10 Enchanting Magical Realism Books

Inés, a Mexican-American girl transforms into a monarch butterfly for a long, dangerous migration. The illustrations are enough to draw you in, and the storytelling will remind you of childhood. 

Inés can transform because of a tie her family has to butterflies, and the story explores themes of community, identity, and ecology. This is a must-have to spark whimsy and curiosity for every member of the family. 

Santiago is the older brother of Miguel, a boy born so beautiful that it was all anyone could ever talk about. He laments the love and luxuries his brother receives because of his beauty. Not everything is as it seems, however. 

This book follows two brothers and their complex family as they navigate a world as quick to judge as it is to love. The reader is left feeling the tenuous threads of rivalry between two brothers born into a world ready to split them apart. 

Bahar recounts her family’s experiences during the 1979 Islamic Revolution in The Enlightenment of the Greengage Tree. The story weaves mystic imagery, mythology, and folklore into a complex tapestry. 

The family does their best to weather the storm of political turmoil and violence. The story's imaginative layers depict tragic events through the eyes of the 13-year-old, who remains unbroken even as she narrates from beyond the grave. 

Wallace is led from his funeral by Mei, a reaper, to a little tea shop where Hugo, the proprietor, is also a ferryman of the dead. 

Wallace is left to deal with the remnants of his life, the fact that attendance at his funeral was poor, and that he left behind no real connection with anyone. 

It is within the walls of Hugo’s tea shop that Wallace finds what feels like happiness, and he makes the effort to show up as the person he’s truly capable of being. 

In a magical photo studio, Mr. Hirasaka has created for spirits of those passing on from life a “spinning lantern of memories.” Here, they can watch their lives replayed before them. 

Through the doors of his shop, we meet a cast of characters who all witness the lives they have lived while also experiencing the kindness of Mr. Hirasaka himself. 

A small coffee shop in Tokyo offers its patrons the beautiful gift of time travel. The only catch is you must follow the rules, which include finishing your time travel trip before the coffee gets cold. 

Through this café, we witness four visitors go back in time for very personal reasons. Each traveler’s story will leave the reader contemplating what they would do if they could travel back in time.

Travis plays the role of Death and narrator. He offers comfort and space to those about to leave life on Earth. Travis fulfills his role to protect the natural order of things. Life and Death is a balance, after all.

In staying detached, he protects himself. That is until he is pulled into the lives of his neighbors, Dalia and her daughter Layla. They will teach Travis what it means to be connected with others and how hard it is to let go of that in the end. 

Jieun, owner of Marigold Mind Laundry, sets out to serve others when she’s all but given up on finding her family. Through her magical laundry service, she lets customers unburden themselves. 

With the help of her washing machine, Jieun releases the memories and emotions it holds captive. This allows her customers to move forward in their lives with more ease. 

It also helps Jieun find a sense of purpose. Perhaps the mind laundry can help with her pain as well, in its own way.

At the Dallergut Dream Department Store, everyone has a dream. The reader follows Penny along as she begins her employment at this store. 

Through her journey, we learn about the different dreams available, the people who request them, the people who design them, and everyone in between. This magical book will have you excited to dream!

Marceline is tumbling through life with her toxic husband who keeps her isolated from the world. At 23, she feels pretty hopeless—until she finds the café. 

Behind its magical door, Marceline finds safety, belonging, and freedom unlike anything she’s ever known. She’ll have to decide if this new freedom is worth fighting for as dangers mount from sources both known and unknown.