Families who loved The Dragon of an Ordinary Family by Margaret Mahy 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 family life feels a bit too routine and your child is yearning for a spark of magic in the everyday. It is a wonderful choice for children who may feel like their own family is 'too ordinary' or for those who are currently obsessed with mythical creatures but need a story grounded in familiar domestic life. The story follows the Belsaki family, who decide to prove they aren't boring by bringing home a tiny dragon as a pet. As the dragon grows, so does the family's capacity for wonder and adventure. Margaret Mahy’s whimsical prose explores themes of imagination, family bonding, and the joy of embracing the unexpected. It is a gentle, humorous read-aloud that validates a child's desire for the extraordinary while celebrating the warmth of a loving home.