Books like 'Carnival Magic'
Readers who enjoyed Carnival Magic by Amy Ephron also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
fantasy action / adventure magic children magical-realism female-mc season-summer friendship family low-fantasy
-
Still Life by Jacqueline West, Lexy Fridell
Rated: 4.42 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsThe fifth and final book in The Books of Elsewhere.Annabelle McMartin is gone for good, but something worse lurks just out of sight--watching, waiting, preparing to strike. Then a field trip to the local art museum reveals a shock...Categorized as:
children family female-mc friendship low-fantasy magic magical-realism action-adventure -
Dory Dory Black Sheep by Abby Hanlon
Rated: 4.42 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsDory turns learning to read into a hilarious adventure through the power of imagination--perfect for fans of Junie B. Jones and Ivy and Bean! Ever since Dory met Rosabelle, a real true friend whose imagination and high spirits match her own, school has been pretty good. But now the class is learning to read, and it's proving to be a challenge for Dory...Categorized as:
children family friendship low-fantasy magical-realism action-adventure book children-books -
Dory Fantasmagory: the Real True Friend by Abby Hanlon
Rated: 4.42 of 5 stars · 24 ratingsThe star of Dory Fantasmagory is heading to school. Her older siblings, Luke and Violet, warn her to leave her imaginary friend, Mary, at home—or better yet, leave her whole imagination at home! Dory is determined to behave like a “regular old girl who never gets in trouble,” but on her very first day she meets a new friend, a girl whose imagination and style are just about as wild as her own... -
The Treasure of the Sea by Thea Stilton, Tea Stilton
Rated: 4.46 of 5 stars · 21 ratingsThea Stilton and the Thea Sisters are needed to help another magical land. The music of the sea has disappeared from the depths of the enchanted Land of the Ocean! If it doesn't return soon, the kingdom will perish.The mouselets and their friend Will Mystery travel to the underwater realm to search for the magical music...Categorized as:
children friendship magic season-summer action-adventure book children-books fiction -
-
Dory Fantasmagory: Head in the Clouds by Abby Hanlon, Suzy Jackson
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsA loose tooth leads to hilarious hijinks with the tooth fairy in book four of the wonderfully imaginative Dory Fantasmagory seriesDory has her first loose tooth, and, with her usual over-the-top excitement, she cannot stop talking about the tooth fairy. Naturally, this drives her brother and sister crazy. But it also sparks a serious jealous streak in her nemesis, Mr...Categorized as:
children family friendship low-fantasy magical-realism action-adventure book children-books -
Lizzy and the Cloud by Terry Fan
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsFrom the critically acclaimed, award-winning creators of Ocean Meets Sky and The Night Gardener comes a whimsical and sweet tale of a young girl who cares for her pet cloud as it grows.It’s a little out of fashion to buy a pet cloud, but Lizzy doesn’t mind. She’s not looking for a big one or a fancy one, just one that’s right for her. And she finds it in Milo...Categorized as:
magical-realism children friendship family low-fantasy children-books fantasy fiction -
Perfect Princesses by Kay Woodward
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsWith its beautiful cover, make-and-do ideas and accessible text, this book will engage and inform young girls about princesses, past, present and fairytale. The text is written with passion and enthusiasm, packed with facts, and is accompanied by adorable line-and tone illustrations...Categorized as:
children family friendship low-fantasy magical-realism action-adventure book children-books -
The Magic of the Lost Temple by Sudha Murty
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsCity girl Nooni is surprised at the pace of life in her grandparents' village in Karnataka. But she quickly gets used to the gentle routine there and involves herself in a flurry of activities, including papad making, organizing picnics and learning to ride a cycle, with her new-found friends. Things get exciting when Nooni stumbles upon an ancient fabled stepwell right in the middle of a forest...Categorized as:
children low-fantasy magical-realism action-adventure book children-books fiction middle-grade -
Dream Animals: A Bedtime Journey by Emily Winfield Martin
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsIdeal for bed time reading, this book will appeal to parents and children who love Grandfather Twilight and On the Night That You Were Born. Author, illustrator, and creator of The Black Apple Etsy shop, Emily Martin convinces children to close their eyes and discover who their dream animal might be—and what dream it might take them to...Categorized as:
