Inkheart (Inkheart Trilogy, Book 1)

Inkheart tells the story of Meggie Folchart, a young girl who loves books, and her father, Mo, a bookbinder with a magical secret. Mo has the rare ability to 'read' characters and objects out of books, bringing them to life in the real world. However, when he reads something out, something else from the real world must go into the book. Years ago, Mo accidentally read three characters out of a fantasy novel called 'Inkheart': the villainous Capricorn, his loyal henchman Basta, and a fire-eater named Dustfinger. At the same time, Meggie's mother disappeared into the book. Now, Dustfinger, who longs to return to his own story, warns Mo that Capricorn is looking for him. Capricorn wants Mo to use his power to read more treasures and dangerous creatures out of books for him. Meggie and Mo, along with Meggie's book-loving aunt Elinor, are captured by Capricorn's men. Meggie soon discovers she shares her father's magical ability. Together, they must find a way to stop Capricorn, send the villains back into their book, and perhaps even bring Meggie's mother home.