Graphic Novels for Beginner Readers
Graphic novels, or a longer variation of comics are some of the most popular books available at my library, especially for kids. For many years, graphic novels were geared toward middle grade readers (ages 8-12), but in recent years a plethora of beginner readers have cropped making graphic novels more accessible to younger readers as well.
And while I have many parents who balk at their kids reading graphic novels (which is honestly an entirely different blog post), graphic novels are extremely helpful to kids with illustrations supporting text. In fact, there has been some research that suggests that graphic novels actually improve brain function and visual literacy because readers are not only reading words, but also the illustrated panels as well.
Take some time to check out these twelve graphic novels for beginner readers with great stories about adorable characters. And once you find something your new reader enjoys, you’ll most likely find that the title is part of a series so you’ll have more to enjoy! You can also check with some of these specific publishers who may have created more titles as well like the “Ready to Read Graphics!” and “I Can Read Comics.”
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Graphic Novels for Beginner Readers
Baloney and Friends by Greg Pizzoli
Meet Baloney! He’s the star of this book, along with his best buddies: empathetic Peanut the horse, sensible Bizz the bumblebee, and grumpy Krabbit—he’d rather not be here, but what can you do?
In this graphic novel for newly independent readers, Baloney and friends step into the spotlight and embody all the charm of childhood in three short tales and three mini-comics that invite readers to join the fun! Giggle with Baloney as he performs some questionable magic, give him a boost when a case of the blues gets him down, cheer him on as he braves the swimming pool, and at the end, learn to draw all the characters with clear step-by-step instructions!
Duck, Duck, Porcupine! by Salina Yoon
Big Duck likes to boss around her younger brother, Little Duck, and she fancies herself the leader of their trio–when joined by their gentle friend Porcupine. Little Duck doesn’t speak yet, but through his expressions and his actions, he shows that he has a better grasp on any situation than his older sister. Told entirely through dialogue and visual storytelling with subtle humor throughout, Little Duck ends up getting the trio out of whatever jam they are in.
Figgy & Boone: Best Brother Ever! by Janee Trasler
Figgy is a mouse and Boone is a rat. Figgy thinks Boone is the best brother ever. Boone says Figgy is more like a cousin. Either way, Figgy and Boone prove that friends can be like family!
Fish and Sun by Sergio Ruzzier
One day, a bored little fish journeys up to the surface of the ocean, where it meets the sun. A wonderful friendship blooms… Only, right in the middle of their fun, the sun starts to set! Fish and Sun is a powerful story about newfound friendship by Sergio Ruzzier.
Friendbots: Blink and Block Make a Wish by Vicky Fang
Meet the robots Blink and Block in this STEM-inspired story by debut author-illustrator Vicky Fang. Blink is scanning the playground for treasure, and Block is pretty sure there’s no gold to be found. Will Blink prove that treasure does exist—or will these two new pals find something even better?
Narwhal: Unicorn of the Sea by Ben Clanton
Narwhal is a happy-go-lucky narwhal. Jelly is a no-nonsense jellyfish. The two might not have a lot in common, but they do they love waffles, parties and adventures. Join Narwhal and Jelly as they discover the whole wide ocean together.
A wonderfully silly early graphic novel series featuring three stories. In the first, Jelly learns that Narwhal is a really good friend. Then Narwhal and Jelly form their own pod of awesomeness with their ocean friends. And finally, Narwhal and Jelly read the best book ever — even though it doesn’t have any words…or pictures!
Noodlehead Nightmares by Todd Arnold, Martha Hamilton, and Mitch Weiss
Mac and Mac, who love pie and hate making their beds, are hollow-headed. “See in here? Nothing! Zippo! Nada!” Mac explains. That’s why they’re so easy to fool—and their clever friend Meatball isn’t afraid to take advantage of that fact.
Illustrated by Tedd Arnold, whose Fly Guy series is a kid favorite, this graphic novel is perfect for comic fans and reluctant readers, with short, funny chapters following Mac and Mac through ridiculous adventures. Full of wordplay, jokes, and slapstick humor, the Noodlehead series is sure to delight.
Based on traditional world folktales and stories of fools, the Noodleheads also encourage critical thinking, inviting kids to use their noodles—spotting the holes in the brothers’ grand plans, and anticipating how things will go awry.
Pea, Bee, and Jay Stuck Together by Brian “Smitty” Smith
Like all peas, Pea loves to roll. So when a no-good strawberry dares him to roll all the way off the farm, he swears he can do it—eazy me-zee!
But along the way, a powerful thunderstorm strikes and bounces Pea off course…and right into two unlikely new buds: a bee named Bee who thinks she knows it all, and a bird named Jay who can’t figure out how to fly.
On their own they may not look like much, but if this trio can stick together, they just might help Pea find his way back home!
Pete the Cat and the Space Chase by James Dean and Kimberly Dean
When Agent Meow (also known as Pete the Cat) discovers an empty alien spaceship and accidentally launches into space, what else will he find? Early readers will love blasting off with Agent Meow in this otherworldly adventure!
Pizza and Taco: Who’s the Best? by Stephen Shaskan
Best friends are the BEST! But WHO is the BEST? Is it Pizza or Taco? The question is debatable! They both love water slides. They both are friends with Hot Dog and Hamburger. In fact, maybe they should have a debate and get their friends to VOTE for who’s the best! Can their friendship survive the race for top spot on the popularity food chain? Cast your VOTE!
Stick and Stone by Beth Ferry, illustrated by Tom Lichtenheld
When Stick rescues Stone from a prickly situation with Pinecone, a friendship is born. But when Stick gets stuck, can Stone return the favor?
With simple rhyming text, subtle messages of kindness and compassion, and Tom Lichtenheld’s signature charm, this delightful story about making and helping friends will enchant readers young and old because it’s never too early—or too late—to stick up for your friends.
Worm and Caterpillar Are Friends by Kaz Windness
Worm and Caterpillar are friends—best friends. Worm loves how they are just alike, but Caterpillar has a feeling there is a big change coming. Then Caterpillar disappears for a while and comes back as Butterfly. Will Butterfly and Worm still be friends?
