Books like 'The Mysterious Circus'
Readers who enjoyed The Mysterious Circus by Jane Langton also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
fantasy mystery action / adventure magic children animals family
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The Hive Queen by Tui T. Sutherland
Rated: 4.57 of 5 stars · 32 ratingsGrowing up in the hives, Cricket has always had a million questions... -
![The Land of Stories #1-6 by Chris Colfer]()
The Land of Stories #1-6 by Chris Colfer
Rated: 4.67 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsDive into the complete #1 New York Times bestselling series The Land of Stories with this beautiful gift set.Through the mysterious powers of a cherished book of stories, twins Alex and Conner leave their world behind and find themselves in a foreign land full of wonder and magic where they come face-to-face with the fairy tale characters they grew up reading about... -
![Exile by Shannon Messenger]()
Exile by Shannon Messenger
Rated: 4.46 of 5 stars · 45 ratingsSophie Foster thought she was safe. Settled into her home at Havenfield, surrounded by friends, and using her unique telepathic abilities to train Silveny--the first female alicorn ever seen in the Lost Cities--her life finally seems to be coming together. But Sophie's kidnappers are still out there... -
![Island of Fire by Lisa McMann]()
Island of Fire by Lisa McMann
Rated: 4.41 of 5 stars · 36 ratingsThe fate of Artimé is at stake - and an unlikely alliance could redeem it - in book three in the New York Times bestselling Unwanteds series.The magical world of Artimé is gone. The Unwanteds have no food, no water, and no hope. And everyone is looking to Alex Stowe for answers... -
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![J'apprends à compter avec le Petit Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry]()
J'apprends à compter avec le Petit Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
Rated: 4.43 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsIn 2000 Harcourt proudly reissued Antoine de Saint-Exupéry's masterpiece, The Little Prince, in a sparkling new format. Newly translated by Pulitzer Prize-winning poet Richard Howard, this timeless classic was embraced by critics and readers across the country for its purity and beauty of expression... -
![Serafina and the Seven Stars by Robert Beatty]()
Serafina and the Seven Stars by Robert Beatty
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsSerafina and Braeden make an epic return in the hotly anticipated fourth installment of Robert Beatty's #1 New York Times best-selling Serafina series. Serafina, the Guardian of Biltmore Estate, has won battle after battle against the dark forces encroaching on her home. Now, tranquility has returned to Biltmore. Serafina doesn't trust it... -
![Island of Shipwrecks by Lisa McMann]()
Island of Shipwrecks by Lisa McMann
Rated: 4.42 of 5 stars · 29 ratingsA risky decision endangers both Artimé and Quill in book five of the New York Times bestselling Unwanteds series, which Kirkus Reviews called “The Hunger Games meets Harry Potter.”Alex and his friends from Artimé are stranded on a newly discovered island after barely surviving a storm that destroys their ship... -
![The Hunt for the 100th Key by Geronimo Stilton]()
The Hunt for the 100th Key by Geronimo Stilton
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsGeronimo unlocks the mystery in this fabumouse adventure -- which includes a bonus story! My sister, Thea, had discovered an enormouse old castle built by the founder of New Mouse City! She and Trap dragged me along with them to explore it. Inside, we found one hundred keys... but only ninety-nine doors to unlock...Categorized as:
children animals children-books mystery humor fantasy action-adventure law-enforcement -
![Island of Silence by Lisa McMann]()
Island of Silence by Lisa McMann
Rated: 4.32 of 5 stars · 35 ratingsSecond book in the middle grade dystopian fantasy series, Unwanteds.The battle is over. The magical barrier between the dreary land of Quill and the fantastical world of Artimé is gone. Now residents of both places are free to mingle, but tensions are high... -
![Thea Stilton and the Cherry Blossom Adventure by Thea Stilton]()
Thea Stilton and the Cherry Blossom Adventure by Thea Stilton
Rated: 4.28 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsGeronimo's adventurous sister Thea is taking the publishing world by storm in this fabumouse tale packed with action, mystery, and friendship. In this exciting adventure, the Thea Sisters are off to Japan on a cultural exchange program. While they're busy exploring Kyoto and admiring the beautiful cherry blossoms, a valuable doll is stolen from a wealthy Japanese collector... -
