We are major graphic novel fans over here! There are so many darling and clever graphic novels constantly releasing and it is so much fun to see. In fact, I’m a little jealous that all of these books weren’t around when I was a kid learning to read!
Just like “regular books”, graphic novels come in different levels of reading difficulty and different lengths. This list is one filled with super short and simple ones that are best for the beginning reader. The criteria for the books on this list (other than being positively awesome and entertaining ) is that they be graphic novels that are less than 100 pages. (Many of them are around 50-60 pages. Which isn’t much more than most standard picture books. (Which are often around 30-40 pages). These books are also focused on the 4-10 year old crowd with 5-8 probably being the main “sweet spot”.
For your reference, after the title and author of each book I have listed how many pages it is, what age group it is recommended for and whether or not the title is part of a series. (most of them are!) I also sorted them by recommended age from youngest to oldest based on their listed, geared audience. I hope you find this list useful as well as lots of fun.
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My Friends Make Me Happy! (The Giggle Gang) by Jan Thomas- 48 pages, 4-7 year olds, series
This book/series is one of the more simple and short ones on the list and is perfect for the very beginning readers. Even though they are short they pack in a lot of wit and humor and are sure to have kids giggling, just like the name implies.
A Trip to the Bottom of the World with Mouse: TOON Level 1 (Trips with Mouse) by Frank Viva- 36 pages, 4-7 year olds, series
In this book a young adventurer and his companion mouse are off to explore the wild of Antartica. This one is extra quirky, unique and entertaining. It makes me want to look up and read the rest of the books in the series.
Blue, Barry & Pancakes (Blue, Barry & Pancakes, 1) by Dan and Jason- 96 pages, 4-8 years old, series
In this story things go from silly to ridiculous when Barry and Pancakes try to retrieve Blue’s ball that they lost. It lightly touches on apologies and forgiveness, but mostly it is just plain fun.
Spring Cakes (I Like to Read Comics) by Miranda Harmon- 40 pages, 4-8 years old
In this story a group of kittens are out on a mission to help their mother make magic cupcakes to celebrate springtime. First they have to go and collect magical ingredients and in the end are rewarded with darling cakes. This one is super cute.
A Giant Mess (I Like to Read Comics) by Jeffery Ebbeler- 40 pages, 4-8 year olds
At the beginning of this story a young girl is told by her mother to clean her room because it is a “giant mess”. While she is resisting an actual giant shows up, thinks the townspeople and buildings are toys, and makes a REAL giant mess. She helps direct him in cleaning it up in the end and it is silly and fun.
What About Worms!? by Ryan T. Higgins and Mo Willems- 64 pages, 4-8 year olds, series
This book is from a collection of short graphic novels that are done in collaboration with Mo Willems for his Elephant and Piggie series. They feature new illustration styles and new stories that are not disappointing for Elephant and Piggie fans and their high expectations.
Duck, Duck, Porcupine! (A Duck, Duck, Porcupine Book, 1) by Salina Yoon- 64 pages, 5-7 year olds, series
This book is a collection of tiny stories that are super simple and are some of the easier ones on this list for readers. Kids will love that they can read silly and fantastic little stories with so few words and it is sure to be encouraging.
Poppy and Sam and the Search for Sleep (Poppy and Sam, 3) by Cathon- 48 pages, 5-8 year olds, series
This is a series that I love just as much as my kids. Each book feels like a picture book/graphic novel hybrid and they are so great. Each story features a new adventure for tiny Poppy and her tiny panda friend Sam.
Betty’s Burgled Bakery: An Alliteration Adventure by Travis Nichols- 40 pages, ages 5-8
This is another graphic novel that reads just like a picture book, but in graphic novel format. The best part about his book is all the crazy clever alliteration packed inside. It is a blast to read and the story is fun as well.
Fox & Chick: The Sleepover: and Other Storiesby Sergio Ruzzier- 56 pages, 5-8 year olds, series
Fox & Chick books super short stories that feature this delightful duo and their experiences together. They are fun, quirky, random and a pleasure to read. We love Fox and Chick!
An Elephant & Piggie Biggie! (An Elephant and Piggie Book) by Mo Willems- 320 pages (Because this edition its a collection of 5 of the books in the large series. You can buy/find them separately instead if you want.) 6-8 year olds
Chances are that if you are on the lookout for graphic novels for beginning readers then you have seen this series ALL over. That is because it is amazing! The wit and humor in these books appeal to children and adults alike. It’s impossible not to love this duo.
Who Is the Mystery Reader? (An Unlimited Squirrels Book) by Mo Willems- 96 pages, ages 6-8, series
This series features the most lovable and hilarious squirrels and we are in love! Mo Willems strikes again! The format of this book is also super fun because it is broken-up a few times with some fun features like jokes and the like. A new favorite for sure.
Super Detectives (Simon and Chester Book 1) by Kale Atkinson- 64 pages, ages 6-9, series
We are big fans of SIR SIMON: SUPER SCARER so we were thrilled when we learned that these two friends would be getting their now graphic novel series. This first book does not disappoint and we are DEFINITELY going to be reading the next one as soon as we can get our hands on it!
Doggo and Pupper (Doggo and Pupper, 1) by Katherine Applegate and Charlie Alder-96 pages, 6-9 year olds, series
This graphic novel is broken apart into tiny chapters and features a dog who is adjusting when it’s family adopts a new puppy. The story of how they become friends is so sweet and this promises to be an adorable series.
Baloney and Friends (Baloney & Friends, 1) by Greg Pizzoli- 96 pages, 6-9 year olds, series
This book is broken apart into tiny chapters that focus on different mini stories/experiences. Each one is super simple, sweet and memorable. WE are excited to see where this bright and happy series takes us.
Fitz and Cleo (A Fitz and Cleo Book, 1) by Jonathon Stutzman and Heather Fox- 64 pages, 6-9 year olds, series
This book is split into tiny chapters and shows the friendship between two sibling ghosts. They have several short adventures from making a cat friend to visiting the beach. Its oozing with cuteness.
Ballet Cat What’s Your Favorite Favorite? (Ballet Cat, 3) by Bob Shea- 56 pages, 6-9 year olds, series
At first Ballet Cat and goat are competing and trying to out do one another in this new story. However, in the end they learn that cooperation and teamwork is more fun and gets the job done. Ballet Cat books are playful and clever and super fun.
Fox & Rabbit Celebrate (Fox & Rabbit Book 3) by Beth Ferry and Gergely Dudas- 96 pages, ages 6-9, series
In this story a group of animal friends (including a dragon!) work together to accomplish things and navigate friendships. It is joyful, fun and all around adorable. We look forward to checking out more from this series.
Narwhal: Unicorn of the Sea (A Narwhal and Jelly Book 1) by Ben Clanton- 64 pages, 6-9 year olds, series
This new duo is a new favorite in our home. Narwhal and Jelly are two characters with big personalities and the text is engaging and winsome. I love how it is broken apart into several, tiny chapters and we always cannot wait for the next book in the series to be released!
Cat & Cat Adventures: The Quest for Snacks (Cat & Cat Adventures, 1) by Susie Yi 96 pages, 6-10 year olds, series
This book is delightful! In the story two cats who are friends are off on a quest to gather ingredients for a spell that will make unlimited snacks. Along the way they solve some problems and make some friends.
Fancy Friends: A Graphix Chapters Book (Bunbun & Bonbon 1) by Jess Keating –64 pages, 7-10 years old, series
This is the first book in a brand new series and in it Bunbun and Bonbon meet for the very first time and become friends. This series is super sweet and charming and bright and happy.
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