Inkheart by Cornelia Funke (2003)

When a man reads aloud, the characters from books come to life — but something dark escapes, too. Funke’s world is a bibliophile’s dream, full of living stories, peril, and wonder. It’s a celebration of imagination, family, and the written word’s dangerous magic.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