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Picture books about magic

Take your child on a magical journey with our Magic booklist that includes books about the magic of the imagination as well as real witches, wizards and fairies. There are classics and new titles to be enjoyed by a range of authors and illustrators including Children’s Laureate, Julia Donaldson.

  • The Magic Paintbrush

    by Julia Donaldson, illustrated by Joel Stewart 

    2004 2 to 9 years 

    • Around the world
    • Picture books
    • Poetry and rhyme

    When Shen is given a magic paintbrush, she promises only to use it for the good of the poor. But how will she avoid painting for the greedy emperor?

  • Have You Seen My Dragon?

    by Steve Light 

    2014 2 to 7 years 

    • Fantasy
    • Picture books

    A counting book that is a cut above the rest in terms of its beautiful design and style. New Yorker Steve Light brings all the shapes and sights of the city to these stunning spreads.

  • Winnie the Witch

    by Valerie Thomas, illustrated by Korky Paul 

    2012 4 to 7 years 

    • Classics
    • Funny
    • Picture books
    • Disability

    This is the first of many stories about Winnie and her cat, Wilber. Winnie is a well-loved character, and the excellent illustrations are wild and wacky.

  • Box of Tricks

    by Katie Cleminson 

    2009 4 to 9 years 

    • Picture books

    Every child loves an empty box and here, with the help of some magic, it contains a fantasy birthday party.

  • Katinka’s Tail

    by Judith Kerr 

    2017 2 to 9 years 

    • Picture books

    Katinka is an ordinary and lovely white pussycat – apart from her tail, which is stripy. This is a beautiful, funny, warm and tender picture book, which takes a joyous and magical twist at the end. Fans of Judith Kerr’s Mog books will love it, of course…

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