Fantasy and Fairytales for Easy Readers

Enjoy this list of easy fiction and nonfiction books that follow the theme for our SweetBean Reading Challenge in June!

Updated May 29, 2024
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Chicken in the kitchen
Okorafor, Nnedi
Paper Book
What would you do if you woke up one night to find the shadow of a giant chicken passing your bedroom door? Go and investigate, of course! When Anyaugo follows a giant chicken into her kitchen one warm night in Nigeria, she embarks on a fun-filled adventure where nothing is quite as it seems. Is the...
The Evil Princess vs. the Brave Knight
Holm, Jennifer L.
Paper Book
For every parent tired of telling their kids to PLEASE JUST GET ALONG, this hilarious and imaginative new picture book--from the beloved creators of Babymouse--is here to help. Sort of. Meet the Evil Princess and the Brave Knight. She casts terrible spells, while he fights...
Instructions : [everything you'll need to know on your journey]
Gaiman, Neil.
Audiobook
"A perfect reminder to always be on the lookout for magic and wonder. Sometimes, we need those two things the most" (Brightly.com, citing "Books That Teach Kids What It Means to Be a Kind Person"). In this breathtaking jacketed picture book, Neil Gaiman's lyrical poem guides a novice...
Jo Bright and the seven bots
Underwood, Deborah
Paper Book
A bot-building princess engineers her own happy ending in this futuristic fairytale, a follow-up to the acclaimed Interstellar Cinderella. Once upon a planetoid surrounded by her friends, a girl, Jo Bright, loved building bots ...
Knight Owl
Denise, Christopher
Paper Book
A NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER * A CALDECOTT HONOR AWARD WINNER A determined Owl builds strength and confidence in this medieval picture book about the real mettle of a hero: wits, humor, and heart.  Since the day he...
Little Red and the very hungry lion
Smith, Alex T.
Paper Book
A fun take on Little Red Riding Hood -- with a safari twist!Little Red is on her way to visit Auntie Rosie with a basket of goodies and some spot medicine. Along the way she meets the Very Hungry Lion. The Lion is eager to gobble up Little Red. The Lion's plan doesn't work out the way he...
Little Wonder
Keane, Claire
Paper Book
A mama's wishes for her brave Little Wonder tell a tale as old as time in a whole new world perfect for new graduates, gift-givers, and anyone who wants to share a splash of courage with a loved one. Wake up, Little Wonder! The whole wide world awaits you! A love...
Mulan : a story in English and Chinese
Li, Jian (Art teacher)
Paper Book
The legend of Mulan and her bravery is captured in this beautifully illustrated Chinese children's book. Mulan is a folk story from China's Northern Dynasty (439-589) about the unusual tale of an ordinary girl named Fa Mulan. This book is illustrated based on the original...
Nobody likes a goblin
Hatke, Ben
Paper Book
Goblin, a cheerful little homebody, lives in a cosy, rat-infested dungeon, with his only friend, Skeleton. Every day, Goblin and Skeleton play with the treasure in their dungeon. But one day, a gang of "heroic" adventurers bursts in. These marauders trash the place, steal all the treasure, and...
Once upon a dragon's fire
Blue, Beatrice
Paper Book
A charming story about kindness, friendship, and magic from a rising star picture book creator. How did dragons get their fire? It all began once upon a magical kingdom, where a fearsome dragon stalked the land. The dragon was mean and scary and evil,...
The princess and the pony
Beaton, Kate
Paper Book
Introducing Kate Beaton, a major new picture book talent, and author/illustrator of #1 New York Times bestseller Hark! A Vagrant!Princess Pinecone knows exactly what she wants for her birthday this year. A BIG horse. A STRONG horse. A horse fit for a WARRIOR PRINCESS! But when the day...
The princess and the warrior : a tale of two volcanoes
Tonatiuh, Duncan
Paper Book
Award-winning author Duncan Tonatiuh reimagines one of Mexico's cherished legends. Princess Izta had many wealthy suitors but dismissed them all. When a mere warrior, Popoca, promised to be true to her and stay always by her side, Izta fell in love. The emperor promised Popoca if he could defeat...
Rapunzel
Woollvin, Bethan
Paper Book
This humorous retelling of the classic fairy tale spins a delightful, girl power twist, from New York Times Best Illustrated Book-winner Bethan Woollvin. Rapunzel lives all alone in a tall, dark tower. Under the threat of a witch's fearsome curse, the poor girl seems...
The three billy goats gruff
Barnett, Mac
Paper Book
Instant New York Times bestseller! The MOMENTOUS debut of a groundbreaking Fairy Tale series -- a brilliantly crafted, hilarious twist on this beloved classic, The Three Billy Goats Gruff, from renowned, award-winning, and New York Times bestselling duo and...
Very little Cinderella
Heapy, Teresa
Paper Book
Very Little Cinderella is adorably recast as a very little precocious toddler in this modern retelling of the classic tale.  Very Little Cinderella is upset when her ugly Sisters are off to a party without her. But her Fairy Godmother (the...

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