children family low-fantasy magical-realism action-adventure animals book children-books -
Ocean Meets Sky by Terry Fan, Eric Fan
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 16 ratings“Young readers will be captivated.” —The Washington Post From the creators of the gorgeous bestseller The Night Gardener, comes a stunning new picture book about a young boy who sets sail to find a place his grandfather told him about…the spot where the ocean meets the sky.It’s a good day for sailing. Finn lives by the sea and the sea lives by him...Categorized as:
children family low-fantasy magic magical-realism season-summer action-adventure animals -
Chalk by Bill Thomson
Rated: 4.22 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsThree children discover a magical bag of chalk on a rainy... -
Harry Potter: A Magical Year -- The Illustrations of Jim Kay by J.K. Rowling
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsA unique and beautiful gift book celebrating the art of Jim Kay -- 366 magical moments from J.K Rowling’s Harry Potter novels, evoked in spellbinding brushstrokes, characterful ink work, and illuminating pencil sketches.This irresistible gift book takes readers on an unforgettable journey through the seasons at Hogwarts...Categorized as:
children friendship magic action-adventure book children-books fiction witches-wizards -
When the Sky Is Like Lace by Elinor Lander Horwitz
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsWhat happens when it's bimulous and the sky is like lace? Strange and splendid things! Otters sing, trees dance, and the grass is like gooseberry jam. There's a special party that anyone can attend. Anyone, that is, who knows the rules and isn't afraid of plum-purple shadows, can cook spaghetti and would like to teach a new song to the otters...Categorized as:
children family low-fantasy magic magical-realism action-adventure book children-books -
Recollection by Shienny M.S.
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratings"Karena kamu tahu siapa aku yang sesungguhnya, bahkan di saat aku meragukan diriku sendiri."Saat berburu, Elya menemukan seorang pemuda sekarat di antara jasad prajurit Legiun Falthemnar dan membawanya pulang untuk dirawat. Karena pemuda itu tak ingat jati diri atau bahkan namanya sendiri, Elya memanggilnya Lucca, yang artinya anak hilang... -
-
The Silver Swamp: A Branches Book by Katrina Charman
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsTag and Skyla must rescue Blaze, in this action-packed fantasy adventure series!Pick a book. Grow a Reader!This series is part of Scholastic's early chapter book line, Branches, aimed at newly independent readers. With easy-to-read text, high-interest content, fast-paced plots, and illustrations on every page, these books will boost reading confidence and stamina... -
The Wishing Game by Meg Shaffer
Rated: 4.43 of 5 stars · 7 ratingsYears ago, a reclusive mega-bestselling children’s author quit writing under mysterious circumstances. Suddenly he resurfaces with a brand-new book and a one-of-a-kind competition, offering a prize that will change the winner’s life in this absorbing and whimsical novel.“Clever, dark, and hopeful . . -
Magic Required by Obert Skye
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsThe final answer to the existence of magic.Ozzy and his friend Sigi are in more danger than ever before. After being injected with the mindcontrolling serum, Ozzy is learning to control the minds of people, but he is still being hunted by Ray, the power-mad villain who will stop at nothing to find and possess the formula...Categorized as:
children family friendship low-fantasy magic magical-realism action-adventure audiobook -
The Last Firefox by Lee Newbery, Laura Catalan
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsA heartwarming story about family, friendship and finding your inner fire.Between bullies at school and changes at home, Charlie Challinor finds life a bit scary. And when he's made guardian of a furry fox cub called Cadno, things get a whole lot scarier.Because Cadno isn't just any fox: he's a firefox - the only one of his kind - and a sinister hunter from another world is on his trail... -
Demon Dentist by David Walliams
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 24 ratingsThis New York Times bestseller from David Walliams, the UK’s #1 bestselling children’s author and “the heir to Roald Dahl” (The Spectator), launched his books stateside in a big way!Walliams makes going to the dentist a wacky adventure with his signature humor—this is one dentist appointment you don’t want to miss.Something strange is happening in Alfie's town...Categorized as:
children family friendship low-fantasy magic magical-realism action-adventure audiobook -
Riddles and Danger by Bryan Chick
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsNoah, Megan, Richie, and Ella are the Action Scouts; friends whose tree house overlooks the Clarksville City Zoo. When they discover a magical world hidden within the zoo, they are swept away on an adventure in which penguins can fly, a mysterious figure lurks in the shadows, and the scouts are enlisted to help Mr. Darby, who is in charge of the Secret Zoo... -