![Into The Shadows by Erin Hunter]()
Into The Shadows by Erin Hunter
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsDarkness threatens the Wild Pack in this epic third book in the second Survivors series! From Erin Hunter, #1 nationally bestselling author of Warriors, Survivors is full of “wild and wonderful adventure” (Kirkus Reviews, starred review) that will thrill fans of Spirit Animals and Wings of Fire... -
![Traps and Specters by Bryan Chick]()
Traps and Specters by Bryan Chick
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsThe fourth book in the action-packed and highly imaginative The Secret Zoo series, about a group of middle school friends who discover a hidden zoo in their very own neighborhood! The zoo's archenemy, the evil DeGraff, is closing in for the first time since he was driven out of the Secret Zoo... -
![The Elders by Inbali Iserles]()
The Elders by Inbali Iserles
Rated: 4.42 of 5 stars · 21 ratingsIsla's search for her missing brother, Pirie, has brought her to the vast Wildlands. The forest is a treacherous place for a fox cub, but Isla is talented in foxcraft -- ancient arts of cunning known only to her kind.Skilled though she is, Isla's grasp of foxcraft is still new. And she's not alone... A cruel and mysterious fox stalks the forest, with the power to enslave others to his will...Categorized as:
animals children magic action-adventure anthropomorphism audiobook book children-books -
![Thea Stilton and the Great Tulip Heist by Thea Stilton]()
Thea Stilton and the Great Tulip Heist by Thea Stilton
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsJoin Thea Stilton and the Thea Sisters on an adventure packed with mystery and friendship!While Violet is taking an art class in the Netherlands, her friend's father mysteriously disappears! The missing mouse is a renowned botanist -- and his disappearance is linked to the rare black tulip. The Thea Sisters are eager to help find him... -
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![Rechenka's Eggs by Patricia Polacco]()
Rechenka's Eggs by Patricia Polacco
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsOld Babushka, known throughout all of Moskva for her beautifully painted eggs, is preparing her eggs for the Easter Festival when she takes in an injured goose. She names the goose Rechenka, and they live happily together until one day when Rechenka accidentally overturns a basket, breaking all of Babushka's lovingly crafted eggs... -
![The Snatchabook by Helen Docherty]()
The Snatchabook by Helen Docherty
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsWhere have all the bedtime stories gone?One dark, dark night in Burrow Down, a rabbit named Eliza Brown found a book and settled down...when a Snatchabook flew into town.It's bedtime in the woods of Burrow Down, and all the animals are ready for their bedtime story. But books are mysteriously disappearing. Eliza Brown decides to stay awake and catch the book thief... -
![Secrets of the Crown by Adam Jay Epstein, Andrew Jacobson]()
Secrets of the Crown by Adam Jay Epstein, Andrew Jacobson
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsPrepare for the unfamiliarWhen every bit of human magic disappears suddenly from Vastia, it falls on the familiars—Aldwyn the telekinetic cat, Skylar the know-it-all blue jay, and Gilbert the gullible tree frog—to find the Crown of the Snow Leopard, an ancient relic that can reverse the curse... -
![The Dance of the Star Fairies by Thea Stilton, Iacopo Bruno]()
The Dance of the Star Fairies by Thea Stilton, Iacopo Bruno
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsThe Thea Sisters are on a magical adventure!The Thea Sisters' next adventure to the Kingdom of the... -
![When the Sky Is Like Lace by Elinor Lander Horwitz]()
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... -
![Sisters Grimm Series 1-9 Hardcover Collection (The Fairy-Tale Detectives, The Unusual Suspects, The Problem Child, Once Upon a Crime, Magic and Other Misdemeanors, Tales from the Hood, The Everafter War, The Inside Story, The Council of Mirrors, 1-9) by Michael Buckley]()
Sisters Grimm Series 1-9 Hardcover Collection (The Fairy-Tale Detectives, The Unusual Suspects, The Problem Child, Once Upon a Crime, Magic and Other Misdemeanors, Tales from the Hood, The Everafter War, The Inside Story, The Council of Mirrors, 1-9) by Michael Buckley
