Want to entice your kid to read more this summer? If you have a young reader between the ages of 6-10, you’re gonna need some excellent reads to keep up with their boundless imagination! We love graphic novels for this age group. Why? These boldly illustrated books attract kids like a magnet, motivating them to read.
They’re an excellent choice for all kids—including those who’ve not been into traditional books in the past. Here’s a round-up of some of our favorite graphic novels. Grab one (or all) and they’ll be hooked in no time!
1. Our Top Pick: 'Sir Ladybug' by Corey R. Tabor, illustrated by Corey R. Tabor
“Ladies and gentlebugs, presenting the duke of the dandelion patch, champion of truth and justice, the one, the only—Sir Ladybug!”
Funny and clever, this is the first in a new graphic novel series for newly independent readers, following the adventures of a ladybug knight and his pals in the dandelion patch. Sir Ladybug never shies away from a quest, even when he’d rather be playing a video game or baking a cake. So when a caterpillar needs rescuing from a “monster” (a hungry chickadee), Sir Ladybug and his trusty friends—his herald, a roly-poly named Pell, and his squire, a snail named Sterling—hatch the perfect (delicious) plan.
Why we love it: Kids will take the themes of friendship, bravery, teamwork, creative thinking and helping others to heart. This book is full of kid-approved humor and delightful surprise—not to mention a memorable cast of characters.
2. 'Crab and Snail: The Invisible Whale' by Beth Ferry, illustrated by Jared Chapman
Join Crab and Snail in the surf zone, where they think deep thoughts and have unforgettable seaside adventures.
The never-ending rain is putting a damper on Crab and Snail’s plans for a sunny, funny day. So when the BBFs (Best Beach Friends) realize that it’s only raining on them, they put their heads together and consult one know-it-all gull (he really does know it all!) to get to the bottom of it.
Why we love it: The delightful silver lining! By the time the rain clears, this super duo has made a new friend and learned something wonderful about friendship.
3. 'Arlo & Pips #3: New Kids in the Flock' by Elise Gravel, illustrated by Elise Gravel
Parenting is tough—even for a genius like Arlo—but luckily he isn’t alone: His partners Marla and Uncle Pips are there to help! From building a new nest and taking care of Marla while she incubates the eggs to teaching the chicks everything they need to know, Arlo has his wings full. Join Arlo, Pips, Marla and the new chicks as they explore this next big chapter in their lives.
Why we love it: Snappy dialogue is paired with tons of amazing "kid-pleasing" bird facts.
4. 'Cat & Cat Adventures #1: The Quest for Snacks' by Susie Yi, illustrated by Susie Yi
One day when their human leaves for work, Squash and Ginny find themselves in the most unfortunate predicament: Without snacks. With a little help from a magical portal, the two cats embark on a quest to find ingredients for a potion that will produce unlimited goodies.
When the cats reach the Enchanted Rain Forest to gather enchanted rainwater, the last item on their list, their mission runs dry. . . will it be a cat-astrophe?
Why we love it: You can’t go wrong with cats, magical portals and snacks, oh my!
5. 'Pea, Bee, & Jay #2: Wannabees' by Brian 'Smitty' Smith, illustrated by Brian 'Smitty' Smith
Who knew being queen could sting so much? All Bee really wants to do is play with her two best friends, Pea and Jay. But when she’s replaced by Lenny—an ambitious bee hungry for power—as queen of her hive, the friends set out to prove Lenny isn’t exactly who he seems to be.
Can Bee, with the help of her friends, regain her crown and throne, or has the Reign of Lenny officially begun?
Why we love it: There’s been tons of “buzz” around this series, topping lists like Kirkus Best Books of 2020 and Amazon Best Books of 2020.
—Jamie Aderski
