10+ Best Magical Books for 7-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)

Are you on the hunt for the perfect bedtime story or a new adventure for your young reader? Dive into our latest collection of magical books for 7-year-olds that promise to spark imagination and joy. From tales of whimsy to stories of enchanting worlds, we’ve curated a list that will surely captivate your child's heart and mind. Keep reading to discover our top picks of magical books for 7-year-olds, each one guaranteed to become a new favorite!

Fun Magical Books for 7-Year-Olds

• Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: A young boy named Max, wearing a wolf suit, makes mischief and is sent to bed without supper. In his room, a mysterious wild forest and sea grow out of his imagination, and Max sails to the land of the Wild Things.
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages imagination and creativity, showing kids that they can explore vast new worlds and emotions safely within the pages of a book.
  • Perfect for: Young adventurers and dreamers who love letting their imaginations run wild.

• Charlotte's Web by E.B. White, illustrated by Garth Williams
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: This beloved tale follows the friendship between a pig named Wilbur and a spider named Charlotte. When Wilbur is in danger of being slaughtered, Charlotte writes messages praising Wilbur in her web to persuade the farmer to spare his life.
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches themes of friendship, compassion, and the cycle of life, wrapped in a magical story that captivates young readers.
  • Perfect for: Children who love animals and stories about friendship and loyalty.

• The Magic Tree House Series by Mary Pope Osborne, illustrated by Sal Murdocca
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: Follow siblings Jack and Annie as they discover a magical tree house filled with books that transport them through time and space on various adventures.
  • Why we recommend this book: Each book provides a fun and educational journey through different historical events and cultures, fostering a love for history and reading.
  • Perfect for: Curious kids who enjoy time travel and learning about new places and times.

• The BFG by Roald Dahl, illustrated by Quentin Blake
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: A young girl named Sophie meets the Big Friendly Giant (BFG) who, unlike other giants, is kind and charming. Together, they embark on an adventure to stop the other giants from eating children.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a tale of friendship and courage with a lot of humor and heart, encouraging children to stand up against wrongs.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy stories of unlikely friendships and fantastical adventures.

• Alice's Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll, illustrated by John Tenniel
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Alice falls through a rabbit hole into a fantastical world where she meets peculiar creatures and experiences bizarre and whimsical adventures.
  • Why we recommend this book: It plays with logic and absurdities, making it a delightful read that encourages thinking outside the box and nurturing a healthy imagination.
  • Perfect for: Kids who delight in the nonsensical and the whimsical, and those who love puzzles and riddles.

Educational Magical Books for 7-Year-Olds

• Zita the Spacegirl by Ben Hatke
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Fantasy, Graphic Novel
  • Synopsis: Zita finds herself in another universe after pushing a button that transports her and her best friend. She becomes a galactic hero, tasked with battling monsters and saving her friend.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Problem-solving, courage, friendship dynamics
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines thrilling space adventure with themes of bravery and loyalty.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love outer space stories and graphic novels.

• The Girl Who Drank the Moon by Kelly Barnhill
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: A story about a young girl raised by a witch who accidentally feeds her moonlight, giving her magical powers.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Understanding of complex narratives, empathy, moral reasoning
  • Why we recommend this book: It's beautifully written, with complex characters and a deep, engaging plot that challenges young minds.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy stories with strong female protagonists and magical realism.

• The Enchanted Wood by Enid Blyton
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Three siblings discover the Faraway Tree, which leads them to magical lands at its top. They embark on various adventures with their fantastical friends.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Imagination, vocabulary expansion, understanding of different worlds
  • Why we recommend this book: It captures the essence of childhood wonder and the excitement of discovering new worlds.
  • Perfect for: Children who love exploring and having adventures through reading.

• The Worst Witch by Jill Murphy
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Humor
  • Synopsis: Mildred Hubble attends Miss Cackle's Academy for Witches where she often finds herself in humorous, magical mishaps.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Reading confidence, humor appreciation, resilience
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a fun and light-hearted series that also teaches about overcoming difficulties and finding strength in one's unique qualities.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy tales of school life and magic with a dose of humor.

• The Doll People by Ann M. Martin and Laura Godwin, illustrated by Brian Selznick
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: A doll named Annabelle Doll, who is over a hundred years old, embarks on a quest to find her missing aunt with the help of a modern, plastic doll.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Family history, bravery, cross-generational friendship
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines adventure with a heartwarming story about friendship and family secrets.
  • Perfect for: Readers who like stories about toys and mysteries.

