10+ Best Fairy Books for 9-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)

Are you on the hunt for the perfect escape into a world of magic and wonder for your 9-year-old? Look no further than our curated selection of fairy books for 9-year-olds, guaranteed to spark imagination and adventure! From tales of tiny winged wonders to stories of enchanting realms, we've gathered the best reads to captivate young minds. Keep reading to discover our top picks that promise to whisk your child away on a fairy-filled adventure!

Fun Fairy Books for 9-Year-Olds

• The Fairy-Tale Detectives by Michael Buckley
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Mystery, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Two sisters, Sabrina and Daphne, discover they are descendants of the Brothers Grimm and that fairy tales are actually based on real events. They must take up the family mantle as detectives, protecting the human world from magical mischief.
  • Why we recommend this book: It blends classic fairy tales with a modern detective story, making it a thrilling read that keeps young readers guessing. It’s also great for improving problem-solving skills.
  • Perfect for: Young mystery lovers and fans of reimagined fairy tales.

• Fairy Dust and the Quest for the Egg by Gail Carson Levine, illustrated by David Christiana
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: In the world of Never Land, fairies have always existed in peace. However, when the future of Mother Dove is threatened, it’s up to a young fairy named Prilla to save the day.
  • Why we recommend this book: Written by the author of Ella Enchanted, this book offers a magical adventure filled with challenges and bravery, encouraging readers to believe in themselves and their abilities.
  • Perfect for: Children who love magical creatures and adventurous tales.

• The Girl Who Drank the Moon by Kelly Barnhill
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Young Adult
  • Synopsis: A story about a young girl named Luna who, after being accidentally enmagicked as a baby, must learn to control her powers and uncover her true origins.
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s a beautifully written tale that explores themes of love, growth, and the power of magic, helping readers develop their empathy and imagination.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy complex characters and rich, imaginative settings.

• The Trouble with Fairies by Shirley Barber
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: An enchanting story where a young girl named Sarah discovers a fairy kingdom in her backyard and embarks on a quest to help the fairies solve a critical problem.
  • Why we recommend this book: This book is perfect for sparking creativity and a love for nature, as it combines a magical fairy tale with real-world elements.
  • Perfect for: Nature lovers and young explorers who dream of magical worlds.

• The Thirteenth Fairy by Melissa de la Cruz
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Filomena is a book-loving girl who gets swept into an adventure beyond her wildest dreams when she learns that the fairy-tale world she loves is real—and in danger.
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages a love for reading through its plot that intertwines the real world with the enchanting world of fairy tales, fostering imagination and a sense of adventure.
  • Perfect for: Avid young readers who enjoy dynamic stories that blur the lines between reality and fantasy.

Educational Fairy Books for 9-Year-Olds

• Fairyopolis: A Flower Fairies Journal by Cicely Mary Barker
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Interactive
  • Synopsis: This delightful journal is presented as a scrapbook kept by Cicely Mary Barker, detailing her discovery of the fairy world. It includes notes, sketches, and interactive elements like flaps and envelopes containing fairy secrets.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Reading comprehension, interactive learning, artistic appreciation
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s a unique blend of art and storytelling that encourages interaction and imagination.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy interactive books and have an interest in art and nature.

• The Complete Book of the Flower Fairies by Cicely Mary Barker
  • Genre(s): Poetry, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: This comprehensive collection combines delightful poems and beautiful illustrations of fairies and flowers, introducing young readers to the natural world in a whimsical way.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Poetry comprehension, botanical knowledge, artistic appreciation
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines the enchantment of fairies with educational content about different flowers and plants.
  • Perfect for: Young poets and nature lovers who appreciate detailed illustrations and whimsical stories.

• How to Find Flower Fairies by Cicely Mary Barker
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Pop-Up Book
  • Synopsis: Inspired by the original Flower Fairies books, this pop-up book takes readers on an interactive journey to discover hidden fairies in their natural habitats.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Observation skills, knowledge of plant life, interactive play
  • Why we recommend this book: Its stunning pop-up art and interactive elements make it a magical experience that captivates and educates.
  • Perfect for: Children who love exploring and interacting with their books, as well as those fascinated by nature and fairy tales.

• Ruby the Red Fairy by Daisy Meadows
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: The first book in the Rainbow Magic series, this story follows Rachel and Kirsty as they help Ruby the Red Fairy find her way back to Fairyland, encountering challenges and adventures along the way.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Problem-solving, teamwork, reading fluency
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s a fun and engaging story that promotes values like friendship and cooperation.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy series and stories about friendships and magical adventures.

