What a treat for children – spending this holiday weekend reading fantasy! Try these titles recommended by Naperville Public Library staff.

Dealing with Dragons    (Fantasy)

By Patricia Wrede

 Princess Cimorene will never be a proper princess. She is hopeless at dancing, drawing, etiquette, and all other subjects considered proper for a princess. She is always leaving her proper lessons in order to learn to make a lovely cherries jubilee, fence with the best of them, and even speak a little Latin. In desperation, her parents send her to be stolen by a dragon in hopes that whoever rescues her will fall hopelessly in love with her. The fun begins, however, when Cimorene discovers that with the dragons she is free to do as she has always wished. She can cook, she can study, and she can feel useful. Will Cimorene be able to save her new dragon friends from the princes who have come to save her and the evil wizards who want to steal their dragon magic? This book is first in the Enchanted Forest Chronicles.  

Reading Level: Grades 4 & up   Susan S.

Falling In           (Fantasy)

By Frances O’Roark Dowell

 Sent to the principal's office for not paying attention, fourth-grader Isabelle Bean falls through the floor of a supply closet and ends up falling into an alternative universe. There, Isabelle meets Grete, a misunderstood and much feared witch. It is Isabelle's mission to convince the villagers that Grete is not the mean witch they believe her to be.

Reading Level: Grades 4 & Up  Colleen

Hawksmaid: the Untold Story of Robin Hood and Maid Marian (Historical Fiction, Fantasy)

By Kathryn Lasky
 Matty is the beloved daughter of a nobleman who defies evil Prince John, the brother of King Richard who is on crusade. When her mother is killed in a raid on their castle and her father is changed forever, Matty takes over the care of her father's hawks and spends more of her time with her friends in the woods. As Prince John begins to steal from the common people, the group of friends realize something must be done and they are the ones who will do it. This book includes interesting information on the legend of Robin Hood, Maid Marian, and the Merry Men of Sherwood, as well as the hawks that were used for hunting at that time.

Reading Level: Grades 4 & up               Celeste G.

These titles and more are available at the Naperville Public Library. Check out our website  or visit one of our 3 buildings, Nichols Library, Naper Boulevard or 95^th Street Library. Driving Directions