Fantasy

Fantasy Novels, Short Stories and Fairy Tales

Fantasy is the oldest and the youngest of literary traditions all at once. It reaches back to the fairy folklore whispered around hearths centuries ago and forward to the chapter-book worlds children fall into today. Ririro’s fantasy collection brings together the very best of both — sweeping fantasy novels by L. Frank Baum, J.M. Barrie, Lewis Carroll, and George MacDonald; short stories and fairy tales by Hans Christian Andersen, Oscar Wilde, and Edgar Allan Poe; and a wealth of modern picture books for the very young. Every book and tale here is free to read online, many with audio, so readers of any age can wander into magic whenever they like.

Fantasy Novels

1. Peter Pan
J.M. Barrie’s beloved tale of the boy who wouldn’t grow up takes Wendy, John, and Michael Darling soaring to Neverland — a magical island of fairies, mermaids, lost boys, and the unforgettable Captain Hook. A cornerstone of children’s fantasy literature and a perfect first long book for young readers.

2. Alice in Wonderland
Lewis Carroll’s whimsical masterpiece sends Alice tumbling down a rabbit hole into a world of talking creatures, mad tea parties, and the unpredictable Queen of Hearts. Few fantasy novels have done more to shape the genre’s love of nonsense, wordplay, and wonder.

3. Alice Through the Looking-Glass
Alice’s second adventure carries her into a mirror world of living chess pieces, backwards logic, and unforgettable characters like Humpty Dumpty and Tweedledee. A dazzling sequel that stands easily on its own as a fantasy classic.

4. The Princess and the Goblin
George MacDonald’s pioneering fantasy novel — a direct inspiration for Tolkien and C.S. Lewis — follows young Princess Irene and her brave friend Curdie as they uncover a goblin plot beneath the mountains. A magical, atmospheric book that helped invent the modern fantasy quest.

5. The Marvelous Land of Oz
L. Frank Baum’s second Oz novel introduces Tip, Jack Pumpkinhead, the Sawhorse, and a fresh adventure through Baum’s beloved fantasy land. A wonderful entry point into one of the longest and most imaginative fantasy series in children’s literature.

6. The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus
Long before Father Christmas became a household figure, L. Frank Baum imagined the origin story of Santa as a foundling raised by immortals in the enchanted Forest of Burzee. A lyrical fantasy book full of wood nymphs, knooks, ryls, and gentle magic.

7. Glinda of Oz
The final Oz novel L. Frank Baum wrote pits Princess Ozma and Dorothy against the sorceress Coo-ee-oh and her sunken island. A grand, magical finale to one of the most influential fantasy series ever written.

Fantasy Short Stories

1. The Legend of Sleepy Hollow
Washington Irving’s eerie tale of the gangly schoolmaster Ichabod Crane and his fateful encounter with the Headless Horseman is one of the great American fantasy stories — equal parts ghost story, romance, and folktale, and perfect for autumn reading.

2. The Island of the Fay
Edgar Allan Poe’s quietly haunting fantasy meditation imagines an enchanted island where the last of the fairies fades with the setting sun. Brief, lyrical, and beautifully strange — a fine short tale for older readers who love Poe’s darker imagination.

Fantasy Fairy Tales

1. The Selfish Giant
Oscar Wilde’s much-loved fairy tale tells of a giant whose garden is locked in eternal winter — until a small child shows him the meaning of kindness. One of the most quietly powerful short fantasy tales ever written.

2. The Quest for the Nightingale
Maud Lindsay’s enchanting tale follows a hero on a journey through enchanted forests, past giants and goblins, in search of a single magical bird. A classic quest fairy tale full of wonder for younger readers.

3. The Country Called Nonamia
Evelyn Sharp’s whimsical fantasy fairy tale sends its characters into a land of castles, wizards, and princesses, where the rules of the ordinary world don’t quite apply. Perfect for readers who love long, immersive fairy tales.

4. The Elfin Hill
Hans Christian Andersen’s witty fairy tale takes us inside an elfin king’s hill on the night a grand fairy ball is being prepared. A charming peek into the social politics of the fairy world from one of fairy tale’s greatest masters.

5. The Giant Who Had No Heart in His Body
A young Norwegian hero must rescue his brothers from a giant who keeps his heart hidden far away — a classic quest tale from Asbjørnsen and Moe, full of bravery, magical helpers, and old folk wisdom.

6. The Glass Dog
L. Frank Baum’s playful fairy tale of a wizard, a clever glassblower, and a magical glass guard dog is a perfect example of his witty, original fantasy fairy tale storytelling — alive with humour and surprise.

7. St. George and the Dragon
The most famous dragon-slaying fairy tale of all time, retold for a younger audience. A short, stirring tale of courage and chivalry that has inspired heroic fantasy for centuries.

Fantasy Kids Books

1. Knight Times
A bold little knight, a dragon, and a playground full of imagination. This short picture book from Bookdash celebrates bravery, creativity, and the magic of make-believe — a perfect first fantasy book for preschoolers.

2. Little Sock and the Tiny Creatures
A lone sock sets off on a quiet journey and meets a world of tiny creatures along the way. A warm, slightly surreal little book about helpfulness, friendship, and small adventures.

3. The Dream Pillow
When a child can’t sleep, a magical pillow promises sweet dreams — but courage is needed to face the night first. A gentle one-minute bedtime fantasy with just the right amount of magic for young children.

4. Bathtub Safari
The bathtub becomes a jungle, the rubber duck a wild creature, and bathtime turns into a one-minute fantasy adventure. A delightful short book that turns the most ordinary moment of the day into magic.

5. The Magic of Oz
L. Frank Baum’s longer Oz chapter book brings Dorothy, the Wizard, and a host of beloved characters into a fresh adventure full of transformations, jungles, and surprises. A wonderful read-aloud for ages seven and up.

6. The Scarecrow of Oz
Considered one of L. Frank Baum’s personal favorites among the Oz books, this chapter book follows Trot and Cap’n Bill as they meet the Scarecrow and journey through new fantasy lands. Ideal for confident young readers.

7. The Girl Who Owned a Bear
A girl, an enchanted bear, and a bit of household magic make for one of Baum’s wittiest American fairy tales. A short, easy read that feels like a chapter from a bigger fantasy book.

Fantasy Poems

1. Goblin Feet
A rare early poem by J.R.R. Tolkien, written before The Hobbit and Middle-earth, full of dancing goblins and elvish music heard in the dusk. A small but enchanting glimpse into the imagination that would later shape modern fantasy forever.

2. The Hunting of the Snark
Lewis Carroll’s longer nonsense poem follows a wonderfully mismatched crew on an absurd sea voyage to capture the elusive Snark. Funny, strange, and full of fantastical creatures — a one-of-a-kind long fantasy poem.

3. Fairy-Land
Edgar Allan Poe’s dreamlike short poem conjures a moonlit landscape where fairies drift through silver mists. A beautifully strange piece of fantasy verse for older readers.

4. Lory Dory
A rhyming Bookdash picture book about a parrot who looks a little different from the rest. A short, fantastical rhyme celebrating individuality and self-acceptance.

Fantasy Books by Age

Looking for fantasy books matched to a particular reader? Filter our collection by age to find the perfect fit:

• Preschoolers
• 4 year olds
• 5 year olds
• 6 year olds
• 7 year olds
• 8 year olds
• 9 year olds
• 10 year olds
• Adults

Related Themes

Fantasy connects to many other corners of Ririro. If these picks delighted you, explore further:

• Fairy Tales & Magic
• Wizard of Oz & Wizards
• Dragons & Giants
• Fairies & Goblins
• Adventure & Legends