If you enjoy reading novels by Cornelia Funke then you might also like the following authors:
Diana Wynne Jones was a brilliant storyteller who wrote imaginative tales filled with magic and unexpected twists. One of her standout books is “Howl’s Moving Castle.” It follows a young woman named Sophie who is cursed by a witch and transformed into an old lady.
Sophie ends up in the magical moving castle of the mysterious wizard Howl, where spells, secrets, and a fire demon named Calcifer make things incredibly unpredictable. The story combines humor, adventure, and heart, creating a world that feels alive with wonder and charm.
Philip Pullman is a writer known for creating imaginative worlds and stories that challenge the way readers think about life and belief.
One of his most well-loved books, “The Golden Compass,” introduces Lyra, a fearless girl living in a universe where people’s souls take the form of animal companions called daemons.
The story begins when children start disappearing, leading Lyra to uncover a conspiracy involving a mysterious substance called Dust. With a magical compass and help from a giant armored bear, she sets out on a journey filled with danger and wonder.
Pullman’s storytelling feels rich and adventurous, creating a sense of excitement that pulls you right into his world.
J.K. Rowling is best known for creating the magical world of Harry Potter, a series that has captured the hearts of millions. In the first book, “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone,” Harry discovers on his eleventh birthday that he is a wizard.
He is whisked away to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, where he learns about magic, friendship, and the dark secrets of his past. The story is filled with fascinating details about enchanted objects, hidden rooms, and a mysterious stone that holds incredible power.
Fans of Cornelia Funke may enjoy Rowling’s imaginative world-building and the way she brings fantastical elements to life.
Holly Black is known for creating vivid fantasy worlds that pull readers in. One of her books, “The Cruel Prince,” introduces Jude, a mortal girl living in the dangerous courts of Faerie. After her parents are killed, she and her sisters are taken to live among the fae.
Jude dreams of earning her place in this world, but the fae, with their beauty and cruelty, make survival a constant challenge. The story has court politics, dangerous alliances, and a prince named Cardan who hides his own secrets.
It’s perfect for fans who love richly imagined fairy tale worlds, like those created by Cornelia Funke.
Lian Tanner writes fantasy stories filled with adventure and imagination, perfect for readers who enjoy worlds packed with mystery. One of her books, “Museum of Thieves,” is set in a city where children are strictly controlled to keep them safe.
The story follows Goldie, a girl who escapes and stumbles upon a strange museum with shifting rooms. Inside, she uncovers secrets that could change everything. It’s a world full of danger and unusual magic, with a unique setting you won’t forget.
Fans of Cornelia Funke will find the same kind of thrilling journey here.
Garth Nix is an Australian author known for creating richly imagined fantasy worlds full of magic and danger. One of his most popular books, “Sabriel,” begins with a young woman who has grown up far from the magical land where she was born.
When her father, a powerful necromancer, goes missing, Sabriel must cross into the Old Kingdom, a place filled with the dead and creatures that refuse to stay buried. Armed with a set of magical bells and her wits, she faces forces that threaten both her life and her world.
The mix of dark magic and a strong, resourceful heroine makes this story unforgettable.
Brian Jacques is the author of the “Redwall” series, a collection of adventure tales filled with heroic animals and rich storytelling. One standout book is “Redwall”, where readers meet Matthias, a young mouse living in Redwall Abbey.
When his peaceful home is threatened by the ruthless rat Cluny the Scourge, Matthias steps up to defend it. The story has gorgeously described feasts, clever battles, and a hidden sword tied to the abbey’s history.
It has a wonderful balance of heartwarming moments and action, set in a world that’s richly imagined and full of charm. Fans of Cornelia Funke’s ability to create magical worlds may lose themselves completely here.
Tomi Adeyemi writes fantasy stories full of vivid settings and heartfelt characters. Her book, “Children of Blood and Bone,” takes readers to a world called Orïsha, where magic has been stolen and the people who once wielded it have been oppressed.
