Tales of Magic Books in Order

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The Tales of Magic series follows children who discover and navigate magical phenomena, often tied to specific locations or objects such as a well, a lake, or a toy. Each story centers on the challenges and responsibilities that come with magic, as the young protagonists use their wishes or encounters with magical forces to influence events and help others. The series explores themes of friendship, problem-solving, and the consequences of magic through a variety of historical and fantastical settings.

Publication order

In the order the books were originally released.

  1. Cover of Half Magic

    Half Magic

    1954 · Edward Eager

    Jane finds a strange coin on a sidewalk during a dreadfully boring summer and idly wishes something exciting would happen. Her wish is granted, but…

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  2. Cover of Knight's Castle

    Knight's Castle

    1956 · Edward Eager

    When an ancient toy soldier comes alive, the Old One grants Roger's wish to adventure in Sherwood Forest, with a second wish promised if he can earn…

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  3. Cover of Magic by the Lake

    Magic by the Lake

    1957 · Edward Eager

    Jane, Mark, Katharine, and Martha discover that a lakeful of magic, rather than magic ordered by the pound or day, causes extraordinary events…

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  4. Cover of The Time Garden

    The Time Garden

    1958 · Edward Eager

    While spending the summer in a house by the sea, four cousins, Roger, Ann, Eliza, and Jack, discover a bank of wild thyme whose magic propels them on…

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  5. Cover of Magic or Not?

    Magic or Not?

    1959 · Edward Eager

    Laura and her family move to a country house in Connecticut with a well in the yard, and Laura, who believes in making wishes, finds her first wish…

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  6. Cover of The Well-Wishers

    The Well-Wishers

    Year unknown · Edward Eager

    Just when the children think the magic in an old well is played out and swear an oath not to make more wishes until the well gives a sign, Gordy…

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  7. Cover of Seven-Day Magic

    Seven-Day Magic

    1962 · Edward Eager

    A seven-day book of magic proves fractious for five children, who must learn the book's rules and tame its magic.

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Frequently asked questions

What order should I read the Tales of Magic books in?

Read them in publication order, starting with “Half Magic”. Start with “Half Magic.”

How many books are in the Tales of Magic series?

We list 7 books by Edward Eager , published between 1954–1962.

Where can I buy the Tales of Magic books?

Each title above links to Amazon. See our affiliate disclosure.

Reading order compiled from author/publisher guidance and verified bibliographic data. Spotted a wrong order, a missing book, or any other mistake? and we'll correct it.