Up the Faraway Tree by Enid Blyton
Rated: 4.21 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsThe final book in the extraordinary Faraway Tree series, published as a stand-alone edition for the first time in more than three decades! One day, Robin and Joy read about the Magic Faraway Tree in a book and decide to go meet Joe, Beth and Frannie themselves...Categorized as:
children low-fantasy magic magical-realism action-adventure book children-books classics -
Gorilla by Anthony Browne
Rated: 4.19 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsAnthony Browne’s incomparable artwork illuminates the deeply satisfying story of a lonely girl, a friendly gorilla, and their enchanted night out.Hannah spends all of her time reading gorilla books, watching gorilla TV shows, and drawing gorilla pictures. She has gorillas on her bedside lamp and even on her box of cereal... -
James Potter and the Morrigan Web by G. Norman Lippert
Rated: 4.19 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsAs James Potter returns to Hogwarts in the wake of "the Night of the Unveiling", he discovers that even in the protected center of the magical world, nothing is quite the same.Despite the Ministry's efforts, the Vow of Secrecy is crumbling the world over, eroding age-old safeguards and threatening magical and Muggle governments with dark magic conspiracies... -
The Puppets of Spelhorst by Kate DiCamillo, Julie Morstad
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsA New York Times bestseller!“Kate DiCamillo's dazzling first title in the Norendy Tales trilogy is brimming with wit, whimsy, and heart as it follows five puppets fulfilling their thrilling shared destiny.” – Shelf AwarenessShut up in a trunk by a taciturn old sea captain with a secret, five friends—a king, a wolf, a girl, a boy, and an owl—bicker, boast, and comfort one another in the dark... -
-
Iron Tide Rising by Carrie Ryan, John Parke Davis
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsMagical worlds and incredible creatures fill the pages of this epic, action-packed finale of the Map to Everywhere series, from John Parke Davis and New York Times bestselling author Carrie Ryan!Intrepid travelers Fin and Marrill have shared countless thrilling and treacherous adventures on the magical waters of the Pirate Stream... -
The Bootlace Magician by Cassie Beasley
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsFans of Cassie Beasley's New York Times best-selling novel Circus Mirandus will finally get to return to the circus in this magical, long-awaited sequel.Micah Tuttle--magician in training--lives and works at Circus Mirandus alongside his guardian, the ancient and powerful Lightbender...Categorized as:
children family friendship low-fantasy magic magical-realism action-adventure audiobook -
On the Trail by Kiki Thorpe
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsFour best friends—Kate, Mia, Lainey, and Gabby—travel to Never Land, where they find adventure, friendship, and . . . mystery! When the girls realize that animal talent fairy Fawn is missing, the search is on. Tinker Bell and the Disney Fairies star in a magical early chapter book series for readers ages 6 to 9—The Never Girls!From the Trade Paperback edition... -
Poppy Mayberry, The Monday by Jennie K. Brown
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsWhat if your teacher could read your mind just because she was born on a Thursday? Or the kid next to you in class could turn back the clock just because he was a Wednesday? In the quirky town of Nova, all of this is normal. Poppy Mayberry, an almost-11-year-old Monday, should be able to pass notes in class or brush her dog, Pickle, without lifting a finger...Categorized as:
children low-fantasy magical-realism action-adventure book children-books fiction middle-grade -
Ottilie Colter and the Narroway Hunt by Rhiannon Williams
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsIn the most thrilling fantasy of the year, a young girl must pretend to be a boy to rescue her brother from a secret order of monster hunters. Ottilie Colter and her brother, Gully, have always fended for themselves. So when Gully goes missing one night, Ottilie sets out to find him – and soon makes a horrible discovery... -
The Hall Monitors Are Fired!: A Branches Book (Eerie Elementary #8) by Jack Chabert
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsPick a book. Grow a Reader!This series is part of Scholastic's early chapter book line Branches, aimed at newly independent readers. With easy-to-read text, high-interest content, fast-paced plots, and illustrations on every page, these books will boost reading confidence and stamina. Branches books help readers grow!In this eighth book, Sam and his friends keep getting into trouble...Categorized as:
