{"id":15257,"date":"2021-09-01T01:00:00","date_gmt":"2021-09-01T08:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/club31women.com\/?p=15257"},"modified":"2021-09-02T14:44:29","modified_gmt":"2021-09-02T21:44:29","slug":"fantasy-fiction-adventures-for-all-ages","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/club31women.com\/fantasy-fiction-adventures-for-all-ages\/","title":{"rendered":"7 Fantasy Fiction Adventures for All Ages"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Do you need a good list of fiction fantasy for your family? Look no more!<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cSometimes fairy stories may say best what’s to be said.\u201d
-C.S. Lewis<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Fiction<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

This post may\u00a0contain affiliate links through which\u00a0Club31Women might get a small compensation \u2013 with no additional cost to you. \u00a0See my disclosure policy here.<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

My children love tales of adventures and heroism.<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

I love stories that teach them to be humble leaders and faithful friends.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

And when the two combine, we have a family favorite for sure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Stories have been shaping my children\u2019s thoughts and ideas since they were just toddlers. They delight in fiction like The Borrowers<\/i><\/a> and The Littles<\/i><\/a>. <\/i>They thrill at fantasy such as Avi\u2019s Ragweed<\/i><\/a> series and Brian Jacques\u2019 Redwall <\/i>tales<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But I really celebrate when I find another series of books like C.S. Lewis\u2019 Chronicles of Narnia<\/i><\/a> or Tolkien’s The Hobbit<\/i><\/a> that teaches them character and valor from a Christian perspective, even if it\u2019s an unspoken one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here are seven fantasy fiction series my children love to have read and re-read….<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\u201cFairy tales say that apples were golden only to refresh the forgotten moment when we found that they were green. They make rivers run with wine only to make us remember, for one wild moment, that they run with water.\u201d
-G.K. Chesterton, Orthodoxy<\/i><\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

The Growly Books<\/i> by Philip and Erin Ulrich<\/b><\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

What\u2019s not to love about a story about bears?<\/b> Growly was an instant favorite with our kids. He\u2019s loveable, relatable, and looks positively huggable. Growly\u2019s coming of age ritual takes a different turn than he expects when the bird Tully brings a tip that may lead him to his father\u2019s long-lost friend CJ. Along the way, Growly and Tully are befriended by a monkey named Chippy. And together, their adventures take them through rainforest, over mountains, across the ocean, and in fact into the world of men, until finally, they find the clues they seek.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But will they be in time to save CJ? And will Growly ever be able to make it back up the Precipice to his family and Ember? Enjoyed even by the littlest listeners, this series belongs on your shelf with all the classic bear stories like Paddington<\/i> and Pooh<\/i>. <\/b>(Don\u2019t miss the Companion<\/i> activity books and study guides for Begin<\/a> <\/em>and Haven<\/a><\/em>!)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe Growly Books<\/i><\/a> is one of the best children\u2019s series I\u2019ve come across in years. These books are full of fun, family adventure which offer our children uplifting life lessons \u2013 all wrapped up in an engaging story. Delightfully illustrated, they make for fabulous chapter books for your new reader, or wonderful read-alouds for the entire family<\/b>.\u201d
~ Lisa Jacobson, Club31Women
*Full review of The Growly Books<\/i> here: How to Find a Charming Book Series for Your Children<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

  1. Begin<\/i><\/a><\/li>
  2. Widewater<\/i><\/a><\/li>
  3. Morning<\/i><\/a><\/li>
  4. Haven<\/i><\/a><\/li>
  5. Winter<\/a><\/em><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n
    Reading Level 8+, Read-Aloud 0+<\/b><\/h5>\n\n\n\n

    \u201cWhen I was ten, I read fairy tales in secret and would have been ashamed if I had been found doing so. Now that I am fifty, I read them openly. When I became a man I put away childish things, including the fear of childishness and the desire to be very grown up.\u201d
    -C.S. Lewis,     On Stories: And Other Essays on Literature<\/i><\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

    The Green Ember <\/i>series by S.D. Smith<\/b><\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<\/a>\"\"\n\n\n\n

    Rabbits with swords<\/b>. Can you picture them?! Rabbit siblings Heather and Pickett Longteader are suddenly swept away from all they know and love. Will tragedy bring them together or tear them apart? Who can they trust?<\/b> Will they find their family again? <\/b>S.D. Smith\u2019s \u201cnew story with an old soul\u201d emphasizes themes of friendship, bravery, and sacrifice along with poignant lessons on pride and trust.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Once you\u2019ve gotten to know these faithful rabbits, you won\u2019t want to miss the accompanying Tales of Old Natalia<\/a><\/em> (beginning with The Black Star of Kingston<\/a><\/em>) as well as the Green Ember Archer<\/em> <\/a>books (starting with The Last Archer<\/a><\/em>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    1. The Green Ember<\/i><\/a><\/li>
    2. Ember Falls<\/i><\/a><\/li>
    3. Ember Rising<\/i><\/a><\/li>
    4. Ember’s End<\/a><\/em><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n
      Reading Level 8+, Read-Aloud 4+<\/b><\/h5>\n\n\n\n

