If you enjoy reading books by Eva Ibbotson then you might also like the following authors:
If you appreciate Eva Ibbotson’s blend of charm, fantasy, and gentle humor, Diana Wynne Jones should be your next stop. Jones expertly weaves magical adventures into everyday life, crafting lively stories with quirky characters and warm humor.
Her book Howl's Moving Castle follows Sophie, a girl stuck under an aging spell, who comes to live in the enchanted, chaotic castle of Wizard Howl. Jones thoughtfully explores friendship, identity, and the unexpected magic of ordinary life.
Joan Aiken creates imaginative worlds filled with unexpected twists, plucky characters, and inventive storytelling. Like Eva Ibbotson, Aiken uses subtle wit and engaging mysteries in her children's fiction.
Her book The Wolves of Willoughby Chase pictures a brave pair of cousins who undertake a daring journey with danger and adventure at every turn. Aiken’s stories combine humor and suspense, appealing strongly to fans of classic children's fantasy.
If the delightful, gentle fantasies of Eva Ibbotson are your favorite, Mary Norton might become one of your new beloved authors. Norton's imaginative portrayals of tiny, hidden worlds charm readers of all ages.
Her famous book The Borrowers follows the tiny Clock family, who survive by borrowing everyday objects from humans, leading to humorous mishaps, clever problem-solving, and touching adventures.
Norton's books offer readers a whimsical yet thoughtful view of family and friendship.
Fans of Eva Ibbotson who enjoy magical adventures set firmly in the real world will find Edward Eager's stories delightful.
His relatable child characters discover magic around them in joyful, humorous scenarios—just enough magic to inspire wonder and fun without overwhelming reality.
In his book Half Magic, four siblings stumble upon a magical coin, only to discover it grants precisely half of whatever they wish for—leading to hilarious confusion and delightful twists of imagination.
E. Nesbit pioneered a style of children’s fantasy grounded in the everyday lives of believable characters. Like Eva Ibbotson, Nesbit charms her readers with gentle humor, relatable protagonists, and magical adventures set within ordinary life.
Her book Five Children and It, about siblings discovering a grumpy wish-granting creature, humorously explores the unexpected consequences when children dabble with magic. Nesbit's stories remain timeless, warm-hearted explorations of curiosity and childhood.
Lloyd Alexander writes charming adventures filled with fantasy, humor, and memorable characters. Readers who enjoy Eva Ibbotson's warmth and wit will likely appreciate Alexander's work.
His book The Book of Three is the first in the Chronicles of Prydain series and follows a young pigkeeper named Taran as he embarks on a journey filled with strange companions, magical dangers, and lessons on courage and friendship.
Patricia C. Wrede creates imaginative stories set in magical lands, often focusing on clever characters, strong heroines, and humorous storytelling. Fans of Eva Ibbotson's gentle humor and vivid imagination will find much to love in Wrede's books.
Her novel Dealing with Dragons introduces Princess Cimorene, a spirited heroine who chooses to live with dragons rather than conform to traditional fairy tale roles.
Gail Carson Levine writes stories that blend humor, adventure, and fairy-tale charm. Her heroines are smart, resourceful, and often challenged by magical circumstance—qualities reminiscent of Eva Ibbotson's thoughtful characterizations.
Her novel Ella Enchanted follows Ella, who is cursed with obedience and must find her own way to break the spell, leading to a story full of enchantment, humor, and heart.
Cornelia Funke weaves fantasy adventures with a rich imagination, creating stories that explore friendship, bravery, and the magic of storytelling itself. Fans of Eva Ibbotson will appreciate Funke's ability to mix relatable characters with whimsical magic.
Her book Inkheart is about a father and daughter who can bring book characters to life simply by reading aloud—an idea full of wonder and peril.
Jessica Day George creates delightful fantasy stories inspired by fairy tales, focusing on relatable protagonists, charming romance, and clever magical twists. Like Eva Ibbotson, George knows how to craft an entertaining and heartfelt tale filled with imaginative detail.
Her book Dragon Slippers follows Creel, a young seamstress who unexpectedly befriends dragons, leading to adventure and a newfound sense of courage.
Shannon Hale writes charming and imaginative fantasy novels with strong heroines and fairy-tale inspirations. Her style is warm and humorous, focusing on growth, friendship, and courage.
If you enjoyed Eva Ibbotson's spirited characters and blend of fantasy and reality, you'll likely appreciate Hale's The Goose Girl, a retelling of the classic fairy tale about a princess who must reclaim her identity and bravely confront betrayal.
Katherine Rundell crafts enchanting stories filled with humor, warmth, and adventure. Her narratives feature young protagonists who find themselves in extraordinary situations that push them to discover their bravery and resourcefulness.
Fans of the lively settings and vivid characters in Eva Ibbotson's books may also love Rundell's Rooftoppers, a delightful tale about a brave girl on a thrilling quest across Parisian rooftops to reunite with her lost mother.
Frances Hardinge creates original, thought-provoking stories that blend fantasy, mystery, and slightly darker themes. Her writing is inventive, witty, and explores identity, trust, and courage.
If you enjoy Eva Ibbotson's imaginative worlds but are looking for something a little darker and richer, try Hardinge's The Lie Tree, a gripping Victorian mystery about a clever, curious girl uncovering secrets and lies surrounding her father's death.
Tamora Pierce is famous for fantasy books featuring smart, independent young heroines overcoming obstacles in richly detailed worlds. Her style is direct, character-driven, and engaging, often focusing on themes of friendship, bravery, and finding one's place.
If you liked Eva Ibbotson's strong young characters overcoming difficult odds, you'll likely enjoy Pierce's Alanna: The First Adventure, the exciting start to her beloved Song of the Lioness series about a young girl who disguises herself to become a knight.
Philip Pullman creates absorbing fantasy worlds mixed with thought-provoking philosophical themes and complex characters. His stories are imaginative, lyrical, and emotionally deep, exploring morality, friendship, and free will.
For readers who appreciate Eva Ibbotson's immersive storytelling and vibrant fantasy settings, Pullman's The Golden Compass is a brilliant choice, following a brave girl named Lyra on a suspenseful journey through a world both familiar and mysterious.