Best Graphic Novels For Beginner Readers
During the 8 years I have been reading and promoting Graphic Novels I have also been raising my young kids and teaching them to read. While I have a number of comics and graphic novels in my house not all are suitable for their age group, even the so called All Ages Graphic Novels. I’ve often cringed when reading poorly researched lists of recommended comics for young readers, some listed titles are simply too wordy but others depict scenes that may cause very young children sleepless nights.
With that in mind I put together my own list, for true beginner readers.
The books below range in age recommendation from about 4-9. So, from the moment when a child first shows an interest in reading, or simply perusing books, up to about grade 4. The “upper” age is a rough guideline as some of the titles listed below sit on my bookshelf and are read by me, with glee. It seems books with engaging pictures attract kids of many age groups! Regardless, with this list I’m aiming for early readers or simply young children with impressionable minds and the following graphic novels and comics are not only guaranteed to be stress-free but are sure to engage.
1.Stinky
ISBN: 0979923840 Hardcover $12.95 Colour 36p
STINKY IS A MONSTER who loves pickles and possums but is terrified of people. When a new kid enters his swamp, this adorable little monster comes up with all sorts of crazy plans to scare him away. But Stinky quickly learns to conquer his fear, as he realizes that bats, rats, and toads aren’t the only friends you can find in the swamp. Theodor Seuss Geisel Honor Book 2009. Lesson plans available online.
Ages 4+
2. Owly
Owly is a kind, yet lonely, little owl who knows what it means to be human. Relying on a mixture of symbols, icons and expressions, these animated and heartwarming tales are a perfect read for all ages. Lesson Plans Available Online
Ages4+
Vol 1 The Way Home & The Bittersweet Summer
ISBN:1891830627 Softcover 160 pages B&W $10
Owly discovers the meaning of friendship, and that saying goodbye doesn’t always mean forever.
Vol 2 Just A Little Blue
ISBN:1891830643 Softcover 120 pages B&W $10
Owly learns that sometimes you have to make sacrifices & work at things that are important, like friendship.
Vol 3 Flying Lessons
ISBN:1891830767 Softcover 128 pages B&W $10
Owly and Wormy learn that everyone has their own special strengths and it’s okay to be different.
Vol 4 A Time To Be Brave
ISBN:1891830899 Softcover 128 pages B&W $10
A new visitor may be misunderstood but things aren’t always what they seem, and everyone soon
finds out that the power of friendship can fix just about anything
Vol 5 Tiny Tales
ISBN:1603090193 Softcover 144 pages B&W $10
Short Owly stories, a sketchbook and a How To Draw Owly section.
3. The Wind In The Willows
ISBN: 1597070955 Hardcover $17.95 Colour 144p
In Michel Plessix’s lush adaptation of “The Wind in the Willows” by Kenneth Grahame he breathes life into Mole, Rat, and Toad (of Toad Hall) as they picnic on the riverbank, indulge in Toad’s latest fad, and get lost in Wild Wood. The pacing is masterful: each panel lingers just long enough to make you appreciate the simple pleasures of life. A wonderfully dynamic adaptation that all ages can enjoy.
Ages 5+
4.Benny And Penny
Volume 1 Just Pretend
ISBN: 0979923808 Hardcover 32 pages $12.95
How can Benny pretend to be a brave pirate when his pesky little sister, Penny, wants to tag along and is always asking for a hug? He tries to lose her, but when he does, he starts to feel a little lost himself. Then, Penny proves her bravery and saves Benny from a bug. They hug as Benny explains he was only pretending she bugged him. Easy reading with a wonderful message by renowned children’s author Geoffrey Hayes.
Volume 2 The Big No-No!
ISBN: 0979923891 Hardcover 32 pages $12.95
What will Benny and Penny find when they cross the line in The Big No-No? Benny’s favorite pail is missing, and there are mysterious muddy footprints. In this charming whodunit, Benny and his little sister Penny team-up to investigate, braving the dangers of the new neighbor’s yard, and finding something unexpected on the other side of the fence.
Both Books Ages 4+.
5. Baby Mouse
It’s the same thing every day for Babymouse. Where is the glamour? The excitement? The adventure? Babymouse seeks all these things and usually finds them, or if not makes them happen in her over-active imagination.
Snappy graphic novel series for emerging girl readers with illustrations in black, white and pink. There are 11 volumes so far, I have listed the first 5.
Ages 7+
Volume 1 Queen Of The World
ISBN:0375832297 Softcover $5.95 each Pink/B&W 96p
Volume 2 Our Hero
ISBN:0375832300 Softcover $5.95 each Pink/B&W 96p
Volume 3 Beach Babe
ISBN:0375832319 Softcover $5.95 each Pink/B&W 96p
Volume 4 Rock Star
ISBN: 0375832327 Softcover $5.95 each Pink/B&W 96p
Volume 5 Heartbreaker
ISBN: 0375837981 Softcover $5.95 each Pink/B&W 96p
6. Adventures In Cartooning
ISBN: 1596433698 Softcover B&W 112p
This is a bit of a cool book because its both a comic story and a How-To book. Once upon a time . . . a princess tried to make a comic. And with the help of a magical cartooning elf, she learned how – well enough to draw her way out of an encounter with a dangerous dragon, near-death by drowning, and into her very own adventure! Like the princess, young readers will discover that they already have the drawing and writing skills it takes to make a comic – they just need a little know-how. Booklist Starred Review.
Ages 5+
7. Yakari
Yakari is a little Indian, courageous and generous, who is endowed with the wonderful ability to talk with all the animals. Through his encounters and discoveries, Yakari passes on to young readers of his fascinating adventures a sense of respect, tolerance, justice, and solidarity. With humour and kindness, Yakari also teaches how to take advantage of lessons about life revealed by Mother Nature… Wonderful for early readers. Few words with wonderful messages.
Ages 4+
Yakari and The Great Eagle
ISBN:190546004X Softcover 48 pages Full Colour $9.99
Yakari and The White Buffalo
ISBN:1905460058 Softcover 48 pages Full Colour $9.99
Yakari and The Beavers
ISBN:1905460090 Softcover 48 pages Full Colour $9.99
Yakari and The Grizzly
ISBN:1905460163 Softcover 48 pages Full Colour $9.99
8. Otto’s Orange Day
ISBN: 0979923824 40 pages Full Colour $12.95
When Otto the cat meets a magical genie, he knows just what to wish for: he makes the whole world orange! At first, this new, bright world seems like a lot of fun, but when his mom serves orange spinach for lunch, Otto realizes that his favorite color isn’t the best color for everything. Fixing this mixed-up world won’t be easy though because Otto already used up his only wish. To save the day, Otto will need his family’s help, some quick thinking, and…a pizza?
Ages 4+
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