Graphic Novels For Early Readers – It’s been a year since my last Early Reading Round Up, where I shared recommendations for starting the daunting process of learning to read, as well as some early chapter books for those who graduate into independent reading. (I also talked about my own parenting epiphany, learned the hard way, about how best to support our prospective readers.) Today I thought I’d specifically highlight some new(ish) graphic novels aimed at beginning readers and who are newly independent.
With compelling visuals and an ability to address a wide range of genres and topics, graphic novels have become very popular in recent years, not just for the so-called “reluctant reader”, but for almost all types of readers. elementary and tween. Therefore, it is no surprise that they are also receiving widespread attention from publishers when it comes to younger children, including those who are new to reading. THIS IS GREAT.
Contents
Graphic Novels For Early Readers
If you’re new to the idea that “graphic novels count as actual reading”, you can refer to an older post on Top Ten Reasons Why Encouraging Your Kids to Read Graphic Novels (Including Comics) Translates into Literacy. Skills
What Is A “graphic Novel Chapter Book”?
Love of reading. And why, due to a great culture on visual stimulation and light on free time, our children are so seduced by this format. All of these things apply to early readers as well. In fact, Mo Willems’ very popular books “Elephants and Piggies” – a great driver for my two children when they were learning to read – are, in fact, graphic novels. They tell their stories through sequential art and speech bubbles, albeit in a very simplified way.
The books below are presented in ascending order of reading level. All are a step up from “Elephant and Piggie”, and some are divided into chapters, ideal for the new independent reader looking for momentum to boost literacy skills
Read equals pleasure. Plus, they’re all short enough to warrant repeated readings, a reason to feel extra good about investing in these books.
Proving once again that Sergio Ruzzier is the master of writing unexpected friendships. Fox’s business-like deliveries, coupled with Chick’s fervent effusiveness, never get old. But it’s not just the odd couple dynamic that makes these stories stand out. It is also the depth of feeling they evoke. There is real sensitivity beneath each exchange. It’s easy to see why Chick continues to win over Fox and why Fox continues to love Chick. Each one gives as much as he takes.
Oni Press Early Readers Graphic Novel Spotlight
Couple that with the large, clear speech bubble font, the full repeating text, and the distinctive palette and expressive faces, and you have perfection for beginning readers. (Unlike most of the books here, which are designed for independent reading, this one makes an equally enjoyable read aloud.)
Last year, Simon & Schuster launched an early reading series called “Graphics ready to read”, where each title begins with tips on deciphering graphic novels for those accustomed to this – format. the
Series is classified as “Level 1” – for children close, but not quite on their own reading – and is another twist on the odd couple friendship, with two dinosaurs with personalities that are larger than life. Thunder’s size makes him strong and intimidating, not to mention quick-tempered, but Cluck has smarts on his side, including calling Thunder’s bluff. If Thunder can keep from eating the “funny little featherhead,” the two might not only become great friends—they might be unstoppable! The shenanigans that begin at
Picture books focus on children who are ready to read on their own. (Unlike picture books, this title works best as a stand-alone read.) The fast-paced graphic novel, complete with a little potty talk—humor, after all is the biggest motivator for reading mastery—it follows Monkey (ahem, Jim Panzee) on his jungle quest for the perfect Stress Orange (“Press, press, mind at ease”). Only it’s hard to be a Zen master when your jungle is full of loud barking gorillas, nosy giraffes and sneezing birds. Is Monkey really so dirty that he can’t see the value that his industrious friends bring? After all, sometimes the fun is in the journey itself.
Books From Bologna: Titles I’d Love To See In America (part Two)
As a bonus, the chapters are interspersed with facts about primates, a recipe for Frozen Banana Pops, and a guide to speaking Ob.
, came out a few months ago. But will you spare me a moment to sing his praises? Ben Clanton deftly handles the humor, the chaos, the lovable personalities, the consistent and clean aesthetic, the math,
Science in his last storyline, where he hires Narwhal to teach a fish school instead. What does Narwhal know about learning? Nothing. But don’t worry: he gets coaching on the fly from Jelly. The result is absurdly perfect: a never-before-tried class about waffles (because Narwhal is hungry) with some math thrown in (that’s Wafflematics for you). Also, at a time when we should thank our teachers every day, love how Jelly shows his appreciation to Professor Knowell at the end.
