Summer Book Hook: Graphic Novels

It's week 2 of the Summer Book Hook: 10 weeks of recommended kids' reads! This week's theme is "Graphic Novels for All-Ages".  I've collected a kid-favorite, parent-approved list of books I regularly recommend sorted by age group to keep your kids interested in reading over the summer months.

Graphic Novels are booming. Although kids love them, I feel as though each time I guide a reluctant parent over to the "Graphic Novels" section in the children's room of the library, I can hear the books whispering, "We come in peace, we come in peace!"

If you didn't grow up reading comics and/or graphic novels, graphic novels can be slightly intimidating. The most common questions are usually, "Don't they just look at the pictures and skip the reading?" or "Does a graphic novel even count for their summer reading for the library?" My answer is always this: Graphic Novels are a great way to get kids interested in reading and are also a great way to exercise one of the many diverse ways a person can read. It's just a different lesson in reading. They are also an excellent way to participate in and enhance their summer reading experience.

I recently hopped on the graphic novel bandwagon last year and found the best way to break past whatever preconceived notions you have about graphic novels is like anything... try them out yourself. Read a few of the recommended books below or try out an adult or teen graphic novel. My gateway into graphic novels was Castle Waiting by Linda Medley. I also enjoy titles by Adriane Tomine and Craig Tompson.

Or check out A Parent’s Guide to the Best Kids’ Comics: Choosing Titles Your Children Will Love by Scott Robins and Snow Wildsmith. You'll be sure to find many of the titles listed below and so, so, so many more. I also recommend checking out the book Nursery Rhyme Comics: 50 Timeless Rhymes from 50 Celebrated Cartoonists which I found was a great introduction into the different artistic styles of graphic novels.

Are you a fan of graphic novels? Are your kids?

Whether you and your kids are new to graphic novels or you're already well versed in this diverse medium, I hope you find something new to get you hooked.

The Summer Book Hook: Graphic Novels for All-Ages

Graphic Novels for Ages 2-6:

Silly Lilly and the Four Seasons by Agnes Rosenstiehl

In the Night Kitchen by Maurice Sendak

The Snowman by Raymond Briggs

Benny and Penny series by Geoffrey Hayes

Hippo and Rabbit in Three Short Tales by Jeff Mack

Owly books by Andy Runton

The Meeting, from the Mr. Badger and Mrs. Fox series by Brigitte Luciani and Eve Tharlet

Johnny Boo series by James Kochalka

Nursery Rhyme Comics: 50 Timeless Rhymes from 50 Celebrated Cartoonists

 Graphic Novels for Ages 7-9:

Sticky Burr by John Lechner

Lunch Lady series by Jarrett J. Krosoczka

Babymouse series by Jennifer L. Holm and Matthew Holm

Guinea Pig Pet Shop Private Eye series by Colleen Af Venable, illustrated by Stephanie Yue

Robot Dreams by Sara Varon

The Adventures of Ook and Gluk: Kung-Fu Cavemen from the Future by Dav Pilkey, George Beard, and Harold Hutchins

Binky series by Ashley Spires

Tower of Treasure Book One of the Three Thieves series by Scott Chantler

Geronimo Stilton Graphic Novels series by Geronimo Stilton,  Elisabetta Dami, illustrated by Flavio Ferron

Squish series by Jennifer L. Holm and Matthew Holm

Fashion Kitty series by Charise Mericle Harper

Graphic Novels for Ages 9 & up:

Sidekicks by Dan Santat

Little Vampire by Joann Sfar

To Dance by Siena Cherson Siegel, illustrated by Mark Siegel

Zita the Spacegirl by Ben Hatke

Amulet series by Kazu Kibuishi

Bone series by Jeff Smith

The Adventures of TinTin books by Herge

Mouse Guard series by David Petersen

Smile by Raina Telgemeier

Around the World by Matt Phelan

Olympians series by George O'Connor

Wonderland by Tommy Kovac, Sonny Liew

Next week's Summer Book Hook is all about audiobooks! Stay tuned...

And if you're searching for ways to keep everyone interested in reading over the summer, be sure to check out these tips.

 

image source: Bone Reading