friend, Chulak, and a talking elephant, towards the Fire-Fiend of Mount Merapi.

A story of determination, friendship, and courage, The Firework-Maker’s Daughter is an inspiring story about following your dreams. Girls can be heroes too – as Lila shows us in this book!

Howl’s Moving Castle (Jones, Diane Wynne)

Yes! This is the original story on which the famous anime movie is based on. Howl’s Moving Castle centres around a girl named Sophie, who is cursed by the Witch of the Waste and transformed into an old lady. The only way to get her youth back is to enlist the wizard Howl, who resides in that ever-moving castle. Little did she know, there are many more secrets to uncover about the castle and Howl.

Fascinatingly enchanting, this is one of those magical tales that will stay with you for a long time. After reading the book, don’t miss out on the movie as well, which brings the story alive with its animations and poignant soundtrack.

Tom’s Midnight Garden (Pearce, Phillipa)

All clocks have twelve hours… or do they? Spending the summer at his uncle and aunt’s place, Tom notices that the old grandfather clock strikes 13 o’clock after midnight. Bored and lonely, he slips out of his bedroom to find the bewildering sight of a lush, magical garden and a girl who supposedly lives in the past.

This is a story about a secret garden, memories, and cherishing time, which is delivered in wonderful portions of mystery and magic. Set your imagination free and find the magic in the everyday as you join Tom in his discoveries!

Tuck Everlasting (Babbitt, Natalie)

After a magic spring grants the Tuck family immortality, they spend their centuries trying to live as normal people, not attracting unnecessary attention. But 10-year-old Winnie chances upon their secret, and ends up learning more about the joys and pains of living forever from the Tuck family. Things get even more complicated when a stranger with ill intentions is prying into their secret.

Readers will be challenged with deep questions about the meaning of life, existence, and happiness, as they journey through this delicate story with Winnie.

For imaginative, young minds, fantasy stories are fantastic for stirring up children’s creativity and interest for reading. With all the benefits to their language development, we think that reading should be something that is encouraged regularly!

If you are wondering about how you can improve your child’s English standards in primary school, do give it a try and encourage them to read more. Additionally, you can also get more closely guided academic support for your child by enrolling in our Primary School English Tuition at Future Academy, led by experienced and passionate tutors.

For more tuition help, including tuition for GEP students or Math Olympiad training, do get in touch with us to have a chat!