Graphic novels and illustrated chapter books are a great way to transition kids from early readers to full chapter books. So we are excited to share this big roundup of fun illustrated chapter books and graphic novels for kids!
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Bobo and Pup-Pup: The Funny Book
Written by Vikram Madam and illustrated by Nicola Slater
Bobo the monkey and Pup-Pup the dog are very different, but they are best friends. When Pup-Pup starts reading something so funny that he can’t stop laughing, Bobo wants to read it too. But he is not patient, and he follows Pup-Pup everywhere. In the end, can they find a solution so they can both read? Kids will recognize the familiar struggle to be patient, and will appreciate the way the two friends find a solution together.
Bobo and Pup-Pup Hatch an Egg
Written by Vikram Madan and illustrated by Nicola Slater
In this adorable illustrated chapter book, best friends Bobo the monkey and Pup-Pup the dog think they have found an egg. Throughout the book, they think about what could be inside, and try to figure out how to take care of it and hatch it. Kids will love watching the funny duo work together to hatch the egg, and figuring out what it actually is. The full page illustrations and simple text told mostly in dialogue make this a fun and easy read for young readers.
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Doggo and Pupper Save the World
Written by Katherine Applegate and illustrated by Charlie Adler
Pupper is a little dog who worries a lot. He wishes he were braver and that he could fly like a superhero. When he meets a little bird who is also afraid, he and his friend Doggo are determined to help. Kids will love the adorable dog characters in this series, and will appreciate the story of bravery, and finding the strength to help others. The last page includes a list of tips from Pupper about how to be a hero.
Doggo and Pupper Search for Cozy
Written by Katherine Applegate and illustrated by Charlie Adler
When Doggo and Pupper’s owners buy a new bed for Cat, she is very upset. Her old bed was cozy and just how she liked it, but this new bed is strange and different. Doggo and Pupper do their best to help Cat search for cozy. Kids will love the hilarious characters and the funny mission they undergo to make Cat more comfortable. The last page includes a cute guide to napping from Cat too.
It Doesn’t Scare Me! A Discovery!
Written by Candy James
This sweet series follows a pair of fox friends named Archie and Reddie. In this story, Archie is sleeping over at Reddie’s house. When a storm interrupts their sleepover, Archie is scared, but Reddie comforts Archie and comes up with all kinds of fun games to distract them. Kids will appreciate the funny dialogue between the characters and the silly illustrations, and they will enjoy the fun twist ending.
Shark Princess
Written by Nidhi Chanani
This adorable graphic novel introduces readers to Kitana a shark princess, and her best friend Mack, a mako shark who suffers from allergies. Mack wants to be a princess like Kitana, but he worries that his big sneezes and shark teeth will stop him. With the help of his friend Kitana, can Mack recognize the things that make him special and join her on some fun adventures? The text is made up completely of dialogue between the two characters, and the cute, colorful illustrations make the shark characters really friendly and sweet looking.
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Bad Kitty: Supercat
Written by Nick Bruel
When Bad Kitty’s owner decides that she needs to socialize, she is forced to engage in play dates. When Strange Kitty comes to play, they turn into Supercat and Captain Fantasticat and attempt to save the world from being turned into cheese. The hilarious tale follows the cat friends as they play and imagine together. Kids will love the hilarious story that Kitty and her friends come up with, and the funny illustrations that tell the story.
One Smart Cookie
Written and illustrated by Mika Song
In this funny graphic novel, three little squirrels go on a mission to sneak fortunes into fortune cookies that encourage people to give their cookies to squirrels. All of the text is dialogue between the squirrels, and the illustrations are full of funny moments as they attempt to get all the cookies for themselves. Kids will love cheering along with their quest and the fun ending.
Fitz and Cleo Get Creative
Written by Jonathan Stutzman and illustrated by Heather Fox
Fitz and Cleo are two young ghosts who love to be creative together. In this collection of short stories, they put their heads together to play fun games, create stories, and attempt to make a movie together. Kids will love the adorable illustrations of the cute ghost characters, and the way they work together to create bigger and more creative tales.
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We are the Smurfs: Bright New Days!
Written by Falzar and Thierry Culliford and illustrated by Antonello Dalena and Paolo Maddaleni
This collection of stories follows the Smurfs as they prepare for a big celebration in Smurf Village. The cute and simple stories teach the reader important emotional lessons as the Smurfs learn to work together and take responsibility for their actions. The eye popping illustrations are full of bright colors and adorable characters, and the back of the book takes the lessons one step further with easy to understand guides about patience, respecting nature, and talking about death.
The Cosmic Adventures of Astrid and Stella: Star Struck!