Challenging Magical Books for 7-Year-Olds

• The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Four siblings discover a magical wardrobe that serves as a portal to the land of Narnia, where they join a battle between good and evil.
  • Why this book is challenging: It features complex themes such as redemption, betrayal, and sacrifice.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a timeless fantasy that offers rich storytelling and a profound moral landscape, encouraging deep thought and reflection.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy epic tales and moral challenges.

• Peter Pan by J.M. Barrie
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: The story of a boy who never grows up, and his adventures on the magical island of Neverland with Wendy, John, and Michael Darling.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative explores themes of innocence, fear of growing up, and the complexity of childhood.
  • Why we recommend this book: It captures the essence of childhood adventure and the bittersweet nature of growing up.
  • Perfect for: Children who dream of adventure and have a vivid imagination.

• The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster, illustrated by Jules Feiffer
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: A bored young boy named Milo receives a magical tollbooth that transports him to the Lands Beyond, where he embarks on a quest to rescue the princesses of Rhyme and Reason.
  • Why this book is challenging: The book is filled with puns, wordplay, and philosophical ideas that challenge young minds to think critically and creatively.
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages exploration of abstract concepts through playful language and imaginative scenarios.
  • Perfect for: Kids who enjoy puzzles, word games, and thinking outside the box.

• The Neverending Story by Michael Ende, translated by Ralph Manheim
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Young Bastian finds a mysterious book that immerses him in the magical world of Fantastica, where he becomes a key player in its narrative.
  • Why this book is challenging: It deals with complex themes like the power of imagination, the nature of reality, and the journey of self-discovery.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a multilayered adventure that inspires readers to consider the impact of their choices and the importance of dreams.
  • Perfect for: Advanced readers who are ready for a deeper, introspective fantasy experience.

• The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, translated by Katherine Woods
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Philosophical
  • Synopsis: A pilot stranded in the desert meets a young prince from another planet with profound observations about life and human nature.
  • Why this book is challenging: It explores philosophical and existential themes through the innocent eyes of the Little Prince.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers timeless wisdom through simple yet profound narratives that resonate with both children and adults.
  • Perfect for: Young thinkers and those who ponder life's big questions.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're looking to sprinkle a little magic into your 7-year-old's reading habits, why not try some fun exercises? These can make reading more engaging and help develop a lifelong love for books. Here’s a list of exercises tailored just for young readers diving into magical books:

• Create a Reading Nook
  • What it is: Set up a comfortable and inviting space dedicated to reading.
  • How it helps: Encourages regular reading by providing a special place that makes reading a treat.
  • Tips: Let your child personalize the space with their favorite cushions, lights, or decorations.

• Book-Based Role Play
  • What it is: Act out scenes from the book with your child.
  • How it helps: Enhances comprehension and retention by bringing the story to life.
  • Tips: Use simple props or costumes for more immersive play and fun.

• Reading Aloud Together
  • What it is: Share the reading task where you and your child take turns reading aloud.
  • How it helps: Improves pronunciation and builds confidence in reading skills.
  • Tips: Change your voice for different characters to make the reading session more exciting and engaging.

• Magical Word Jar
  • What it is: Create a jar where every new word from the book is written on a piece of paper and added.
  • How it helps: Increases vocabulary and curiosity about words and their meanings.
  • Tips: Review the jar weekly and use the words in sentences to reinforce learning.

• Illustrate the Story
  • What it is: Draw or paint scenes or characters from the book.
  • How it helps: Encourages creativity and helps with visualizing and remembering story details.
  • Tips: Display the artwork near the reading nook to keep the stories alive and interesting.

• Story Predictions
  • What it is: Pause during reading to guess what might happen next.
  • How it helps: Develops critical thinking and comprehension skills.
  • Tips: Discuss why certain events might happen and encourage imaginative thinking.

• Book Club for Kids
  • What it is: Organize a small book club where your child and their friends can discuss the book.
  • How it helps: Enhances understanding through discussion and social interaction.
  • Tips: Keep the group small and manage the discussions so every child gets a chance to speak.

These exercises are not just about reading; they're about making reading an adventure that goes beyond the pages. Try them out and watch your little one become not just a reader, but a lover of books and stories. Happy reading!