By Christa Protano
As I write this, COVID is on the rise again. The new school year is just around the corner (if not already here). Winter is coming — and I’m trying not to freak out. Whether it be on the screen or page, a fantastical adventure is a welcome distraction during these trying times. Here are four titles guaranteed to take you and your family on an epic journey to an extraordinary time and place.
Once Upon a Story: Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland
Could there be a more mind-boggling tale than Lewis Carroll’s time-honored story about a young girl who falls down a rabbit hole? If you haven’t read this classic to your child yet, this unabridged collector’s edition is a wonderful intro to the Mad Hatter and friends. With colorful illustrations, a ribbon bookmark and whimsical canvas cover, this title is sure to become a childhood keepsake.
This book is giving us Game of Thrones vibes in a kid-friendly way. Reminiscent of the popular kingdom-map intro, the cover and pages within take you through the magical realms of all the best fairy tales, from the candy-coated woods of Hansel & Gretel to the mystical lagoon of Neverland to Aladdin’s dessert oasis.
Is there anyone who doesn’t love stickers? Well, maybe if you’re a mom who tends to find them on furniture instead of paper….Thankfully, this title is chockfull of more than 1,500 reusable stickers, plus four enchanted scenes, so your child has no reason to stick their mermaid, fairy or unicorn elsewhere.
Adventures of a Zombie: An Unofficial Minecraft Diary
The best way to get my 8-year-old son interested in reading? Woo him with pages of his favorite video game characters. This Minecraft-inspired saga did the trick, as Bern the Zombie attempts to take over the world with the help of his brain-eating army. Warning to moms: If you’re not a fan of the Walking Dead, you may want to skip asking for the recap.