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsWith the winning combination of "Nancy Drew" meets "Shrek," the "Sisters Grimm" series will entertain with a hilarious mix of mysteries and fairy tale twists.In the tradition of "Lemony Snicket's Series of Unfortunate Events" and "The Spiderwick Chronicles" comes a new humorous mystery of fantastic circumstances... -
![The Mage by Inbali Iserles]()
The Mage by Inbali Iserles
Rated: 4.51 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsIsla has arrived at the frigid Snowlands to find her lost brother, Pirie. The tundra is a harsh place -- and the wolves who live within its icy kingdoms are harsher still -- but Isla's flair for the mysterious arts of foxcraft has grown tremendously.The young fox is on a mission of grave importance...Categorized as:
animals children magic action-adventure anthropomorphism book children-books fiction -
![The Secret of the Crystal Fairies by Thea Stilton, Geronimo Stilton]()
The Secret of the Crystal Fairies by Thea Stilton, Geronimo Stilton
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsJoin Thea Stilton and the Thea Sisters on an adventure packed with fantasy and friendship!The Thea Sisters are just about to head off on their separate family vacations when they receive a call from Will Mystery. Once again, there is trouble in one of the imaginary kingdoms! A crack has been discovered in one of the maps in the Hall of Roses... -
![The Harp and the Ravenvine by Ted Sanders]()
The Harp and the Ravenvine by Ted Sanders
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsIN THE WORLD OF THE KEEPERS, IT'S BEST NOT TO SPEAK IN TERMS OF THE IMPOSSIBLE.Horace F. Andrews, Keeper of the fabled Box of Promises, knows that nothing is impossible. After all, he has the ability to see into the future, and his friend Chloe can walk through walls... -
![Enchanted Palace by Rosie Banks]()
Enchanted Palace by Rosie Banks
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsEnter a magical world full of friendship and fun!Ellie, Summer, and Jasmine are the very best of friends. Then one day, they find a magical box that whisks them away to the Secret Kingdom, a world full of every wonderfully magical thing under the sun. But an evil queen wants to ruin the Secret Kingdom so she can rule it for all time... -
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![Riddles and Danger by Bryan Chick]()
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... -
![Secrets and Shadows by Bryan Chick]()
Secrets and Shadows by Bryan Chick
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 12 ratings"We will need you as Crossers, and we will need you not only to be brave—but to be fearless." Mr. Darby paused, giving the scouts time to digest his words. Then he continued. "I want you to think before answering. Can you accept this challenge?"Only weeks after their return from the Secret Zoo, Noah and his friends must go back—and face their biggest challenge yet... -
![Lost Lullaby by Jason Segel]()
Lost Lullaby by Jason Segel
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 12 ratings"Coraline meets Monsters, Inc. in this delightfully entertaining offering from actor [Jason] Segel and co-author [Kirsten] Miller." --Publishers Weekly, on book one in the series Stay up late with the hilariously frightening middle-grade novel Nightmares! The Lost Lullaby... -
![James Potter and the Morrigan Web by G. Norman Lippert]()
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... -
![Arcade Catastrophe by Brandon Mull]()
Arcade Catastrophe by Brandon Mull
Rated: 4.19 of 5 stars · 32 ratingsIt will take more than magical candy to win this war!Something fishy is going on over at the new amusement centre in Walnut Hills. The trouble seems linked to the mysterious disappearance of Mozag and John Dart, who have spent their lives policing the magical community... -
![The Verdigris Pawn by Alysa Wishingrad]()
The Verdigris Pawn by Alysa Wishingrad
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsHarperCollins has bought Alysa Wishingrad's The Verdigris Pawn, an upper middle grade fantasy novel about a boy who must break free from being a pawn in his father's quest for power if he is to save his people. Publication is slated for winter 2021... -
![The Incredible Painting of Felix Clousseau by Jon Agee]()
The Incredible Painting of Felix Clousseau by Jon Agee
