Best Children's Medieval Fiction Books of 2025

Dragons Love Farts: They're More Fun Than Tacos! is a hilarious children's book that features dragons in silly situations that are sure to make kids laugh out loud. With colorful and dynamic illustrations, this book is perfect for even the most reluctant young reader. What makes it unique is its ability to introduce historical events and literary works in a fun and engaging way. Overall, Dragons LOVE Farts is a must-have addition to any child's bookshelf.

The Knight at Dawn is the second book in the Magic Tree House series, which follows siblings Jack and Annie on time-traveling adventures. In this installment, they find themselves in medieval England, exploring a castle with a secret passage. The book is perfect for young readers who are just starting to read chapter books, with its easy-to-read text and black-and-white illustrations. It also includes nonfiction companions called Fact Trackers to provide more context and information about the historical time periods and places featured in the series. Overall, The Knight at Dawn is a fun and educational read for kids.

King Arthur and His Knights of the Round Table, a Puffin Classic, is a retelling of the legendary tales of King Arthur. The book follows Arthur's journey from the moment he releases the sword in the stone to the quest for the Holy Grail and the final tragedy of the Last Battle. Roger Lancelyn Green brings to life the enchanting world of King Arthur and his knights in this captivating book. The introduction by David Almond adds an inspiring touch to this classic. This book is a must-read for anyone who loves mythical tales and legends.

The Cross of Lead is a Newbery Medal-winning book that tells the story of Crispin, a thirteen-year-old peasant accused of a crime he did not commit. With a "wolf's head" on his head, he flees his village with nothing but his mother's cross of lead. Along the way, he meets Bear, who becomes both his master and mentor. As Crispin's enemies draw closer, he must find a way to save their lives. Avi's storytelling powers bring medieval England to life, and this book is a page-turner full of adventure, mystery, and action. It's a must-read for fans of historical fiction.

Max and the Midknights is a hilarious, illustrated novel set in the Middle Ages, perfect for children who enjoy magic and adventure. The story follows Max, a brave girl who dreams of becoming a knight. When her uncle is kidnapped by the evil King Gastley, Max teams up with a group of daring adventurers, the Midknights, to rescue him and save the Kingdom of Byjovia. With comic panels and black-and-white art, this book is a solid purchase for all middle-grade collections, especially for fans of the Big Nate series.

The Door in the Wall by Marguerite de Angeli is a classic tale set in the fourteenth century that tells the story of a young boy's personal heroism after he loses the use of his legs. The book is a heartwarming and inspiring read for children, and its historical setting offers a unique perspective on medieval life. Marguerite de Angeli's beautiful illustrations add to the overall charm of the book. Overall, The Door in the Wall is a must-read for young readers interested in historical fiction and tales of personal triumph.

The Knight and the Dragon is a delightful children's book that tells the story of a timid knight and a not-so-fierce dragon who prepare to fight each other for the first time. The knight goes to the castle library to learn about dragon-fighting, while the dragon digs through his ancestor's things to find out how to fight a knight. The book's zesty colors and jovial tone make it a top springtime choice for young readers. Tomie dePaola's unique style, which combines color, line, detail, and design, shines through in this book, making it a must-read for any child who loves adventure and friendship stories.

The Lost Stone, part of the Kingdom of Wrenly series, follows the adventures of eight-year-old prince Lucas and his friend Clara as they search for a missing emerald belonging to Queen Tasha. The duo travels to various locations throughout the kingdom, encountering fairies, trolls, dragons, and wizards along the way. With easy-to-read language and illustrations on almost every page, this children's chapter book is perfect for beginning readers. The combination of fantasy and adventure makes The Lost Stone a delightful read for young children.

The Canterbury Tales by Geoffrey Chaucer, published by Puffin Classics, is a collection of stories that has remained popular for over seven centuries. David Wright's prose version of the classic offers a modern take on the medieval masterpiece. Raffel's translation provides a delightful counterpoint of Chaucer's earthy humor against passages of beautiful lyric poetry. This book is the most approachable masterpiece of the medieval world, and the translation makes the stories even more inviting. Overall, this book is a must-read for those interested in medieval literature.

The Knights of the Kitchen Table #1 (Time Warp Trio) is a fun and engaging read that will have children laughing out loud. The book features a new design that will appeal to both new readers and fans of Jon Scieszka's humorous writing. The story follows three time-traveling friends who find themselves transported to King Arthur's court, where they must save the day with the help of some unusual allies. Scieszka's clever wordplay and understated humor make for an enjoyable reading experience that will keep kids entertained from beginning to end.