The story follows Zélie, a young girl determined to bring magic back and free her people. Along the way, she faces personal loss, clashes with a prince named Inan, and discovers secrets about her family’s past.
The story combines adventure and emotion, creating a tale that feels alive and powerful.
Rick Riordan writes stories filled with mythology, adventure, and relatable characters. His book “The Lightning Thief” kicks off the “Percy Jackson & The Olympians” series. It’s about a boy named Percy who discovers he’s the son of Poseidon.
Soon after, he gets pulled into a world of gods, monsters, and quests. One scene has Percy battling a Minotaur while protecting his mom, setting the tone for a fast-paced and exciting journey.
With ancient myths woven into the modern world, the story creates a fun and magical escape. Fans of Cornelia Funke’s imaginative worlds might enjoy Riordan’s unique approach to mythology.
Eva Ibbotson was an author known for creating magical worlds with heartwarming characters. One of her books, “The Secret of Platform 13,” is about a hidden doorway at a railway station that leads to a fantastical island.
The story involves a kidnapped prince, a group of quirky rescuers, and their mission to bring him back. The mix of humor, charm, and a little bit of danger makes it an engaging read that lingers in your mind.
Fans of Cornelia Funke’s imaginative settings and memorable characters may find something to love here.
Neil Gaiman writes stories that feel magical and full of wonder, often blending the real world with other realms. One of his books, “The Graveyard Book,” tells the story of a boy named Nobody Owens, or Bod for short.
Bod is raised in a graveyard by ghosts after his family is murdered, and each chapter follows him as he grows up in this strange, otherworldly setting.
He learns life lessons from his ghostly guardians, meets fascinating characters like a mysterious figure named Silas, and faces dangers tied to the tragedy of his past. Gaiman’s storytelling creates a world that feels alive and unforgettable.
Jacqueline West is a talented author who creates stories filled with mystery and magic. One of her well-loved books is “The Books of Elsewhere: The Shadows.” In it, eleven-year-old Olive moves into an old house filled with strange paintings.
She discovers that these paintings aren’t ordinary—they hold entire worlds. With the help of a talking cat, she learns she can step inside them.
But these strange worlds hide dangers, and Olive begins uncovering secrets about the house’s previous owners and their connection to the magic. Fans of Cornelia Funke’s imaginative tales may enjoy getting lost in this eerie and enchanting story.
Christopher Paolini is the author of the fantasy series “The Inheritance Cycle.” The first book, “Eragon,” tells the story of a farm boy who discovers a mysterious blue stone that turns out to be a dragon egg.
When the dragon, Saphira, hatches, Eragon’s quiet life is thrown into chaos. He becomes bonded with the dragon and finds himself caught in a rebellion against a tyrannical ruler.
The story takes the reader through magical landscapes, ancient secrets, and Eragon’s struggles to grow into a hero. Saphira is a standout character, wise and fierce, with a bond to Eragon that is both heartwarming and intense.
Paolini creates a vivid world filled with danger, bravery, and a touch of wonder.
Jessica Townsend writes stories filled with wonder and charm. Her book, “Nevermoor: The Trials of Morrigan Crow,” introduces readers to Morrigan, a young girl cursed to die on her eleventh birthday.
Instead of meeting her fate, she is whisked away to the magical world of Nevermoor. Here, she must compete in a series of dangerous trials to earn a place in the Wundrous Society, an extraordinary group full of secrets.
The story is packed with unexpected twists, memorable characters, and a world that feels alive with magic. If you love tales that spark imagination, this might be a book to explore.
Leigh Bardugo has created immersive worlds with rich storytelling. Her books, such as “Shadow and Bone” and “Six of Crows,” captivate with their unforgettable characters and intricate plots.
Fans of Cornelia Funke might find a similar sense of wonder and adventure in Bardugo’s tales, drawing them into fantastical realms that feel both magical and grounded.