What comes next? Ranger's Apprentice
Finding interesting new pukapuka can be a challenge, especially after your tamariki have devoured a big series in a matter of weeks. That's where the library can help!
In What Comes Next? Wings of Fire we looked at a series which is huge with children at the moment, and who can blame them when the series is all about dragons. This month we tackle the classic Ranger's Apprentice series by John Flanagan and show you some of the fabulous pukapuka that might be perfect for fans of the series.
Ranger's Apprentice is an awesome series with lots to offer kids of all interests. The entire series has twelve books (plus two novellas), and if you haven't read the spinoff series Brotherband or The Royal Ranger, then we would definitely recommend them. Now for the important bit, here are our recommendations for what to read next after Ranger's Apprentice.
Younger Kids:
There is so much excellent fantasy for tamariki out there that it was difficult to pick favourites, but we've put together some fantastic pukapuka sure to appeal to those who loved Ranger's Apprentice. Rowan of Rin by Emily Rodda and Redwall by Brian Jacques are both classic fantasy series which have been loved by young readers for decades. Artemis Fowl by Eoin Colfer and Nevermoor by Jessica Townsend are newer additions to children's fantasy with interesting characters that kids will love.
- Rowan of Rin / Rodda, Emily
Unexpected hero, adventure, first in a series of five books. - Redwall / Jacques, Brian (eAudiobook)
Talking animals, adventures and battles, part of a series of 22 books that don't have to be read in order. - Artemis Fowl / Colfer, Eoin (CD Audiobook, eAudiobook, eBook)
Secret fairy world, secret fairy technology, first in a series of eight books. - Nevermoor : the trials of Morrigan Crow / Townsend, Jessica (Dyslexia-friendly edition, eAudiobook, French edition)
Travel between worlds, competitive tests and trials, first in a series of three books (so far!).
Older Kids:
If you're on the older side and looking for a great read with Ranger's Apprentice vibes then read on! For more old-timey fantasy adventures, then adopted Kiwi classic The Hobbit, or the Beka Cooper series by Tamora Pierce are excellent choices. If you want fantasy/magic/self-discovery with a more modern setting then The Left-Handed Booksellers of London is an awesome read, as is the "utopian" Scythe by Neal Shusterman.
- The Hobbit : or There and back again / Tolkien, J. R. R. (CD Audiobook, eAudiobook, eBook, German edition, Russian edition, Spanish edition)
Classic adventure story, dwarves and dragons, prequel to The Lord of the Rings. - The left-handed booksellers of London / Nix, Garth (CD Audiobook, eAudiobook, eBook)
Hidden magic, secret societies, first in a series of two books (so far!). - Scythe / Shusterman, Neal (eAudiobook, eBook Borrowbox, eBook Libby)
Dystopian future, AI takeover, first in a series of three books. - Terrier / Pierce, Tamora (eBook)
Existing fantasy world, urban detective work, first in a series of three books.
We hope you've enjoyed these Ranger's Apprentice recommendations as much as we enjoyed researching them, just remember not to joust or shoot arrows (unless it's just at targets) in real life! Catch you again next time for recommendations on a classic children's series which follows the seriously unfortunate lives of three siblings.