Families who loved Magic & Mischief: Tales from Cornwall by Shirley Climo 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 starts showing a deep fascination with the 'how' and 'why' of the world, or when they need to see that courage comes in many forms. This collection of Cornish folktales introduces children to a landscape where the ordinary and the magical coexist, offering a bridge between historical reality and the limitless bounds of imagination. Through stories of piskies, giants, and knockers, children explore the consequences of greed, the power of kindness, and the importance of outsmarting one's fears. While some tales involve traditional folklore elements like trickery or mild peril, they are balanced by a clear sense of justice and wonder. It is an ideal choice for middle-grade readers who are transitioning into more complex narratives but still crave the structural comfort of short, self-contained legends. Parents will appreciate how Shirley Climo uses these ancient stories to build vocabulary and provide a cultural window into the unique heritage of South West England.