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsAn unknown painter becomes an overnight sensation when his paintings imitate life too well by quacking, crawling, and erupting all over Paris.The Incredible Painting of Felix Clousseau is a 1988 New York Times Book Review Notable Children's Book of the Year... -
![Jane Doe and the Key of All Souls by Jeremy Lachlan]()
Jane Doe and the Key of All Souls by Jeremy Lachlan
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsJane Doe is in more danger than ever before. Her father is still imprisoned. The Manor, the hallowed world between worlds, is still dying. The villainous Roth is still searching for the mythical, all-powerful Cradle Sea. Worst of all, Jane has learned that she is, literally, one of the keys needed to stop him... -
![The Pennymores and the Curse of the Invisible Quill by Eric Koester]()
The Pennymores and the Curse of the Invisible Quill by Eric Koester
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsThe Pennymores is a Goodreads Reader's Choice 2022 Finalist! When her brother vanishes in the night, along with all she thought to be true of magic, Parker Pennymore must unmask family secrets, travel far beyond the castle walls, and convince her sisters to break a few laws along the way - but what's a hero’s journey without a little rebellion? Created first as a bedtime story with his... -
![Beetle Queen by M.G. Leonard]()
Beetle Queen by M.G. Leonard
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsCruel beetle fashionista, Lucretia Cutter, is at large with her yellow ladybird spies. When Darkus, Virginia and Bertolt discover further evidence of her evil, they're determined to stop her. But the three friends are in trouble. Darkus' dad has forbidden them to investigate any further - and disgusting crooks Humphrey and Pickering are out of prison... -
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![A Week without Tuesday by Angelica Banks, Stevie Lewis]()
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... -
![A Little Taste of Poison by R.J. Anderson]()
A Little Taste of Poison by R.J. Anderson
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsTwelve-year-old Isaveth tries to take down the man who framed her father for murder in this lively follow-up to A Pocket Full of Murder, which Kirkus Reviews called thoroughly entertaining. The city of Tarreton is powered by magic, from simple tablets that light lamps to advanced Sagery that can murder a man from afar... -
![The Secret of Ashona by Kaza Kingsley, James Ng]()
The Secret of Ashona by Kaza Kingsley, James Ng
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsErec Rex might still become king—but the closer he gets, the more dangerous his tasks become.Given his romance brewing with Bethany, the discovery that his siblings are secretly king and queen of the Fairy world, and the knowledge that the Stain brothers are growing more and more underhanded, Erec Rex isn’t exactly in an ideal state of mind to face his next two tasks... -
![The Box and the Dragonfly by Ted Sanders]()
The Box and the Dragonfly by Ted Sanders
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsExperience the fantastic adventure filled with magical objects, secret sects, and life as we know it on the line! Mixing magic and physics, Ted Sanders has created an epic story that has the feel of classic fantasy but twists it into something new and innovative.From the moment Horace F. Andrews sees the sign from the bus a sign with his own name on it everything changes... -
![The Unicorn Quest by Kamilla Benko]()
The Unicorn Quest by Kamilla Benko
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsAn enchanting, exciting fantasy about a real-world girl searching for her sister in a land full of magic and strange creatures, blending the timeless feel of A Wrinkle in Time with Frozen's powerful themes of identity, enchantment, and sisterhood.Claire Martinson still worries about her older sister Sophie, who battled a mysterious illness last year... -
![Saturdays at Sea by Jessica Day George]()
Saturdays at Sea by Jessica Day George
Rated: 4.14 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsThis bestselling series comes to a rousing conclusion as Celie and her family set sail on a ship made from their beloved Castle!After constructing a grand ship built from parts of the Castle, Celie, Lilah and Rolf are ready to set sail! But on its maiden voyage, the Ship steers them far off course into uncharted waters... -
![The Three Furies by Kaza Kingsley]()
The Three Furies by Kaza Kingsley
