Whether it’s escaping into faraway lands, journeying through time, or exploring magical realms hidden in plain sight, adventure stories spark imagination, curiosity, and a lifelong love of reading. That’s exactly why we’re sharing this handpicked list of brilliant books for children aged 3 to 11 - each one full of twists, quests, wonder and wow.

You’ll find something for every age and stage, from picture books for little explorers to action-packed series for confident readers ready to take on the world.

And if you’ve ever wondered why schools place such emphasis on reading, it’s not just about phonics and comprehension - it’s about building empathy, improving focus, boosting vocabulary and unlocking creativity. We see it first-hand in our Holiday Clubs, where storytelling and imaginative play go hand in hand. That’s why adventure reads are the perfect match for our Clubbers!



So whether you’re looking for a bedtime favourite, something fresh for the bookshelf, or a screen-free boredom buster, dive into these brilliant adventure books grouped by age:

 

For Ages 3–5: Little Explorers

1. An Island in the Soup by Mireille Levert
   Victor turns his bowl of soup into a fantastical island adventure. A brilliant introduction to how imagination can transform the everyday.


2. Harry and Horsie by Katie Van Camp & Lincoln Agnew
   A rocket-powered rescue mission to space to retrieve runaway toys—perfect for bedtime explorers.


3. The Wish Tree by Kyo Maclear
   Charles sets off to find the elusive Wish Tree, spreading kindness and joy along the way.


4. And Away We Go! by Migy
   A hot air balloon journey filled with surprises, friends, and gentle humour.


5. Go, Dog. Go! by P.D. Eastman
   A lively, classic read full of fast-paced fun, perfect for early readers who like their stories full of action!

For Ages 6–8: First-Time Adventurers

6. Magic Tree House Series by Mary Pope Osborne
   Time-travel with Jack and Annie to historic places and epic moments in this super-popular series.


7. The Magic School Bus Series by Joanna Cole & Bruce Degen
   Science becomes an adventure when Ms. Frizzle drives her class inside volcanoes, rainforests, even the human body!


8. The Land of Roar by Jenny McLachlan
   What if your imaginary world came to life? Arthur and Rose rediscover the magic of their childhood creation—Roar.


9. The Edge Chronicles by Paul Stewart & Chris Riddell
   A gripping fantasy series set in a world of sky pirates, floating cities, and incredible creatures.


10. The Paper Bag Princess by Robert Munsch
    Princess Elizabeth takes on a dragon and flips the fairy tale script in this empowering, fast-paced read.

For Ages 9–11: Confident Questers

11. Percy Jackson & the Olympians Series by Rick Riordan
    A demigod with a snappy sense of humour battles monsters and uncovers Greek myths in the modern world.


12. Amari and the Night Brothers by B.B. Alston
    When her brother disappears, Amari uncovers a hidden world of magic—and her own potential.


13. The Storm Runner by J.C. Cervantes
    Myth, monsters, and ancient magic—Zane’s backyard volcano holds a gateway to the world of Mayan gods.


14. Aru Shah and the End of Time by Roshani Chokshi
    Aru's fib lands her in a very real battle against an ancient demon. A fun, fast-paced story grounded in Hindu mythology.


15. The School for Good and Evil by Soman Chainani
    Best friends are whisked into a school where kids train to become fairy tale heroes or villains. Magical, witty and full of twists!

Why Adventure Books?

Adventure stories help children process challenges, solve problems, and dream big. Whether they’re swinging from vines with jungle explorers or unravelling riddles in magical lands, adventure books build bravery and curiosity in young readers and that’s something we’re all about at Practically Family.

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