      \u201cWe do need to go for the heart. The heart is where the affections are moved. A good story aims for the heart and it carries the mind in the same action.\u201d
      -S.D. Smith (      in an interview on Read-Aloud Revival<\/a>)<\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

      The Mistmantle Chronicles<\/a><\/i> by M.I. McAllister<\/b>\"\"<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<\/a>\"\"\n\n\n\n

      We need more heroes who are willing to fight for and protect the helpless. <\/b>Meet Urchin of the Riding Stars and his mentors Crispin and Padra in Urchin of the Riding Stars<\/i>. They live on the enchanted island of Mistmantle with the other squirrels, hedgehogs, moles, and otters. But there is evil lurking in their midst. Can they prove Crispin\u2019s innocence when he is falsely accused? Is the rationing necessary? Who is really true to the King–and the Heart that made him? <\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n

      *Content warning for young\/sensitive readers: book one deals with the topic of “culling” the weak and disfigured. It is handled carefully and shown to be the evil that it is, but is a recurring theme.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      1. The Urchin of the Riding Stars<\/a><\/em><\/li>
      2. Urchin and the Heartstone<\/a><\/em><\/li>
      3. The Heir of Mistmantle<\/a><\/em><\/li>
      4. Urchin and the Raven War<\/a><\/em><\/li>
      5. Urchin and the Rage Tide<\/a><\/em><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

        (This series is being republished by Purple House Press<\/a>.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Reading Level 12+, Read-Aloud 8+<\/b><\/h5>\n\n\n\n

        “The world of children’s books just now looks for excitement, danger, adventure, thrills, pace. Perhaps we’re all missing something. We’re missing the fact that generations of readers have warmed to the stories of a gentle and sensible bear who doesn’t storm about, do anything stupidly dangerous, or even fidget. [Paddington] gets on with things, speaks politely, and raises his hat, and the world is better for him.”
        –        Margaret McAllister on From the House of Stories<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

        The Wilderking Trilogy<\/a><\/i><\/b> <\/i>by Jonathan Rogers<\/b><\/a>\"\"<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<\/a>\"\"\n\n\n\n

        What does it look like to \u201clove goodness more than you fear evil?\u201d<\/b> Twelve-year-old Aiden Errolson is just a boy tending his father\u2019s sheep, longing for a real adventure like those of his forefathers, until the day he first hears the bark of the bog owl. Can he believe Bayard the Truthspeaker\u2019s words of prophecy? Could it really be that legends he\u2019s heard all his life about the Wilderking are coming to fruition? The adventures that come to Aiden are tales sure to thrill readers young and old. But more importantly, they are packed with profound truths, inspiring readers to act justly, love mercy, walk humbly, and \u201cLive the life that unfolds before you.\u201d <\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n

        \u201cI wasn\u2019t sure what to make of any book with the title, The Bark of the Bog Owl<\/i><\/a> (say what?) but this series is absolutely delightful<\/b> and a favorite in the Jacobson family. Well-written and a wonderful story!\u201d
        ~ Lisa Jacobson, Club31Women<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        1. The Bark of the Bog Owl<\/a><\/em><\/li>
        2. The Secret of the Swamp King<\/a><\/em><\/li>
        3. The Way of the Wilderking<\/a><\/em><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n
          Reading Level 10+, Read-Aloud 8+<\/b><\/h5>\n\n\n\n

          \u201cA virtuous life is a life of adventure\u2014of facing challenges, standing firm, rescuing the powerless, righting wrongs. A good children\u2019s book dramatizes that adventure and makes it seem like the sort of life that nobody would want to miss out on. It doesn\u2019t just tell the reader what\u2019s right; it helps the reader to want what\u2019s right.\u201d
          –          Jonathan Rogers<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

          The Tales of Larkin<\/i> by Alan W. Harris<\/b><\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<\/a>\"\"\n\n\n\n

          The Larkin are a tiny people with a big God.<\/b> At just one inch tall, they must fight for their lives against mice and beetles. They train their young men to be warriors, always prepared for an attack from the wild–or from the dreaded Renegades.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          With personalities that would fit into any circle of Lord of the Rings Hobbits or Narnian dwarfs, the Larkin are loveable and quite quotable characters. But what sets the Larkin apart from the Renegades–and the rest of their literary counterparts–is their personal relationship with their Maker.<\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n

