If your child can’t get enough of magical creatures, sparkly adventures, and fairy-tale lands, you’re in the right place! Finding the right books for kids who love unicorns and fairies can be tricky—there are so many out there, and not all of them are as enchanting as they seem. You want books that inspire imagination, nurture a love for reading, and whisk kids away into worlds where anything is possible.
Whether you’re a parent looking for bedtime stories or a teacher searching for the perfect classroom read, this list has a little something for everyone. From whimsical picture books to chapter books filled with adventure, these stories will bring magic to your little reader’s bookshelf.
1. Uni the Unicorn – Amy Krouse Rosenthal
Meet Uni, a unicorn who believes that little girls are real—even though all the other unicorns say they aren’t! Meanwhile, somewhere in the real world, a little girl believes that unicorns are real, too. This beautifully illustrated story is all about the power of belief, friendship, and imagination, making it a perfect choice for kids who dream big. The combination of whimsical artwork and a heartwarming storyline makes this a book kids will want to read over and over. Plus, it’s a wonderful reminder that sometimes, the magic we believe in is just waiting to be discovered.
2. How to Catch a Unicorn – Adam Wallace
A fun and playful adventure, this book follows a group of kids on a mission to catch the elusive unicorn that roams through their town. Using all sorts of creative traps, from rainbow lures to glittery nets, the kids do everything they can to capture the magical creature—but unicorns are trickier than they look! With its bouncy, rhyming text and vibrant illustrations, this book is a fantastic read-aloud choice for young readers. It encourages kids to think outside the box, embrace problem-solving, and enjoy the thrill of an exciting chase. Plus, the mischievous unicorn’s clever escapes will have kids giggling from start to finish!
3. The Magical Unicorn Society Official Handbook – Selwyn E. Phipps
For kids who take their unicorn love seriously, this beautifully illustrated book serves as a guide to everything unicorn—from their secret history to their magical powers. Packed with stunning illustrations, maps, and fascinating “scientific” details, this book feels like a real-life field guide to unicorns. It answers all the big questions: Where do unicorns live? What are their different breeds? How do you find one in the wild? Perfect for older kids who enjoy mythical lore and world-building, this book will inspire hours of imaginative exploration. If your child loves getting lost in fantasy worlds, this handbook is a must-have!
4. The Night Fairy – Laura Amy Schlitz
Flory is a tiny night fairy with delicate wings and a big personality. After an accident leaves her unable to fly, she must learn to survive in a world much bigger than she is, relying on her courage, cleverness, and a little bit of fairy magic. Set in a lush, garden-like world full of natural wonders, this story is perfect for kids who enjoy strong, determined characters facing big challenges. The beautiful illustrations and poetic language create an enchanting atmosphere that draws readers in. It’s a wonderful story about resilience, adaptability, and discovering new strengths—even when life doesn’t go as planned.
5. Phoebe and Her Unicorn – Dana Simpson
If your child enjoys graphic novels, this one is a must-read! Phoebe, a quirky young girl, accidentally befriends a unicorn named Marigold Heavenly Nostrils after skipping a rock into a pond and breaking the unicorn’s spell of self-absorption. What follows is a hilarious and heartwarming friendship full of sarcastic humor, everyday adventures, and magical moments. This book is perfect for kids who love stories that mix real-life struggles (like school and friendships) with a sprinkle of fantasy. The witty dialogue and comic-strip format make it highly engaging, even for reluctant readers. Plus, Marigold’s over-the-top personality and Phoebe’s relatable quirks create a fun dynamic that kids will absolutely love.
6. The Fairy’s Return and Other Princess Tales – Gail Carson Levine
From the author of Ella Enchanted, this collection of clever, fairy-tale-inspired stories is filled with whimsical humor, brave princesses, and mischievous fairies. Each tale takes a fresh spin on classic fairy-tale themes, adding unexpected twists and modern touches that make them feel fresh and fun. Kids will love the feisty heroines who don’t wait around to be saved, as well as the quirky fairy characters who often cause as much trouble as they solve. With Levine’s signature wit and engaging storytelling, this book is a fantastic choice for young readers who enjoy fractured fairy tales, witty humor, and a bit of romance. Perfect for kids who are ready for short stories that are easy to read but still full of magic and adventure!