children friendship magical-realism action-adventure book children-books fiction horror -
A Week without Tuesday by Angelica Banks, Stevie Lewis
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsSomething is broken in the land of story. Real and imaginary worlds are colliding — putting everything and everyone in grave peril. Tuesday and Baxterr, at the request of the Librarian, and with the help of Vivienne Small, venture to find the Gardener — the one person who can stop this catastrophe. On their way, they'll meet friends and foes, and discover strengths they didn't know they had...Categorized as:
children family low-fantasy magic magical-realism action-adventure book children-books -
The Midnight Fair by Gideon Sterer
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsAs darkness falls on the fairgrounds, the animals venture out of the woods for one magical, memorable night! An exhilarating wordless picture book.Far from the city, but not quite the countryside, lies a fairground. When night comes and the fair is empty, something unexpected happens... -
Has Anyone Seen Jessica Jenkins? by Liz Kessler
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsJessica Jenkins has always been a perfectly ordinary girl—until one day part of her arm vanishes in the middle of geography class! Jessica’s friends Izzy and Tom are determined to help her develop her newfound invisibility, though Jessica is more concerned with discovering where the ability came from...Categorized as:
children friendship low-fantasy magic magical-realism action-adventure book children-books -
Magic Candies by Heena Baek, Anna Duesa
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsA quirky story about finding your voice, from internationally acclaimed author Heena Baek.Tong Tong could never have imagined what everyone around him was thinking. But when he gets hold of some magic candies, suddenly there are voices everywhere. He can hear how his couch feels, what upsets his dog, that his demanding dad loves him. He even gets to catch up with his dead grandmother... -
-
We Forgot Brock! by Carter Goodrich
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsThe importance of imaginary friends is very real in this picture book adventure from the author of Say Hello to Zorro! and lead character designer for Despicable Me, Finding Nemo, and Monsters, Inc.Phillip and Brock are best friends. Everyone can see Phillip, but only Phillip can see Brock... -
Once Upon a Book by Grace Lin, Kate Messner
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsFrom Caldecott and Newbery Honoree Grace Lin and bestselling author Kate Messner comes a modern folktale about the joy of reading.Once upon a time, there was a girl. She went to a place alive with colors, where even the morning dew was warm. Alice loves to imagine herself in the magical pages of her favorite book...Categorized as:
family children magical-realism low-fantasy fantasy children-books action-adventure fiction -
Dory Fantasmagory by Abby Hanlon, نلی محجوب
Rated: 4.19 of 5 stars · 29 ratingsMove over, Junie B. Jones and Ivy & Bean! Here comes a lovably energetic little sister with a BIG personality—and an imagination to match!As the youngest in her family, Dory really wants attention, and more than anything she wants her brother and sister to play with her. But she’s too much of a baby for them, so she’s left to her own devices—including her wild imagination and untiring energy...Categorized as:
children family female-mc friendship low-fantasy magical-realism action-adventure audiobook -
Wish Girl by Nikki Loftin
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsA dying girl gives a boy the strength to live in this lyrical novel that will break your heart and lift your spirit Peter Stone’s parents and siblings are extroverts, musicians, and yellers—and the louder they get, the less Peter talks, or even moves, until he practically fits his last name...Categorized as:
children family friendship low-fantasy magic magical-realism season-summer action-adventure -
The Castle of Tangled Magic by Sophie Anderson
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsMagic and whimsy meet in this Howl’s Moving Castle for a new generation from the critically adored Sophie Anderson, author of The House with Chicken Legs.Twelve-year-old Olia knows a thing or two about secrets. Her parents are the caretakers of Castle Mila, a soaring palace with golden domes, lush gardens, and countless room. Literally countless rooms...Categorized as:
children family friendship low-fantasy magic magical-realism action-adventure animals -
A Dandelion Wish by Kiki Thorpe
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsKate, Mia, Lainey, and Gabby are special girls. They know how to travel between their hometown and Never Land—through a broken slat in a backyard fence. But what happens when the fence is repaired . . -
The Time of the Fireflies by Kimberley Griffiths Little
