CHECK IT OUT:

Imagine a world full of fantasy creatures and mythical adventures. There are faraway lands filled with fairies, giants, wizards, knights and royalty galore.

A child can easily step into these worlds by visiting the Newport Beach Public Library.

The children’s department’s shelves are bursting with the latest fantasy books as well as the classics. Here are just a few of the hundreds offered:

“Beyond the Spiderwick Chronicles” by Tony DiTerlizzi: In the latest installment of this popular trilogy, giants start waking up and destroying everything around their Florida neighborhood. The main characters Nick, Laurie, Jules, and Cindy work frantically to find a solution to their “giant problem.” To start at the very beginning, you can also check out book one, “The Nixie’s Song.”

“Bronze Dragon Codex” by R.D. Henham: When Simle — a bronze dragon who hates humans — and Tatelyn — a human who distrusts dragons — are linked sympathetically by a pendant, they realize they must work together which brings them a better understanding of each other. If you like this book, check out the other two adventure-filled books in the Dragon Codices series, “Red Dragon” and “Black Dragon.”

“Clash of the Sky Galleons” by Paul Stewart & Chris Riddell: This is book nine in the popular Edge Chronicles series. Quint leaves his studies at the Knights Academy in Sanctaphrax to assist father Wind Jackall in his obsessive and dangerous quest to track down and bring to justice the evil Turbot Smeal.

“Inkdeath” by Cornelia Funke: This is the final installment of the Inkheart Trilogy. As Bluejay — Mo’s fictitious double — tries to keep the Book of Immortality from unraveling, Adderhead kidnaps all the children in the kingdom, asking for Bluejay’s surrender or the children will be doomed to slavery in the silver mines. You can always start at the beginning with the first book, “Inkheart,” which was recently made into a blockbuster film.

“The Tales of Beedle the Bard” by J.K. Rowling: A wizarding classic first came to Muggle readers’ attention in the book known as “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.” Now, thanks to Hermione Granger’s new translation from the ancient runes, comes this stunning edition with an extensive commentary by Albus Dumbledore. Never before have Muggles been privy to these richly imaginative tales.

“Tales from the Hood” by Michael Buckley: This great story is book six in the Sisters Grimm series. When a kangaroo court of Everafters, led by Judge Mad Hatter, tries Mr. Canis for his past crimes as the Big Bad Wolf, the Grimms seek evidence to save their friend, although Sabrina questions whether he should be saved. A must-read series for all fairy tale fans! Favorite classical characters are cleverly renamed to protect their identities throughout the stories of the Sisters Grimm.

“Warriors: Long Shadows” by Erin Hunter: The Warriors books are so popular the original series has spanned four additional subseries. This story is book five in the exciting Warriors series, “Power of Three.” Firestar’s three grandchildren, Hollypaw, Lionpaw, and Jaypaw, struggle to restore faith in StarClan as Sol works to tear apart the bonds between Clans and turn them away from their warrior ancestors.

Make sure to join us for our special program, Warriors, on May 6 from 4 to 5 p.m. Children will enjoy crafts and games based on the popular series by Erin Hunter. The Warriors program is a free and fun event for children in grades 2 through 5; it requires online registration via www.newportkids.org.

CHECK IT OUT is written by the staff of the Newport Beach Public Library.