If you enjoy reading books by Kelly Barnhill then you might also like the following authors:
Katherine Applegate has a talent for writing stories that feel both magical and heartfelt. One of her standout books, “The One and Only Ivan,” tells the story of a gorilla who lives in a shopping mall. Ivan spends his days painting and reflecting on his life.
When a baby elephant named Ruby arrives, Ivan begins to see the world in a new way and plans a better future for them both. The book explores friendship and finding hope in unexpected places.
Kate DiCamillo is a storyteller who knows how to touch readers with heartfelt tales. One of her books, “The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane,” follows the life of a china rabbit named Edward. At first, Edward is selfish and cold, caring only about himself.
But after being separated from the little girl who loves him, he begins an unexpected journey. Along the way, he meets different people—like a fisherman, a sickly child, and a hobo—who slowly teach him about love and loss.
It’s a story that feels magical, filled with warmth and reflection, with every chapter pulling you deeper into Edward’s transformation. DiCamillo’s work often mixes sorrow and hope in a way that lingers long after you’ve read the last page.
Cornelia Funke is a German author known for her imaginative storytelling, often bringing magical worlds to life.
One of her best-known books, **“Inkheart”**, follows a girl named Meggie who discovers that her father has the ability to bring book characters into the real world when he reads aloud.
Things take a dark turn when a villain from a story escapes and threatens them, pulling Meggie into a dangerous adventure. The book has a vivid way of making you feel like you’re stepping into its pages, perfect for readers who love stories that mix magic with a sense of danger.
Philip Pullman is a master storyteller known for creating vivid worlds where magic and science intertwine. One of his best-known books, “The Golden Compass,” follows Lyra, a bold girl living in a universe where humans have animal companions called daemons.
When her friend Roger disappears, Lyra uncovers a sinister plot involving kidnapped children and a mysterious substance called Dust. The story takes her on a journey through Arctic landscapes, encounters with armored bears, and dangerous conspiracies.
It’s an adventurous and thought-provoking tale that pulls you in from the start.
Diana Wynne Jones was a brilliant writer known for her inventive fantasy worlds and characters that feel real and relatable. One of her standout books, “Howl’s Moving Castle,” tells the tale of Sophie, a young woman cursed to live as an old lady.
She ends up in a moving castle owned by the charming but mysterious wizard Howl. The story is packed with unpredictable magic, humor, and unexpected twists, as Sophie discovers secrets about Howl and herself.
Fans of Kelly Barnhill will enjoy how Jones weaves heartfelt relationships into an imaginative setting.
Neil Gaiman writes stories filled with magic and wonder, often grounded in everyday life. One of his books, “The Graveyard Book”, tells the story of Bod, a boy who grows up in a graveyard after his family is murdered.
Raised by ghosts and a mysterious guardian, he learns they have their own customs and secrets. The story shifts between the safety of the graveyard and the dangers waiting beyond its gates. It carries that mix of whimsy and darkness that fans of Kelly Barnhill might enjoy.
Laini Taylor writes fantasy stories filled with vivid worlds and unforgettable characters. Her book “Strange the Dreamer” follows Lazlo Strange, a librarian who longs to uncover the secrets of a lost city named Weep.
When an opportunity arises to join an expedition to find it, Lazlo’s ordinary life is turned upside down. The city holds mysteries tied to gods, magic, and a haunting past.
Taylor’s storytelling brings an enchanting sense of wonder that could appeal to readers who enjoy Kelly Barnhill’s work.
Frances Hardinge is an author known for creating rich, atmospheric stories with a touch of darkness and wonder. Her book, “The Lie Tree,” follows Faith, a girl whose family moves to a remote island after her father’s reputation is ruined.
When he dies under suspicious circumstances, Faith discovers a strange plant that feeds on lies and reveals hidden truths. As she uncovers secrets about her father’s death, the story explores themes of deception, power, and the pursuit of knowledge.
Fans of Kelly Barnhill might enjoy Hardinge’s blend of fantasy and thought-provoking storytelling.
Eva Ibbotson wrote stories filled with charm and a touch of fantasy. If you liked Kelly Barnhill’s style, you might enjoy Ibbotson’s “The Secret of Platform 13.” The book introduces a hidden doorway to a magical island that opens for only nine days every nine years.
When a prince from that world is stolen and raised in London, a team of oddball rescuers sets off to bring him home. It has clever twists, funny moments, and characters who stand out right away. Ibbotson’s worlds feel warm but still leave plenty of room for adventure.
Jacqueline Woodson is an author known for crafting stories that feel honest and heartfelt. One of her books, “Harbor Me,” follows a group of six students who meet weekly in an empty classroom to talk freely about their lives.
The story touches on topics like family struggles, immigration, and racial identity, all shared through the voices of these kids. The way the characters open up to each other creates a sense of connection that’s both uplifting and real.
Woodson’s writing has a warmth to it that makes her stories linger in your mind.
Tamora Pierce creates stories that bring fantasy worlds to life with strong, relatable characters and adventures full of heart.
In “Alanna: The First Adventure,” the first book in her Song of the Lioness series, a girl named Alanna disguises herself as a boy to train as a knight. She faces challenges, learns swordsmanship and magic, and proves her courage in a world that expects her to stay in her place.
If you enjoy books with brave characters discovering their strength in magical settings, her work is worth exploring.
Holly Black is known for creating vivid worlds filled with magic and danger. One of her standout books is “The Cruel Prince.” It tells the story of Jude, a mortal girl who grows up in the High Court of Faerie after her parents are murdered.
Jude has to navigate the treacherous politics of the faerie realm while trying to gain power in a world that looks down on humans. The faeries are both beautiful and ruthless, their magical world laced with deceit and rivalry.
Jude’s determination and boldness make her a character who pulls readers into her struggles and ambitions.
Shannon Hale writes stories that feel magical but always grounded with real emotions. One of her books, “Princess Academy,” focuses on a mountain girl named Miri, who attends a school meant to prepare her and other village girls for the chance to marry a prince.
The story explores the bonds between the girls, their struggles to find their own voices, and the strength they discover in themselves. If you enjoy heartfelt tales with strong characters and a touch of whimsy, her books might be worth exploring.
Patricia C. Wrede is known for her fun and imaginative fantasy stories. One of her most beloved books is “Dealing with Dragons,” the first in the Enchanted Forest Chronicles.
It follows Cimorene, a princess who doesn’t fit into the traditional mold and decides she’s tired of being told what to do. She runs away to live with a dragon, Kazul, and quickly proves she’s far better at handling tricky situations than anyone expected.
The story has clever twists, memorable characters, and a strong sense of humor that makes it a joy to read. If you enjoy adventurous tales with smart and resourceful protagonists, this book is a real treat.
Anna-Marie McLemore writes stories filled with lyrical prose and magical realism. One of their books, “When the Moon Was Ours,” follows Sam and Miel, two teens in a small town where roses grow out of Miel’s wrist and water towers are said to grant wishes.
Their bond is tested when a group of sisters seeks to claim Miel’s roses for themselves, believing they hold a dangerous power. The story weaves together friendship, identity, and the kind of magic that feels rooted in the everyday.
Fans of Kelly Barnhill might enjoy how McLemore blends heartfelt emotions with a touch of the fantastical.