7. Twinkle – Katharine Holabird
From the creator of Angelina Ballerina, Twinkle is the story of a little fairy who’s learning magic at fairy school—but her spells don’t always go as planned! She tries to turn a pumpkin into a coach but ends up with a giant pumpkin mess instead. This adorable picture book is a gentle, encouraging story about patience, practice, and believing in yourself. The soft, pastel illustrations and rhyming text make it a perfect bedtime read. Kids who love fairies, sparkles, and a little bit of silliness will absolutely adore Twinkle and her charming fairy world. Ideal for preschoolers and early readers who are just starting their own magical journeys!
8. The Last Unicorn – Peter S. Beagle
This classic fantasy novel is perfect for older kids and middle-grade readers who love deep, beautifully written stories. It follows a unicorn on a journey to discover what happened to the rest of her kind, encountering magic, danger, and adventure along the way. With its poetic storytelling and thought-provoking themes, The Last Unicorn is more than just a fantasy—it’s a tale about courage, identity, and what it means to truly believe in magic. This book is perfect for kids who enjoy richly developed worlds, a touch of melancholy, and classic fairy-tale storytelling. Plus, it has a legendary status in fantasy literature, making it a great book for kids to grow into and revisit as they get older.
9. If I Had a Unicorn – Gabby Dawnay
This charming and imaginative picture book follows a young child who dreams about all the things they could do if they had a unicorn—riding it to school, letting it sleep in their bed, and using its horn as a nightlight! The rhyming text and whimsical illustrations make it a joy to read aloud, sparking creativity and laughter along the way. The story taps into the playful “what if?” questions that kids love to explore, making it a great conversation starter for little dreamers. Whether it’s bedtime or storytime, this book is guaranteed to bring smiles and inspire magical daydreams!
10. The Fairy-Tale Detectives (The Sisters Grimm, Book 1) – Michael Buckley
For kids who love mysteries and fairy tales, this chapter book series is a perfect fit! Sabrina and Daphne Grimm discover that they are descendants of the Brothers Grimm and that fairy-tale creatures are real—and living in their town! When their grandmother goes missing, the sisters must dive into a world of magical crime-solving, enchanted forests, and tricky fairy-tale villains. This book is packed with adventure, humor, and clever twists, making it a great pick for kids who love fantasy with a mystery-solving twist. Perfect for fans of Harry Potter, Percy Jackson, or modern fairy-tale retellings!
11. That’s Not My Unicorn – Fiona Watt
This adorable touch-and-feel board book is perfect for the youngest unicorn lovers. Each page features a different unicorn with unique textures to explore, from fuzzy manes to sparkly horns, keeping little hands engaged while they listen to the simple, repetitive text. The book is designed to help develop sensory awareness and early language skills, making it a great choice for babies and toddlers. The bright, cheerful illustrations and interactive elements make this a book little ones will want to read (and touch!) over and over again. It’s a magical way to introduce young children to books while sparking their love for unicorns.
12. The Princess and the Unicorn – Carol Hughes
This fantasy adventure brings together two very different girls—one a royal princess, the other a humble country girl—who are both connected to a mysterious unicorn. When a powerful queen seeks to capture the unicorn for herself, the two girls must work together to protect the magical creature and uncover their own hidden strengths. This is a great choice for young readers who love classic fantasy themes like destiny, friendship, and bravery, but with a fresh and engaging twist. The richly detailed world and exciting plot make it a perfect book for kids ready to dive into longer chapter books.
13. Fairy Ponies: Midnight Escape – Zanna Davidson
This beginner chapter book is a delightful mix of fairies, ponies, and adventure, making it a fantastic choice for early independent readers. When Holly stumbles upon a hidden world of tiny winged ponies, she quickly finds herself caught up in their magical realm. But when danger threatens, she must help the fairy ponies escape and save their world. The short chapters, simple but engaging storyline, and magical illustrations make it a perfect step up from picture books. It’s a wonderful introduction to fantasy novels for kids who are just starting to read on their own but still love a little bit of magic.
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