Rated: 4.14 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsAnother task, even more dangerous than the previous ones, befalls Erec in the fourth book in the series. He must literally face his worst nightmares to succeed, but he isn’t sure if he can overcome his fears. On top of a contest he must win to continue his rise to King, he must also save Bethany, who has been entranced by Baskania, and deal with his inevitable transformation into a dragon... -
![Finding Serendipity by Angelica Banks]()
Finding Serendipity by Angelica Banks
Rated: 4.14 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsTuesday McGillycuddy and her beloved dog, Baxterr, discover that Tuesday's mother—the famous author Serendipity Smith—has gone missing, they set out on a magical adventure. In their quest to find Serendipity, they discover the mysterious and unpredictable place that stories come from... -
![Ore 8: A Scuola Di Formaggio by Geronimo Stilton]()
Ore 8: A Scuola Di Formaggio by Geronimo Stilton
Rated: 4.14 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsWhen his nephew invites him to Career Day at school, Geronimo causes havoc... -
![Lo Strano Caso Del Sorcio Stonato by Geronimo Stilton]()
Lo Strano Caso Del Sorcio Stonato by Geronimo Stilton
Rated: 4.14 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsAfter being enrolled in the Song Festival, Geronimo Stilton's song, "Welcome to New Mouse City," goes to the top of the charts and makes Geronimo a star, but very few CDs are sold after the festival... -
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![A Christmas Tale by Geronimo Stilton]()
A Christmas Tale by Geronimo Stilton
Rated: 4.14 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsCelebrate the holidays in style -- mouse-style, that is! Join Geronimo for his first-ever special edition.It was Christmastime on Mouse Island, and I couldn't wait to celebrate with my friends and family. But then I discovered that they were all traveling out of town for the holidays, and I'd be spending Christmas alone! I was starting to feel like a real grinch...Categorized as:
animals children family action-adventure anthropomorphism book children-books fiction -
![The Book Smugglers by Anna James]()
The Book Smugglers by Anna James
Rated: 4.14 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsFourth in the modern-classic and bestselling bookwandering series for ages eight to twelve that celebrates all that is best in life: books, adventure, friendship – and cake.Milo lives on board the Sesquipedalian, or “Quip” – a magical train that uses the power of imagination to travel through both Story and the real world... -
![The Search for Truth by Kaza Kingsley]()
The Search for Truth by Kaza Kingsley
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsIn The Search for Truth, Erec’s task involves finding the long lost Awen, and it is not only Erec’s crown on the line, but the Substance that holds Alpyium together. To complete the task, Erec must risk the life of his best friend, something he is not sure he can do. The only thing that can save him and Alpyium is a trip back to his own childhood... -
![A Crazy Day With Cobras by Mary Pope Osborne]()
A Crazy Day With Cobras by Mary Pope Osborne
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsThe New York Times bestselling Magic Tree House series is back!But with the magic tree house comes terrible news: Merlin’s beloved penguin, Penny, has been put under a spell! Jack and Annie must find four things to break the spell. The first is a rare and precious emerald... -
![Eve of the Emperor Penguin by Mary Pope Osborne]()
Eve of the Emperor Penguin by Mary Pope Osborne
Rated: 4.11 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsJACK AND ANNIE continue their quest for the secrets of happiness--secrets they need to save Merlin. This time, the Magic Tree House takes them to the one continent they haven't visited before: Antarctica! What can they hope to learn about happiness in such a barren place? Only the penguins know for sure . . -
![Night of the New Magicians by Mary Pope Osborne]()
Night of the New Magicians by Mary Pope Osborne
Rated: 4.11 of 5 stars · 19 ratingsMerlin sends Jack and Annie on a mysterious mission to Paris, France, over a 100 years ago. There they must find four magicians and give them an urgent message from Merlin himself. When Jack and Annie land in Paris, they make their way to the 1889 World’s Fair. Below the Eiffel Tower, built especially for the fair, there are thousands of exhibits from all over the world...
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