10+ Best Fairy Books for 8-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)

Are you on the hunt for the perfect escape into a world of magic and wonder for your little reader? Look no further than our handpicked selection of fairy books for 8-year-olds! These enchanting tales are perfect for sparking imagination and adventure. Keep reading to discover our favorite picks that are sure to captivate and delight any young reader.

Fun Fairy Books for 8-Year-Olds

• Ella Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Fairy Tale
  • Synopsis: This novel reimagines the Cinderella story through the eyes of Ella, who is cursed with the "gift" of obedience. Ella must navigate her world and break the curse with her wit and intelligence.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a fun and empowering read that encourages independence and self-discovery.
  • Perfect for: Readers who love a strong female protagonist and a twist on classic fairy tales.

• The Fairy-Tale Detectives (The Sisters Grimm #1) by Michael Buckley, illustrated by Peter Ferguson
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Mystery, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Two sisters, Sabrina and Daphne, discover they are descendants of the Brothers Grimm and that fairy tales are real. They must take up the family tradition of being fairy-tale detectives.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines the intrigue of a mystery with the magic of fairy tales, making it an engaging read that sparks imagination.
  • Perfect for: Young detectives and lovers of adventure and 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, Fairy Prilla must save the fairy community by finding a way to restore the magic of fairy dust.
  • Why we recommend this book: This book offers a magical adventure that teaches about courage and the importance of teamwork.
  • Perfect for: Fans of Peter Pan and readers who enjoy stories about quests and magical creatures.

• The Tail of Emily Windsnap by Liz Kessler, illustrated by Sarah Gibb
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Emily discovers she is half-mermaid and sets off on an underwater adventure to find her father and uncover her family's secrets.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a captivating story that combines the allure of oceanic exploration with the discovery of one's true identity.
  • Perfect for: Young readers fascinated by mermaids and underwater worlds.

• The Ordinary Princess by M.M. Kaye
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Fairy Tale
  • Synopsis: Princess Amy, gifted with ordinariness at her christening by a fairy, finds her own way in life, proving that you don't need to be "perfect" to be a heroine.
  • Why we recommend this book: This tale celebrates individuality and the beauty of being ordinary, offering a refreshing take on traditional princess stories.
  • Perfect for: Children who appreciate stories about self-acceptance and finding one's path.

Educational Fairy Books for 8-Year-Olds

• Fairy Mom and Me by Sophie Kinsella, illustrated by Marta Kissi
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Family
  • Synopsis: This book follows the adventures of Ella and her mother, who happens to be a fairy. Unlike typical fairies, Ella's mom's magic often goes awry, leading to hilarious situations.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Reading comprehension, problem-solving, understanding family dynamics
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a lighthearted and fun story that introduces young readers to the concept of family bonds and the humorous side of magical mishaps.
  • Perfect for: Kids who enjoy funny stories and magical adventures within a family setting.

• The Very Fairy Princess by Julie Andrews and Emma Walton Hamilton, illustrated by Christine Davenier
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Self-Discovery
  • Synopsis: This series follows Geraldine, who believes she is a fairy princess. She shows everyone how to celebrate their individuality and embrace their inner sparkle.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Self-esteem, creativity, individual expression
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages self-confidence and the importance of being true to oneself, wrapped up in delightful fairy-themed adventures.
  • Perfect for: Children who need a boost in confidence and love stories that emphasize personal uniqueness.

• Rainbow Magic: Ruby the Red Fairy by Daisy Meadows
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: The story is about Rachel and Kirsty who find themselves on a magical adventure to help the seven Rainbow Fairies, starting with Ruby the Red Fairy, who have been banished from Fairyland by an evil spell.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Teamwork, problem-solving, color recognition
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a colorful and engaging series that helps children learn about colors and the value of working together to solve problems.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy series and stories that involve quests and teamwork.

• The Fairies of Starlight by Lara Bergen
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: The magical story follows the adventures of five fairy friends who use their unique strengths to solve problems and help others in their community.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Social skills, community awareness, cooperative problem-solving
  • Why we recommend this book: It promotes the importance of friendship and community service through captivating fairy tales.
  • Perfect for: Kids who are interested in stories about friendship and helping others.

