When three children, with their recently divorced mum, move to a country mansion young Jared pretty soon discovers a book, Spiderwick's Field Guide to the Fantastical World Around You, which he starts to read. Unfortunately the book is a key target for an evil ogre, Mulgarath, who, although he knows no way through a protective magic circle, lays seige to the house with his army of goblins and gubbins. So it's up to the family (well, in truth mum's not much help) to fight the demons and save thei find out more...

In the dungeons of the castle of the evil Queen-sorceress Bavmorda, a child is born who, according to an ancient prophecy, will put an end to her reign. A midwife saves the child from the wicked Queen's wrath but is forced to throw her cradle in a river. The river brings the child near a village of Nelwyns, a race of friendly munchkins, and little Willow, an apprentice magician, finds and adopts the baby princess. He meets Madmartigan, a great swordsman but a rather hopeless human being, and tog find out more...