Japanese animation studio Studio Ghibli is well-known for their atmospheric, hand-drawn films. If your child loves Studio Ghibli's films, this list of books for fans of Studio Ghibli features titles that evoke a similar sense of wonder and joy, and will be enjoyed either as family read alouds or as independent reading.
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Table of contents
Novels and Chapter Books
Kiki's Delivery Service (series) by Eiko Kadono, illustrated by Yuta Onoda
Kiki's Delivery Service inspired Miyazaki's film of the same name. On Kiki's thirteenth birthday, she moves with her cat to a seaside village, ready to begin her new delivery service and make new friends. I love the deluxe version with the charming spine illustrations! The book series also includes Kiki and the New Magic and Kiki and the Other Witch (also available in the deluxe versions). Ages 8 and up.
The Village Beyond the Mist by Sachiko Kashiwaba, illustrated by Miho Satake
First published in Japan in 1975, this newly translated novel is overflowing with Spirited Away vibes and you will love it. Lina heads to Misty Valley for the summer, and along the way, her umbrella carries her through the fog to Picotto Hall. Lina must work for Ms. Picotto, carrying out a series of tasks and acts of kindness that introduce her to unique characters. Magical line drawings fill the pages. Ages 8 and up.
MORE: Wonderful Middle Grade Novels in Translation
Howl's Moving Castle (series) by Diana Wynne Jones
Young Sophie is transformed into an old woman by The Witch of Waste and the only way to break the spell is to seek out the Wizard Howl in his bizarre moving castle. The boxed set also includes companion books, Castle in the Air and House of Many Ways. Ages 8 and up.
The Borrowers (series) by Mary Norton
This wonderful classic tale of a tiny family delights children generation after generation was the inspiration for Studio Ghibli's film, The Secret World of Arrietty. And who doesn't imagine the possibilities were one to shrink to such a tiny size? The Clock family lives beneath the floorboards of a normal-sized human family's home. Trying to remain unseen by others, they venture out to "borrow" items for use in their own home. Ages 8 and up.
MORE: Books Like Alice In Wonderland
The Secret of the Blue Glass by Tomiko Inui
This tender book translated from the Japanese may stir memories of The Borrowers. The action begins in 1913 when Tatsuo Moriyama's teacher passes on to him the responsibility of looking after a family of Little People. When Tatsuo has his own family, his children take up the job of caretaker, but when WWII forces them to the countryside, taking care of the Little People poses new difficulties. A wonderful, thoughtful book, first published in 1967. Ages 8 and up.
Temple Alley Summer by Sachiko Kashiwaba
Kashiwaba's novel is part summer adventure, part ghost story (not scary at all), part friendship tale. One night, Kazu sees a girl he's never seen before leaving an altar room. The same girl appears at school the next day and everyone but Kazu insists she's always been a classmate. Kazu decides to do his summer project on Kimyō Temple Alley, which has links to ghosts. He befriends the mystery girl, Akari, and meets some of the older residents of the neighborhood who help him with his quest to solve the mystery of the alley. Ages 9 and up.
Alliana Girl of Dragons by Julie Abe
After her father falls into the abyss, Alliana is forced to live with her stepmother and step-siblings, working in the family inn, run by her mean-spirited relatives. Alliana dreams of escaping and attending the Regional Ball where she might be chosen for the Royal Academy. She befriends a young witch, Nela Evergreen, and rescues a night dragon hatchling. Together they take a risk that might help Alliana reach her dreams. Ages 9 and up.
MORE: Books About Dragons for Tweens (ages 8 and up)
Eva the Semi-Magical Witch (series) by Julie Abe
Fans of Studio Ghibli will compare her to Kiki, but Eva stands on her own two feet–or flies on her own broom–as the case may be. Eva must prove before her thirteenth birthday that she has what it takes to be a good witch, or she will lose her magic. Ages 8 and up.
Earwig and the Witch by Diana Wynne Jones, illustrated by Paul O. Zelenski
Diana Wynne Jones’ final book is delightfully quirky, and so is the main character (as you might expect the same from a girl named “Earwig”). Earwig was adopted by a bizarre and magical couple. She hoped they would teach her magic, but is treated as a servant instead. However, the clever Earwig and a talking cat are soon able to outwit their guardians. Ages 7 and up.
MORE: Magical Early Chapter Books for Kids
Comet in Moominland (series) by Tove Jansson
Finnish author Tove Jansson gave the world a literary treasure: the Moomins. All the Moomin books are gentle, quirky fantasy stories about a group of curious creatures. In this book, Sniff and Moomintroll learn a comet is heading towards Moominvalley. They return home, having the obligatory adventures along the way, with a plan to take shelter from the impending catastrophe. Ages 8 and up.
MORE: Big Book of Fantasy Novels for Kids
Graphic Novels
When a Dragon Calls (series) by Sachiko Kashiwaba, art by Renji Asai, design by Miho Satake
I haven't had a chance to read this, yet, but given that I have two other books by Kashiwaba on this list, I feel confident it belongs here–and not least because it is filled with dragons, witches and a girl being "whisked" away on a new adventure.
Sea Sirens: A Trot & Cap'n Bill Adventure (series) by Amy Chu, illustrated by Janet K. Lee
This graphic novel is more than just a graphic novel adaptation of L. Frank Baum's classic novel, Sea Fairies. Trot, a Vietnamese surfer girl who hates school, brings her grandfather to the beach with her. That day she is pulled beneath the waves with Cap'n Bill and her feline surfing companion, where they find themselves in the middle of a battle between feuding sea creatures. Ages 8 and up.
MORE: Fantasy and Sci-Fi Graphic Novels for Kids
This Was Our Pact by Ryan Andrews
Ben and his friends have made a pact. This year, after the lanterns at the Autumn festival are set adrift in the river, they will follow the lanterns to see where they go. They want to find out if the legend which says they turn into stars is true. However, the kids drop out of the pact one by one until only Ben and Nathaniel are left. They forge on, however, and what they discover and encounter is truly magical. Ages 8 and up.
The Tea Dragon Society (series) by Katie O'Neill
For kids who like fantasy but without all the potentially scary action, this oversized graphic novel series is a great start. Greta, a blacksmith's apprentice, meets Hesekiel and Erik, tea shop owners who teach her about the ancient art of tea dragons. At the end of the book there is a super fun guide to all the tea dragons and their care. Ages 7 and up.
5 Worlds (series) by Mark Siegel, Alexis Siegel, illustrated by Xanthe Bouma, etc.
My son inhaled the 5 Worlds series. It's a beautifully illustrated science fiction adventure in which the protagonists must battle an ancient evil force. Five worlds are at risk of destruction unless our child heroes manage to light five beacons. 5 Worlds is an excellent series for kids who love sci-fi, robots, and stories that take place in other galaxies. Ages 8 and up.
Lightfall: The Girl and the Galdurian (series) by Tim Probert
This gorgeous fantasy will have your kids turning page after page without stopping. In Irpa, a land without a sun, Bea becomes friends with Cadwallader, a lost Galdurian. The Galdurians were thought to be extinct. It was they who invented the Lights that prevented darkness after the sun was extinguished. Now Bea and her adoptive grandfather, a Pig Wizard, are trying to help Cadwallader find other Galdurians. Ages 8 and up.
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