          \u201cFrom the very first page, I was swept up in the adventures from The Tales of Larkin<\/a><\/em>. I’ve long been on the lookout for an exciting – and yet character-building – book for our younger children to read and such books are not easy to come by these days! Just to be sure, however, I handed it over to our 12-year-old son…and then watched him devour the story even more rapidly than me. Now all 3 of our boys have read this story over and over again. This one is an absolute winner for parents and children alike!<\/b>\u201d
          ~ Lisa Jacobson, Club31Women<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          1. Hawthorn\u2019s Discovery<\/i><\/a><\/li>
          2. Larkin’s Journal<\/i><\/a><\/li>
          3. The Great Gathering<\/i><\/a><\/li>
          4. Mosstar and Belladonna<\/i><\/a><\/li>
          5. Fiery Trials<\/i><\/a><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n
            Reading Level 8+, Read-Aloud 6+<\/b><\/h5>\n\n\n\n

            \u201cScientific research has shown that if an exciting or engaging story is used to teach, the emotional connection with the story stores the information as long-term memories.\u201d
            –            Alan W. Harris<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

            The King of the Trees <\/i>series by William D. Burt<\/b><\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<\/a>\"\"\n\n\n\n

            What happens when you climb a tree and find yourself in another world–one that awaits your part in their prophecy? <\/b>In Lucambra, Rolin discovers that trees called torsils–like the one he climbed–can transport you to other worlds, and everyone has a life-tree called a sythan-ar. But when he meets The Tree of Life, Rolin finds that what he really needs–even more than faith and courage in the face of Felgor and his dragon–is a new heart. The King of the Trees<\/i><\/b><\/a> is a fascinating fantasy world with rich Biblical allegory and memorable poetry.<\/b> \u201cThe Prophecy’s fulfillment depends not upon age or strength but on our obedience to Gaelathane’s call.\u201d (Don’t miss the downloadable activity book<\/a>!)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            \u201cA friend of the family first suggested these books to us and, to be honest, I had my doubts whether our kids would \u2018get into them\u2019 or not. But, boy! Did they ever get into them. ALL of our kids have devoured <\/b>The King of the Trees<\/i><\/b><\/a> series<\/b> and read them over and over again. Well done!\u201d
            ~ Lisa Jacobson, Club31Women<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            1. The King of the Trees<\/a><\/em><\/li>
            2. Torsils in Time<\/a><\/em><\/li>
            3. The Golden Wood<\/a><\/em><\/li>
            4. The Greenstones<\/a><\/em><\/li>
            5. The Downs<\/a><\/em><\/li>
            6. Kyleah’s Mirrors<\/a><\/em><\/li>
            7. The Birthing Tree<\/a><\/em><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n
              Reading Level 10+, Read-Aloud 8+<\/b><\/h5>\n\n\n\n

              \u201cMost modern fantasy authors create imaginary worlds and settings that are cosmologically humanistic. That is, there is no room for God, unless it is a pagan god. Characters in these soulless fantasies must rely upon their own wits and resources, magic, and\/or their unique superpowers in order to resolve conflicts\u2026 I scrupulously avoid the use of magic and the occult… Instead, I introduce a God-figure Who specializes in working miracles, especially those of the heart and soul. My characters pray for wisdom, guidance and divine assistance and are at their best when they are trusting Gaelathane to help them.\u201d
              –              William D. Burt<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

              The Wingfeather Saga<\/i> by Andrew Peterson<\/b><\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<\/a>\"\"\n\n\n\n

              It took my children a little while to get into this \u201cscary\u201d saga. But once they got to know Janner, Tink, and Leeli Igiby–and their dog Nugget–they were swept into the adventures of the three children as they run from the Fangs of Dang. Between escapes from the Toothy Cows of Skree, fearsome Sea Dragons, and the dreaded Black Carriage, it\u2019s a saga of constant peril and adventure<\/b>. Will their fear win out or will they stay faithful to their family and friends?<\/b> Who will find the lost jewels of Anniera? (Fans will want a complete copy of Pembrick’s Creaturepedia<\/a><\/em>, too!)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

              1. On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness<\/i><\/a><\/li>
              2. North! Or Be Eaten!<\/i><\/a><\/li>
              3. The Monster in the Hollows<\/i><\/a><\/li>
              4. The Warden and the Wolf King<\/i><\/a><\/li>
              5. Wingfeather Tales<\/i><\/a><\/li>
              6. Pembrick’s Creaturepedia<\/a><\/em><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n
                Reading Level 10+, Read-Aloud 8+<\/b><\/h5>\n\n\n\n

                \u201cSometimes it is necessary to paint the sky black in order to show how beautiful is the prick of light.\u201d
                –                Andrew Peterson<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

                What fantasy literary adventures does your family enjoy?<\/b><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

                I’d love to hear about them!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                Because He Lives,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                Gretchen Louise<\/b><\/h6>\n\n\n\n

                P.S. Audiobooks are one of my favorite ways to introduce my family to a new series, especially when there is pronunciation of new words from a fantasy world to learn! At least the first book of each of these series is available on Audible or audio CD; sign up for a free trial of Audible and you can choose two free audiobooks<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n