Well, 'A Wrinkle in Time' by Madeleine L'Engle is a remarkable fantasy kids fiction book. It has elements of science - fiction too as it deals with travel through different dimensions. 'The Secret Garden' is another. It has a touch of magic as the neglected garden comes to life under the care of the children. And 'Peter Pan' is always a favorite. The story of the boy who never grows up and his adventures in Neverland is pure fantasy for kids.
One great fantasy fiction kids book is 'The Chronicles of Narnia' series by C.S. Lewis. It takes children on amazing adventures in the magical land of Narnia. Another is 'Harry Potter' by J.K. Rowling, which has a richly imagined wizarding world full of magic and mystery. Also, 'Percy Jackson & The Olympians' by Rick Riordan is really good, where kids can learn about Greek mythology in a fun and exciting fantasy setting.
You can start by going to your local library. Librarians are really helpful and can point you to the fantasy kids section. They might also have book lists or reading recommendations. Another way is to ask other parents or teachers. They often know which fantasy books are popular among kids. You can also check online bookstores. They usually have categories for kids' books and specifically for fantasy. Just search for 'fantasy kids fiction books' and you'll get a whole list of options.
I think 'Diary of a Wimpy Kid' can be considered in a way, although it's more of a humorous take on a kid's life with some elements of fantasy. But really popular ones are 'Artemis Fowl' by Eoin Colfer. It has a brilliant young criminal mastermind dealing with fairies and other magical beings. Also, 'The Magic Tree House' series which takes kids on adventures through different times and places in history.
First, think about your child's interests. If they like animals, books like 'Redwall' which has talking animals in a medieval - like fantasy world might be good. If they are into magic, then 'The Worst Witch' series could be a great choice. Second, look at the awards the book has won. Books that have won the Newbery Medal or Caldecott Medal are usually of high quality. For example, 'The Graveyard Book' which won the Newbery Medal is a great fantasy fiction for kids. Third, sample the book. Read a few pages online or in the store to see if the writing style and story hook your child.
I think 'Ghost' is quite interesting. It's about a boy who is a great runner but has some personal issues to deal with. The story of his growth both as an athlete and as a person is really engaging.
One great book for kids' stories is 'The Cat in the Hat' by Dr. Seuss. It's a classic with its rhyming text and fun illustrations that keep kids engaged.
Comic books aren't just for kids. They cover a wide range of themes and genres that can interest people of different ages. Some comics deal with complex and mature subjects that are aimed at older audiences.
It's unlikely that there were many story books specifically for kids in 1777. Education and entertainment for children were quite different then, and resources for creating and distributing such books were scarce.