The Sword in the Stone is the perfect blend of it’s like named Disney’s magic with the quirky madness of Alice in Wonderland. This 1938 gem is a cozy, atmospheric stroll through the forest and castle life of a young Arthur, long before he got bogged down with that whole “pulling a sword from a stone” business. Instead, we get to see Arthur, or “Wart,” bumbling around in the cutest, most endearing way possible, like the medieval version of your favorite underdog.

White’s prose is like a warm blanket of nostalgia, wrapping you up in delightful descriptions of nature, outdoor living, and charming cottages. It’s the kind of book that makes you want to pack up and move to the nearest enchanted forest, talking animals and eccentric wizards included. It’s no wonder this novel snagged a retrospective Hugo Award; it’s like comfort food for the soul, but with better vocabulary.

Speaking of wizards, Merlin isn’t your typical aloof, mysterious druid here. Nope, White gives him a delightful makeover as a slightly batty, grandfatherly figure who’s just as likely to forget what century he’s in as he is to teach Wart a life lesson. And let’s be honest, who wouldn’t want a magical grandpa who occasionally turns you into a fish?

In short, this book is a whimsical reimagining of the Arthurian legend that’s as charming as it is clever. White doesn’t just breathe new life into old tales; he shakes them up like a snow globe and lets the magic settle in ways you’d never expect.