Graphic novels can foster the enjoyment of reading for kids. The format of having pictures to usher the storyline along can help the reader stay engaged. This is especially good for reluctant readers. These graphic illustrations mimic comic strips and can encourage artistic abilities and desires to draw, and motivate kids to create their own stories.
Pablo and Splash: Frozen in Time, by Sheena Dempsey, is another fun adventure with these two time-traveling penguins. When they discover their friend has been left behind back in the Ice Age, they must go rescue her! The series of mishaps begin, and the pages will turn quickly as your reader will be thoroughly involved in the story and the humor found throughout. The illustrations are bright and full of expression. Your kids are going to love this series! 
Sea Legs, by Jules Bakes and perfectly illustrated by Niki Smith, is a story that centers around friendship, courage, and even danger. Janey’s family is sailing out into the deep blue sea. The storyline is so well written, along with the extraordinary pictures. The adventures and problems that arise throughout will keep you engaged to the end.
The Cartoonists Club, by Raina Telgemeier and Scott McCloud, celebrates creativity with art and communicating expressions through the medium of the graphic novel. Four kids come together to express their love of art and comics. Each has different talents to bring to this newly formed group, and together they are able to learn and bring their ideas alive. There is much to learn about storytelling in this amazing book.
Molly and the Bear: An Unlikely Pair, by Bob Scott and Vickie Scott, is the first book in a planned series. When eleven-year-old Molly is left home alone while her parents go out for a drive, a giant brown bear comes in through the kitchen window. Molly is petrified! But she quickly finds the bear is also scared. They soon become friends, and now she must hide him from her parents. The illustrations are bright, and there is much humor found throughout.
Speechless, by Aron Nels Steinke, showcases a girl, Mira, who is afraid to speak up in class. She doesn’t have a problem at home, but is very anxious about having to express herself at school. Here is a book perfect for facing fears with positive results. The illustrations reflect perfectly how Mira must feel and places you immediately into the story.
Beware the Dragon and the Nozzlewock, by Vikram Madan, will surely open the horizons of imagination. This inventive book, rich in extraordinary drawings of unusual characters, is also full of expressive language. The pictures will have you giggling because they are so inventive. Here is the perfect book to get those creative juices coming alive.
Nat A Chance, by Maria Scrivan, is actually the sixth book in this wonderful series. But each book stands alone. This amazing book tackles friendships and middle school problems, dealing with insecurities and self-confidence. Nat decides to attempt a triathlon. But she soon becomes discouraged. There is much encouragement that surrounds her, especially from her positive-thinking coach. The art is concise and vibrant.
Lizard Boy 2: The Most Perfect Summer Ever, by Jonathan Hill, is the second book in this clever series. The Lizk’t family (actually a lizard family) is finally settling into their community. And fortunately, no one knows their true identity. But everything changes when Tommy’s true identity is discovered. This inventive graphic book imparts a strong message of tolerance, community and acceptance. 
The First Cat in Space and the Wrath of the Paperclip, by Mac Barnett and wonderfully illustrated by Shawn Harris, has a hilarious main character as an evil paperclip. Will it take over the world? The protagonist, First Cat, comes to save the day. There are even lessons and humor found, such as an AI spell check program and the dangers that can result-such as humans turning into paperclips!
There are also graphic books that are historical fiction. Check out The Other Side of Tomorrow, which gives a glimpse inside of North Korea. Pearl, by Sherri L. Smith and illustrated by Christine Norris, is about the attack on Pearl Harbor. I Survived the Japanese Tsunami of 2011, by Lauren Tarshis and Chris Chalik, is about the devastating waves that hit Japan.