If the canine star of this new series is crazy about meatloaf, I’m crazy about it. Even the chapter titles, like “My Darling, My Meatloaf” and “Mortal Enemy in Aisle Three,” are hilarious. Narrated by Weenie the Wiener Dog, with some misplaced support from Frank the Cat and Beans the Guinea Pig, the first half of
New Children’s Graphic Novel Spotlight
It’s dedicated to Weenie trying to reach the steaming pan of meatloaf his human left on the kitchen counter; and the second half is spent trying to make up for the fact that he went and ate his human flesh. Did I mention there’s a trench coat disguise and a ferocious wolf involved?
, only these are rated level 3 because they are divided into chapters, introduce narration along with speech bubbles, and have harder vocabulary. They are also multi-faceted protagonists, thus serving as a reminder that character development doesn’t have to be sacrificed in the graphic format. Geraldine Pu (“her last name rhymes with “two” and “moo”) is a sprinky Taiwanese American girl, with a loving family, who learns to defend and celebrate her cultural heritage, even if it means standing up against intolerance .
Geraldine’s affection for the sticker-decorated lunchbox she calls Biandang is endangered by a classmate who spreads a rumor that Geraldine’s curry and tofu lunches are “big” and “tinky”. It is not until she sees the same treatment meted out to a boy of Jamaican heritage that Geraldine finds her voice to stand up for families and the food they love.
Geraldine Pu and her cat hat too! continues to explore self-love in a cultural context, this time as our strong heroine questions her straight, black hair, then takes drastic measures to try to change it into something “less boring.” Just don’t consider a younger brother who intends to always copy what you do!
Best Chapter Books For Beginning Readers
Books. Before you all freak out, let me explain: I know these books have long been successful in getting kids interested in reading, because of their great settings and time-traveling themes. And I don’t want to undermine that. But, if I’m being honest, the writing is choppy, flat, and plot-driven at the expense of character development.
But you know what? Turn these books into graphic novels, and they absolutely shine! The full color pages emphasize the action beautifully, and the speech bubbles leave the dialogue alone. Two titles are already out –
Who else but Jarrett Lerner could design a superhero with taco ingredients?! The first in a wildly entertaining new series, bursting with clever puns and riotous silliness,
Star the “superheroic foursome” of mr. Toots (a fat black bean), Chip Ninja (a smart tortilla chip), Tammy (a sassy tomato), and Leonard (a paranoid cheese wedge). Together they are known as the Hunger Heroes. Their mission? With the help of “hangry” children – in this case, a child stuck in the elementary class of Mrs. Sternbladder, with an empty stomach facing a math test down from a missed breakfast. The problem is that the hero’s taco hovercraft can only take them so far. How will our starving heroes fit into school and past flying dodgeballs, vrooming vacuum cleaners, and Mrs. Sternbladder herself?
The 19 Best Graphic Novels For Women
Did you enjoy this post? Make sure you don’t miss anyone else! Enter your email on the right side of my home page, and you’ll receive a new post in your inbox 3-4 times a month. Also, follow me on Instagram (@thebookmommy), where I’m active most days, posting reviews and updates on what my kids are reading, or Facebook (What To Read To Your Kids) and Twitter (@ thebookmommy).
Amazon affiliate links, which means I earn a small percentage when you buy a book through my links (at no extra cost to you). Books donated by publishers: Chronicle Books, Simon Kids, Random House, and Tundra Books. All opinions are my own. If you are in the area of Alexandria, please consider purchasing the beautiful Old City Books
Tagged: animals , Asian American Characters in children’s books , Ben Clanton , dinosaurs , early chapter books for 5-9 year olds , early graphic novels , food in children’s books , humor , Jarrett Lerner , Jill Esbaum, Maggie P. Chang, Max Lang, Miles Thompson, Sergio Ruzzier, Suzanne Lang You have a preview of this article while we check your access.
Graphic novels for 3rd graders, graphic novels for 8th graders, best graphic novels for early readers, best graphic novels for young readers, graphic novels for third graders, graphic novels for beginning readers, reading strategies for early readers, early reader graphic novels, early graphic novels, chapter books for early readers, books for early readers, graphic novels for young readers