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsCritically acclaimed author Kimberley Griffiths Little spins a thrilling story of one girl's race to unravel the curse that has haunted her family for generations. When Larissa Renaud starts receiving eerie phone calls on a disconnected old phone in her family's antique shop, she knows she's in for a strange summer...Categorized as:
children family friendship low-fantasy magic magical-realism season-summer action-adventure -
Imagine a Night by Sarah L. Thomson
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsImagine a night when you can ride your bike right up the stairs to your bed. Imagine a night when your toy train rumbles on its tracks out of your room and roars back in, full sized, ready for you to hop on for a nighttime adventure. Imagine a night when a farmer plays a lullaby on his fiddle, and his field of sunflowers begins to dip and sway to the rhythm...Categorized as:
children family low-fantasy magical-realism action-adventure book children-books contemporary -
The Runaway Dolls by Ann M. Martin, Laura Godwin
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsBest friends Annabelle Doll and Tiffany Funcraft are back, and this time they've got an unexpected visitor, a new doll named Tilly May. She's arrived in a mysterious package from London, but her face looks so familiar... . Could she be Annabelle's long lost baby sister? Annabelle is convinced it absolutely must be so-but her parents refuse to believe her... -
Mary Poppins Opens the Door by P.L. Travers
Rated: 4.11 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsFrom the moment Mary Poppins arrives at Number Seventeen Cherry-Tree Lane, everyday life at the Banks house is forever changed. This classic series tells the story of the world's most beloved nanny, who brings enchantment and excitement with her everywhere she goes. Featuring the charming original cover art by Mary Shepard, these new editions are sure to delight readers of all ages... -
-
The Frame-Up by Wendy McLeod MacKnight
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsGreenwillow has bought Wendy McLeod MacKnight's second novel. Twelve-year-old Sargent Singer is sent away from home to reconnect with his estranged father, who is the director of an art gallery. During his visit, Sargent sees a portrait of a girl named Mona Dunn stick out her tongue and the secret of the gallery is revealed...Categorized as:
children family female-mc friendship low-fantasy magical-realism season-summer action-adventure -
Rules for Thieves by Alexandra Ott
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsAfter twelve-year-old orphan, Alli Rosco, is cursed with a deadly spell, she must join the legendary Thieves Guild in order to try and save herself in this high-stakes debut.Twelve-year-old Alli Rosco is smart, resourceful, and totally incapable of keeping her mouth shut... -
Molly Twinkletail Runs Away by Daisy Meadows
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsFrom the mind of Daisy Meadows comes a new fantasy world, with the same great magical voice as Rainbow Magic but brand-new adventures!Best friends Jess and Lily visit Friendship Forest, where animals can talk and magic exists!The girls are excited to go to the Friendship Forest fair, but Grizelda the witch wants to spoil everyone's fun! When her sneaky helpers, the Boggits, trick little Molly... -
Bella Tabbypaw in Trouble by Daisy Meadows
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsFrom the mind of Daisy Meadows comes a new fantasy world, with the same great magical voice as Rainbow Magic but brand-new adventures!Best friends Jess and Lily visit Friendship Forest, where animals can talk and magic exists!The girls can't wait to have a sleepover in Friendship Forest! But when brave little Bella TabbyPaw gets into trouble with the witch Grizelda's helpers, the Boggits, can... -
Anna's Icy Adventure by Elise Allen, Walt Disney Company
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsWalt Disney Animation Studios presents an epic tale of adventure and comedy with Frozen . When a prophecy traps a kingdom in eternal winter, Anna, a young dreamer, must team up with Kristoff, a daring mountain man, and his reindeer on the grandest of journeys to find Anna's sister, the Snow Queen Elsa, and put an end to her icy spell... -
Adventure Is Now by Jess Redman
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsA fun-filled, action-packed middle grade novel about a boy who learns about protecting the environment, finding real friends, and living in the now while spending the summer on a remote island.Sometimes it's hard to be Milton P. Greene. He says all the wrong things, his family is falling apart, and everyone at school avoids him because of the very embarrassing Bird Brain Incident...Categorized as:
magical-realism friendship children family season-summer middle-grade action-adventure fantasy
Or - use our amazing romance book finder to get recommendations based on your favorite content tropes and themes. Mix and match at will.