From Wild Things to House Elves: Our 6 Favorite Fantasy Lands

Narnia (The Chronicles of Narnia, by C. S. Lewis)
One of the best fantasy worlds around, in my book (see what I did there?), is Narnia. This classic series by C. S. Lewis was spellbinding as a child, and remains just as still engaging today. Who else besides C. S. Lewis can create such unforgettable characters as Aslan the Lion, Reepicheep the Mouse, and Prince Caspian, as well as fantastical castles like Cair Paravel, and ships like the Dawn Treader? Still captivating this many years later as an adult, The Chronicles of Narnia now entertains my son with its marvelous stories.

Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry (Harry Potter Series, by J. K. Rowling)
Talking paintings, moving staircases, and a basilisk in the chamber of secrets are reason enough to love the school of Hogwarts. Not to mention Dobby the House Elf, Quidditch, magical creatures, and the Forbidden Forest; there’s enough to fascinate the reader without even touching on any of Harry, Ron, and Hermoine’s adventures. Such an incredibly imaginative place, complete with mystery and intrigue, danger and fun, no wonder the world of J. K. Rowling’s Harry Potter is one of the most popular fantasy worlds ever created.

The Land of the Wild Things (Where the Wild Things Are, by Maurice Sendak)
The unforgettable tale of how Max dons his wolf suit and sails to the land of the Wild Things is a classic. Children can’t get enough of the beautiful illustrations and the story of how Max becomes king and tames the Wild Things, not to mention has a wild rumpus. Where the Wild Things Are is a charming and beloved book about not only the power of imagination but also the importance of home, where someone loves you and always has your supper waiting for you, no matter what.

Prydain (The Chronicles of Prydain, by Lloyd Alexander)
A sometimes bumbling Assistant Pig-Keeper who must save the land of Prydain makes for a great read. The Chronicles of Prydain features such interesting characters as Taran of Caer Dallben, the aforementioned Assistant Pig-Keeper, Hen Wen, an oracular pig, Princess Eilonwy, and aspiring bard Fflewddur Fflam. Evil forces, such as the Cauldron-Born and Arawn Death-Lord, stand in their way, and the friends must band together to overcome obstacles and try to win the day.

Giant Country (and Dream Country) (The BFG, by Roald Dahl)
Giant Country, where the BFG lives, is filled with humongous, dangerous giants who love to eat “human beans” (humans). All except for one, the BFG (Big Friendly Giant). Instead, the BFG chooses to eat disgusting-tasting vegetables called snozzcumbers and collects delightful dreams in nearby Dream Country for little children. When Sophie, a little girl living in an orphanage, wakes up and sees him delivering these dreams one night, the adventures begin as she and the BFG have to figure out how to stop the mean giants from eating any more people. Fun-filled and action-packed, this is one tale every kid will enjoy.

The World of Septimus Heap (Septimus Heap Series, by Angie Sage)
The seventh son of a seventh son, Septimus Heap is destined for great things. This delightful series features the adventures of Septimus (who must discover he has magical powers), an abandoned baby girl named Jenna who becomes a princess, Septimus’s Aunt Zelda Zanuba Heap, who lives in a marsh, the ExtraOrdinary Wizard Marcia Overstrand, and a dragon pet named Spit Fyre, all of whom keep the stories super entertaining. Kids will love getting lost in the world of Septimus Heap.
What are some of your favorite fantasy lands found in kid’s books?