• Fairy School Dropout by Meredith Badger
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Humor
  • Synopsis: Follow the misadventures of Elly Knottleweed-Eversprightly, a fairy who decides to drop out of fairy school and explore the human world, learning more about herself and where she truly belongs.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Critical thinking, self-discovery, cultural awareness
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s a humorous take on finding one’s place in the world, encouraging readers to think about their own paths and choices.
  • Perfect for: Kids who enjoy comedy and stories about self-exploration and the challenges of fitting in.

Challenging Fairy Books for 9-Year-Olds

• The Last Fairy-Apple Tree by Emily Rodda
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: In the Fairy Realm, Jessie must solve the riddle of the last fairy-apple tree to save the Realm from losing its magic forever.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative includes complex plot twists and a richly constructed fantasy world that requires advanced reading comprehension.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a captivating adventure that strengthens problem-solving skills and boosts imagination.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy puzzles and intricate fantasy worlds.

• The Snow Spider by Jenny Nimmo
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Mystery
  • Synopsis: On his ninth birthday, Gwyn is gifted five strange and magical gifts that might prove he is a magician, capable of calling his sister back from the limbo where she has been trapped.
  • Why this book is challenging: The book blends Welsh mythology with complex emotional themes, offering deeper narrative layers for advanced readers.
  • Why we recommend this book: It introduces children to mythical lore and teaches them about the complexities of family and loss, wrapped in a magical adventure.
  • Perfect for: Those interested in mythology and deeper emotional storytelling.

• The Fairy's Mistake by Gail Carson Levine
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Humor
  • Synopsis: Two very different twins cause a fairy's gift to become more of a curse, which leads to unexpected consequences for both.
  • Why this book is challenging: It uses humor and irony to explore themes of greed and kindness, requiring readers to understand subtler aspects of character development.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a humorous twist on traditional fairy tales with valuable moral lessons.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy a good laugh along with a thought-provoking story.

• The Fairy Rebel by Lynne Reid Banks
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Tiki, a rebellious fairy, defies the rules of her kind to help a human woman have a baby, leading to unforeseen consequences.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative challenges traditional fairy tale norms and introduces complex themes of rebellion and consequences.
  • Why we recommend this book: It promotes critical thinking about rules and the importance of questioning authority while wrapped in a magical tale.
  • Perfect for: Readers who question the world around them and enjoy stories about breaking norms.

• The Night Fairy by Laura Amy Schlitz, illustrated by Angela Barrett
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Flory, a tiny night fairy, must learn to survive in the big world after losing her wings, using her wits and courage.
  • Why this book is challenging: The book's rich language and detailed descriptions provide a deep level of visual and contextual understanding.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a beautifully illustrated story that teaches resilience and adaptability through a captivating fairy tale.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy stories of survival and personal growth.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're diving into the enchanting world of fairy books with your 9-year-old, here are some fun exercises to enhance their reading experience and develop good habits. These activities are designed to be engaging and beneficial, ensuring that reading becomes a magical and educational journey for them.

• Create a Fairy Tale Map
  • What it is: Draw a map based on the settings of the fairy tales read.
  • How it helps: Enhances comprehension and helps in visualizing the story's environment.
  • Tips: Use colorful markers or crayons to make the map vibrant and exciting.

• Character Role Play
  • What it is: Act out scenes from the fairy tales with friends or family members.
  • How it helps: Improves understanding of the characters and plot.
  • Tips: Try to think about how the characters feel and why they act the way they do.

• Story Prediction
  • What it is: Guess what might happen next before finishing the story.
  • How it helps: Encourages analytical thinking and anticipation skills.
  • Tips: Discuss your predictions with others to see different perspectives.

• Magic Word Collection
  • What it is: Keep a list of new and interesting words found in the fairy books.
  • How it helps: Enhances vocabulary and love for language.
  • Tips: Use these new words in daily conversations or writing exercises.

• Fairy Tale Reviewer
  • What it is: Write a short review of each fairy tale read.
  • How it helps: Develops critical thinking and expressive writing skills.
  • Tips: Include both what you liked and what could be better about the story.

These activities not only make reading more interactive but also deepen the connection with the magical stories. So grab those fairy books, unleash the imagination, and let the magical journey begin. Happy reading and playing!