Graphic novels can help move the story along for the newest readers. This format is helpful for youngsters who are struggling and need a bit of help to show how books can be enjoyable. The following books will do just this and should eventually help segue from less pictures to more storyline. Unless otherwise noted, the following books are best suited for ages seven through ten.
The Fire-Breathing Duckling, by Frank Cammuso is a playful reimagining of Hans Christian Andersen’s The Ugly Duckling. While Andersen’s classic centers on the celebration of inner beauty, Cammuso’s tale highlights the power of inner strength. This lively story is a joy to read aloud, especially with young readers who will appreciate its humor. Nort—the little dragon who looks different from everyone else—ultimately proves to his siblings and the other farm animals that he has what it takes to save the day. The illustrations are bright, expressive, and full of charm, making the book a visual treat. Best suited for children ages five to seven.
Wizkit: A Tail of Disruption, by Tanya J. Scott is the second installment in this delightful series for readers ages seven to eleven. Wizkit, a one-eyed cat with a passion for creating tasty treats in her bakery, is also discovering something even more exciting—her own magical abilities. But when her best friend (who happens to be a book) is kidnapped, Wizkit is swept into an adventure full of surprises. The illustrations are lively and inventive, especially in the depictions of Wizkit herself and her quirky companion, a remarkable three-headed bird.
Casey’s Cases: The Mysterious New Girl, by Kay Healy is a perfect pick for fans of both humor and mystery. Casey dreams of becoming a detective, all while trying to figure out how to deal with a new girl at school. Her confidence, authenticity, and ease with others make her a likable and trustworthy heroine. The playful illustrations—created with ink on paper and digitally colored—add charm and make this a delightful read.
The Racc Pack, by Stephanie Cooke, with vibrant digital illustrations by Whitney Gardner, follows a trio of best friends—two raccoons and a possum—who find themselves in hilarious predicaments while dumpster diving for tasty treats. Trouble starts when the grumpy CEO of a grocery store installs defenses to keep them away, kicking off a humorous adventure. The three characters are so well-developed you can’t help but fall in love with them. Luckily, a second book is already available!
The Terrible Trio: The (Not So) Superheroes, by Swapna Haddow, illustrated with great flair by Minky Stapleton, will delight readers who love The Bad Guys series. The bold layouts feature just one or two panels per page, making the action easy to follow. In this quirky world, every character has superpowers—though zebra, penguin, and lemur are convinced they got the leftovers. Their oddball abilities lead to laugh-out-loud moments, and Stapleton’s expressive art is priceless. This is the first in a planned series.
Max, a Little Axolotl, by Joey Spiotto introduces readers to Max, an irresistibly cute character who is starting his first day at Coral Elementary School. Nervous and shy, Max has a unique quirk: when he gets overly anxious, he starts to hiccup—sure to bring smiles to readers. None of the underwater classmates have ever met an axolotl before, and their barrage of questions only makes the hiccups worse. With its bright, engaging illustrations and light text, this is a charming read to the end.
Class Pet Ghost Detective: What Happened to the Naked Mole Rat?, by Akeem S. Roberts is a hilarious supernatural mystery starring Carter, an eight-year-old accused of causing his class pet’s untimely death. With the help of the mole rat’s ghost, Carter sets out to uncover the truth. The opening spread introduces every classmate, setting the stage for a lively school setting. This funny, expressive graphic novel—digitally illustrated with rich detail—will keep readers laughing throughout.
Saphie: The One-Eyed Cat, by JoHo began as a Webtoon before becoming a hit graphic novel. Saphie, the mischievous one-eyed cat, and her fellow feline housemates cause nonstop mayhem around the home. Their antics are both adorable and hilarious, making this book an instant favorite. Thanks to its popularity, more volumes are on the way.
