Fantasy

The Neverending Story

Author Michael Ende

  • Story

    In an attempt to avoid school bullies, Bastian hides in an old bookshop where he finds The Neverending StoryReading this, he is transported to Fantastica and becomes a character in the story. The magical world is in danger and it seems Bastian is the one to save it. Will his imagination win?

  • Why we chose it

    A fantasy adventure, which celebrates a love of books and the joy of imagination. 

  • What a young reviewer said

    The large and beautiful world of Fantastica is crafted to perfection. There are many readers who I think would thoroughly enjoy The Neverending Story. All the ideas and creatures add up to make an amazing story. (Dylan, age 13)

  • First published in Germany

    1979, Thienemann Verlag

Story Reviews

Our reviews come from a team of young story lovers! If you’re aged 8–16 and keen to join in, learn how to become a reviewer for The Story Museum. 

A young boy Bastain Bux walks into an old book store not knowing the decision would lead him on an epic adventure. In the story Atreyu goes on a quest to save Fantastica not realising that when he sees a young boy sat on a pile of cushions is actually him seeing Bastian. Bastian eventually save the world of Fantastica and is sucked into the neverending story and starts creating a new world to his liking. What he doesn’t realise is that every time he uses his power he loses a memory. He finally finds a way back to his world and reconnects with his dad leaving the story on a happy note. The large and beautiful world of Fantastica is crafted to perfection. There are many readers who I think would thoroughly enjoy The Neverending Story. All the ideas and creatures add up to make an amazing story.

Dylan