My First Comics: Great Graphic Novels for Kids Just Starting to Read

by John Patrick Green
|
6 books
Comics make a great bridge for kids who have conquered picture books and are ready to try something longer. These wonderful books are perfect for young readers!
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Hippopotamister

John Patrick Green, 2016
I love writing about animals who have jobs! Reading Richard Scarry as a kid was definitely a big inspiration for me and my work. So when I was making my debut graphic novel that I was both writing and drawing, animals with jobs was the first thing that came to mind. I loved brainstorming and then drawing all the jobs that Hippo and Red Panda tackle in this graphic novel, and thinking of silly situations for them to get into as they figure out to how to go from zoo animals to employed professionals!

Donut Feed the Squirrels

Mika Song, 2020
A donut truck has moved to Norma and Belly’s park . . . but they don’t serve squirrels! Following along this action-packed adventure as these two squirrel friends quest after a donut of their very own was wonderful (I think the best part was the rube goldberg machine of a donut-maker that Belly accidentally gets stuck in). Mika Song’s watercolor artwork is expressive, and captures the hilarity and action of these two partners in donut theft amazingly.

Narwhal: Unicorn of the Sea! (A Narwhal and Jelly Book #1)

Ben Clanton, 2016
These wonderful, fun graphic novels about a narwhal and a jelly fish are always a silly and fun joy to read! And Ben Clanton’s wonderful character designs are simple and expressive – they make for amazing undersea adventures. Really, I’m in for any graphic novels that also co-star one of my favorite foods: waffles!

Stinky

Eleanor Davis, 2009
Eleanor Davis writes and draws an amazing graphic novel about a monster named Stinky who lives in the woods who tackles bats, rats and toads with no problem. But as a dreaded kid starts exploring the woods, Stinky is trepidatious. Through this amazingly illustrated story, Stinky learns how to conquer his fear – and make friends at the same time. This graphic novel is heartwarming and a genuine delight.

Super Magic Boy: I Am a Dinosaur

(A Graphic Novel)
Jarod Roselló, 2023
What would happen if when you were mad, you turned into a dinosaur?! Jarod Rosello explores in this book, featuring the adventures of Hugo (a boy who can turn into a dinosaur) and his best friend Dino (an actual dinosaur). The two of them team up and have adventures – and leave lots of havoc in their wake as it turns out that if you are mad and a dinosaur at the same time, many things can get destroyed! Jarod’s colorful art in this graphic novel is a great complement to the characters’ adventures.

Tiger Vs. Nightmare

Emily Tetri, 2018
Emily Tetri writes an amazing story about a tiger and the monster under her bed who must team up to fight the nightmares that invade their room as they go to sleep. This is an amazing book about friendship, and about things that you might think are scary (like monsters under the bed!) being things you can understand and befriend. Emily’s wonderful watercolor artwork makes for amazing-looking tigers AND monsters!