Written by Sabrina Moyle and illustrated by Eunice Moyle
This graphic novel by the authors of HelloLucky is the second book in the series following the adventures of Astrid and Stella, best friends and intergalactic heroes. When a disagreement places them in danger, they have to work together to return to safety. Throughout the book, they face a villain, befriend a superstar, and learn important lessons about friendship. Kids will love the fun characters and the brightly colored illustrations, bursting with rainbows, glitter, and fun.
Super Pancake
Written by Megan Wagner Lloyd and illustrated by Abhi Alwar
In this graphic novel, readers are introduced to Peggy Pancake, a pancake from Breakfast Town who accidentally gets superpowers. Peggy Pancake must learn about her new powers and face the evil Dr. Breakfast Sandwich in order to save the day. The adorable breakfast themed characters of Breakfast Town are sure to thrill young readers, as will the story of Peggy Pancake and how she learns to become a superhero.
Dog & Hat and the Lunar Eclipse Picnic
Written by Darin Shuler
In this vibrant graphic novel, Ant wants to head to the moon to visit her cousins. Her friends Dog and Hat want to join her and have a picnic on the moon during a lunar eclipse. Together they set out on a crazy journey to try to make it to the moon on time. The brightly colored illustrations and zany antics of the characters are sure to draw in young readers, who will enjoy the chaos and wildness of the story.
Two-Headed Chicken
Written by Tom Angleberger
This zany graphic novel invites readers to imagine themselves as part of the multiverse, in a world where they are in fact part of a two-headed chicken. They are also being chased in every universe by a giant green moose named Kernel Antlers who really wants some fried chicken. The brightly colored illustrations and silly situations are sure to have young readers laughing out loud as they join the journey through the multiverse with the two-headed chicken.
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Bigfoot and Nessie: The Art of Getting Noticed
Written by Chelsea M. Campbell and illustrated by Laura Knetzger
In this graphic novel, young Bigfoot keeps trying to get into photographs like his family wants, but he can’t quite manage it. Meanwhile Nessie just wants to get out of the spotlight. Together they learn some important lessons about fame, family, friendship, and being themselves. The cute illustrations make the mystical creatures more friendly for little ones, and the story is funny while touching on important lessons.
Bigfoot and Nessie: The Haunting of Loch Ness Castle
Written by Chelsea M. Campbell and illustrated by Laura Knetzger
This second entry in the Bigfoot and Nessie series joins the two characters as they head to Nessie’s home, the Loch Ness Castle. There are lots of issues at the castle, including a ghost roaming around. Kids will love following more adventures of these two cute mythical characters, and cheering them on as they work together and explore Loch Ness.
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Go Pig or Go Home
Written by Rob Harrell
This Batpig graphic novel follows Batpig’s alter ego Gary Yorkshire as he struggles with ordinary things like school and summer camp. When Gary gets tangled in a cheating scandal after receiving help on his biology test by Sharkraham Lincoln, or goes off to summer camp, he has to learn to save the day with or without his Batpig costume. Kids will love the cute illustrations, especially when they feature Gary in his Batpig costume.
Scientists Are Saving the World!
Written by Saskia Gwinn and illustrated by Ana Albero
This STEM graphic novel introduces readers to more than 20 real life scientists. Each two page spread focuses on a different scientific focus, sharing how scientists are making a difference, and introducing specific scientists and their achievements. The text is broken up into various illustrated panels, making it easy for young ones to follow along, and the cute illustrations show the scientists doing all kinds of work. The back of the book includes more information on each scientist featured in the book.
Ada Twist, Scientist: The Why Files: Bug Bonanza
Written by Andrea Beaty and Dr. Theanne Griffith
This book encourages kids to ask questions and learn more about bugs along with Ada Twist and her friends. The layout of the book gives the appearance of a child’s journal, with lots of child-like sketches and snippets written in the voice of the young scientist. The rest of the text is typed out in large, clear text, and is designed to look like it was taped in. There are lots of detailed photographs spread throughout the book, as well as scenes from the Ada Twist television series. The back of the book includes simple science experiments that readers can try at home.
Extincts: Flight of the Mammoth
Written by Scott Magoon
This graphic novel follows the Extincts, a team of genetically enhanced extinct animals as they attempt to teach people about the environment and go on top secret missions. In this story, wildfires are raging in California and they have to work together to find the cause. This action packed series is full of adventure, as well as environmental messages. The back of the book includes lots of additional information about the environment, smoke jumpers, wildfire safety, and more.
What are your favorite illustrated chapter books & graphic novels for kids? Share them in the comments below!
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