5 graphic novels for younger readers
As well as being a good way to get kids into reading, we love graphic novels because they're simply great books. Dan and Jason, creators of the brilliant and funny Blue, Barry & Pancakes series, have joined us to recommend graphic novels which are perfect for readers aged 5 to 7.
"Hey there! We're Dan & Jason, creators of Blue, Barry, & Pancakes and Barb the Brave, and we're absolutely thrilled to be asked by the fine folks at National Book Tokens to recommend some of our favourite reads in the world of kids' comics and graphic novels! We JUMPED at the chance, of course, because we love talking about great books. Here's our list of some absolutely fantastic picks we think every kid (and adult!) should check out. We love all these books and hope you do too." Dan & Jason
Waffles and Pancake: Planetary-Yum by Drew Brockington
This is a totally adorable and hilarious series by Drew Brockington! It's a prequel to his brilliant Castonaught graphic novel series. It's heartfelt, silly, and bursting with joy. Who hasn't daydreamed of living in a museum? Well, that’s exactly what happens in this story, and it’s every bit as fun and charming as it sounds! Highly recommend! Seriously, we’re just waiting for some awesome young reader to make a Waffles and Pancake / Blue, Barry & Pancakes crossover fanfic – someone's gotta do it!
Donut Feed the Squirrels (Norma and Belly) by Mika Song
We are huge fans of these tiny two city-dwelling squirrels. We also are big, big, BIG fans of donuts! Mmmmm…sugar sprinkle donuts. Also, what could be a better way to learn about the trials and tribulations of friendship than through this bright and silly graphic novel from our friend Mika! Pick up a copy and you will find this book as sweet as well…a sugar sprinkle donut!
The Witches: The Graphic Novel by Roald Dahl & Penelope Bagieu
We loved The Witches by Roald Dahl so much as kids, especially how that book felt like a handbook or survival guide for actually dealing with witches in real life. This new graphic novel adaptation is just as cool, dark, and fun to read! Set in the present day with slightly different characters, it offers a fresh take while still capturing all the cruelty, humour and brilliance of the original.
Penelope Bagieu’s illustrations are simple, sinister, and incredibly funny, perfectly embodying the essence of Roald Dahl's world. And the colours? Absolutely stunning – each page is filled with rich, vibrant tones that bring mood and depth to the storytelling. The original was an all-time fave, and now this adaptation has earned its place alongside it!
Murray and Bun: Murray the Knight by Adam Stower
Murray and Bun is a fantastic early reader series – perfect for kids just starting chapter books. The story revolves around a wizard's pet door that leads to magical adventures. BRILLIANT! The illustrations are adorable, exciting, and full of energy – cartooning at its best.
If you love fantasy, buddy stories, and bravery (like we do with Barb the Brave), this book is a perfect fit. Any young reader will love it!
Narwhal: Unicorn of the Sea! (Narwhal and Jelly) by Ben Clanton
At this point, Narwhal and Jelly is a classic graphic novel series, and we’re thrilled to include it in our list! These stories are funny, heartwarming, and surprisingly edifying. We never get tired of reading these beautiful little tales of friendship and acceptance.
We can’t wait to see what the brilliant author/illustrator Ben Clanton comes up with next!
About Blue, Barry & Pancakes: Beach Ball Bedlam by Dan & Jason
Meet the funniest trio in town! There’s Blue, the thoughtful bookworm, Barry, the brilliant inventor, and Pancakes, the happy-go-lucky adventurer. Despite their differences, they ALWAYS have each other’s backs…
Blue, Barry & