Fablehaven

Fablehaven is the first book in a series of juvenile fantasy novels by Brandon Mull. Kendra and her brother, Seth, are sent to stay with their grandparents at their home while their parents go on a cruise. What they don't know is that their grandparents are the caretakers of Fablehaven, a sanctuary for mythical, magical creatures. On the sanctuary, fairies, trolls, naiads, an enchanted cow, a witch and an evil being exist.  During their stay, an ancient evil is let loose and all of Kendra's family faces death.  In order to save her family, Kendra must overcome her own fears. 

When I first started this story, I couldn't help but think of the similarities between it and The Spiderwick Chronicles. True, there are similarities but these books are for an older audience. They're more advanced, better written and have a stronger plot but they are still pretty simple fantasy books for kids.  I enjoyed the book and found it a fun, easy read. I think most any child would enjoy it, too. Fablehaven would be a good primer for more advanced fantasy series.