• The Fairy Bell Sisters: Silver and the Fairy Ball by Margaret McNamara, illustrated by Julia Denos
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Celebration
  • Synopsis: Follow Silver, the youngest of the Fairy Bell Sisters, as she prepares for the much-awaited Fairy Ball, facing challenges and making new friends along the way.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Event planning, social skills, creative thinking
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a charming story that combines the excitement of a party with lessons about perseverance and friendship.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love stories about preparations for big events and magical celebrations.

Challenging Fairy Books for 8-Year-Olds

• Artemis Fowl by Eoin Colfer
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Science Fiction
  • Synopsis: Artemis Fowl, a twelve-year-old genius and criminal mastermind, captures a fairy and holds her for ransom to exploit the magical Fairy People and restore his family's fortune.
  • Why this book is challenging: The novel features complex plots and high-tech fairy magic, requiring readers to keep track of multiple characters and their intricate relationships.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a unique blend of technology and fairy lore, providing a thrilling and intellectually engaging read.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy a mix of fantasy, adventure, and technology.

• The Girl Who Drank the Moon by Kelly Barnhill
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Magical Realism
  • Synopsis: A story about a young girl named Luna who is accidentally enmagicked as a baby and raised by a witch. As she grows, her magic becomes both a danger and a promise to her adopted family.
  • Why this book is challenging: It features lyrical prose and complex narrative structures that weave together various characters' stories.
  • Why we recommend this book: This beautifully written tale explores themes of love, growth, and the power of magic in a deeply thoughtful way.
  • Perfect for: Readers who appreciate beautifully crafted narratives and deep, meaningful storytelling.

• The Spiderwick Chronicles: The Field Guide by Holly Black and Tony DiTerlizzi
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Mystery
  • Synopsis: When the Grace children move to the old Spiderwick estate, they discover a field guide to fairies and other creatures and soon find themselves tangled in a dark adventure.
  • Why this book is challenging: The series introduces a complex world filled with a detailed fairy lore and a hidden magical reality that challenges the characters and readers alike.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a gripping series that combines the thrill of fantasy creatures with the intrigue of a mystery.
  • Perfect for: Children who love exploring detailed magical worlds and solving mysteries.

• Fablehaven by Brandon Mull
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Mystery
  • Synopsis: Siblings Kendra and Seth discover their grandparents' vast, wooded estate is actually a reserve protecting mythical creatures, and they become involved in a fight against dark forces trying to steal the magical objects protected there.
  • Why this book is challenging: The book features a complex plot with an extensive cast of characters, each with their own secrets and magical abilities.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a compelling mix of adventure, suspense, and the enchanting allure of magical creatures.
  • Perfect for: Advanced young readers who enjoy detailed world-building and epic fantasy tales.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Reading fairy tales can be a magical experience for 8-year-olds, fostering imagination and instilling good reading habits early on. Here are some engaging exercises that you can incorporate into your child's reading routine to make the most out of their fairy book adventures:

• Create a Fairy Tale Map
  • What it is: Draw a map based on the settings of the fairy tales read.
  • How it helps: Enhances understanding of the story's environment and aids in visual learning.
  • Tips: Use colored pencils or markers to highlight different areas mentioned in the story.

• Character Role Play
  • What it is: Act out scenes from the fairy tales with family or friends.
  • How it helps: Improves comprehension and helps in memorizing story details.
  • Tips: Assign different roles to each participant to make it more fun and interactive.

• Story Prediction
  • What it is: Guess what might happen next before finishing the story.
  • How it helps: Encourages critical thinking and engagement with the narrative.
  • Tips: Discuss predictions and reasons behind them to deepen understanding.

• Illustrate a Scene
  • What it is: Draw one of the favorite scenes from the fairy tale.
  • How it helps: Boosts creativity and helps in connecting emotionally with the story.
  • Tips: Display the finished artwork to encourage pride in their creation.

• Fairy Tale Review
  • What it is: Write a short review or opinion about the fairy tale read.
  • How it helps: Develops writing skills and ability to articulate thoughts.
  • Tips: Share the review with family or friends to build confidence in expressing viewpoints.

• Question Jar
  • What it is: Write questions about the story on slips of paper and put them in a jar.
  • How it helps: Encourages curiosity and deeper understanding of the story.
  • Tips: Pull out a question each day and discuss it together.

These exercises not only make reading more enjoyable but also help in developing a lifelong love for books. By engaging actively with fairy tales, children can improve their reading skills while diving deep into the enchanting worlds of magic and adventure. So, grab that fairy book, pick an exercise, and let the magical journey begin!