Motivating Young Readers with Graphic Novels

Benny and Penny Series
by Geoffrey Hayes
(4-7 years)

The books in the Benny and Penny series provide the perfect way to immerse your early reader in the wonder of reading. Every page features delightfully hand drawn illustrations, simple text, and a cute story that will introduce beginning readers to the world of chapter books in an easy, non-threatening way.

Owly Series
by Andy Runton
(4-9 years)

In this multi-book series, Owly and his friend Wormy share heart-warming adventures that encourage kindness and imagination in young readers. Because Andy Runton’s graphic novels feature engaging self-explanatory illustrations along with minimal, easy-to-read text, even pre-readers will enjoy this series!

Owl Diaries Series
by Rebecca Elliott
(5-8 years)

These owl-tastic readers are chapter books with a twist! Follow Eva as she navigates the world around her learning valuable life lessons along the way. Each page of Eva’s diary features brightly colored illustrations and easy-to-read text. Speech bubbles and doodles add a whimsical feel to this charming 14-book series!

Bink and Gollie Series
by Kate DiCamillo
(6-9 years)

Despite their differences, Bink and Gollie are the best of friends. These unlikely chums share nearly every moment together, enjoying unique adventures filled with witty humor and wild imagination. Each book in the series—three books in all—features short stories from award-winning author Kate DiCamillo.

Fox and Rabbit Series
by Beth Ferry
(6-9 years)

A friendship between a fox and a rabbit may seem a bit unusual, but in this adorable new series for emerging readers, Fox and Rabbit make the perfect pair, proving once and for all that opposites really do attract! Featuring short, comic strip-style stories, these fun books from Beth Ferry are sure to please your young reader!

Dewdrop
by Katie O’Neill
(6-9 years)

It’s the yearly Sports Fair and Dewdrop—an adorable axolotl—is quite sure that his cheerleading routine is ready for the contest. However, the other undersea creatures don’t seem nearly as confident in their skills. Can Dewdrop encourage his doubting friends and help them remember what’s most important?

Narwhal and Jelly Book Series
by Ben Clanton
(6-9 years)

Nothing goes better with jelly than… narwhals! You’ll discover why in this delightful series. These adorable books star an easy-going narwhal and his favorite jellyfish. And while Narwhal and Jelly’s adventures might seem sort of silly at times, they also instill positivity, kindness, and friendship—and what’s better than that?

A Binky Adventure Series
by Ashley Spires
(7-10 years)

Binky is no ordinary house cat—he’s actually a space cat! At least in his own mind, he is! In this hilarious five-part series, readers will view this “ordinary” house cat’s life through Binky’s eyes—a litter box becomes a secret base, bugs are actually alien invaders, and the backyard is a galactic world just waiting to be explored!

Guinea Pig, Pet Shop Private Eye Series
by Colleen AF Venable
(8-11 years)

There is mystery afoot in Mr. Venezi’s pet shop and Hamisher the hamster has hired Sasspants the guinea pig to crack the case! Who has been stealing Mr. Venezi’s sandwiches? Was it the hamsters? Did the fish see the culprit? This hilarious six-part mystery series will have kids giggling and guessing until the end!

Mighty Jack Series
by Ben Hatke
(8-12 years)

In this modern take on a fairytale classic, Jack plants a garden filled with odd plants, creatures, and fruits with potent magical properties. When the mysterious garden grows out of control, Jack is left with a difficult decision. But Jack’s garden is just the beginning! Join Jack on all his adventures in this fun book series!

Science Comics Series
by various authors
(8-12 years)

Combine a reluctant reader and a “science book” and you have a recipe for disaster! Not with Science Comics! Each book in this science-themed series features colorful comic book styling, awesome facts, and witty humor. With 20 different topics, there’s bound to be a book in this series that will pique your child’s interest!

Diana: Princess of the Amazons
by Shannon Hale and Dean Hale
(8-12 years)

As the only child living on the island of Themyscira, young Diana is unsure about her place among the Amazonians. Diana needs a friend, but when she takes matters into her own hands, things don’t go quite as she planned. Even your most reluctant reader will get drawn in by this action-packed cartoon-style book!

Zita the Spacegirl Series
by Ben Hatke
(8-12 years)

When Zita discovers a strange device in a field, her life takes a most extraordinary—and cosmic—turn. In this action-packed science fiction series, Zita is transported to a planet inhabited by strange other-worldly creatures. Can Zita rescue her friend and help them both find their way home?