by April Butler, Children’s Librarian
Is your child ready for more than picture books but not quite ready for chapter books? Graphic novels are the perfect solution! They combine engaging stories with easy-to-follow visuals, making reading fun and accessible.
Think of graphic novels as comic books with more text and deeper storylines. They're a great way to introduce children to longer-form narratives while still providing visual support. By reading graphic novels, children can improve their reading skills, vocabulary, and comprehension.
Graphic novels offer a wide variety of stories, from dinosaurs to princesses, superheroes to real-life adventures. Look for titles that have won the Eisner or Harvey Awards, the top honors in the comic book world. These high-quality graphic novels help children develop essential reading skills, such as vocabulary, comprehension, and fluency.
Some popular authors of children's graphic novels include Raina Telgemeier, known for the Babysitters Club reboot and her personal stories like Smile and Drama; Luke Pearson, creator of the magical world of Hilda, popularized by the Netflix series; Jerry Craft, author of the Newbery Medal-winning New Kid; Jarrett Krosoczka, known for humorous series like Lunch Lady and Jedi Academy; and Dav Pilkey, creator of the wildly popular Dogman series.
Ready to get started? Visit your nearest Chattahoochee Valley Library branch or search our online catalog. Our friendly staff can help you find the perfect graphic novels to help your child become a lifelong reader.
Don't forget to check out the Hoopla app – it has many children's graphic novels available with no holds and no waiting!
Keep Reading!