Families who loved Jane and the Magician by Martin Baynton often look for books with a similar feel. These 20 recommendations were selected for their similarity in style, theme, and reading level.
Reach for this book when your child is starting to question appearances or needs help understanding that things are not always as they seem. It is perfect for the stage when children begin to distinguish between theatrical performance and reality, or when they are learning to use their observation skills to solve puzzles rather than jumping to conclusions. In this adventure, Jane and her dragon companion, Dragon, are sent to track down a banished magician whose experiments with weather spells are causing chaos. While others might see magic or malice, Jane uses her wit and integrity to uncover the truth behind the man's claims. It is a gentle, thoughtful fantasy that promotes critical thinking and self-confidence in young readers, ages 5 to 8. Parents will appreciate how it subverts traditional gender roles while modeling a healthy, loyal friendship between a girl and her dragon.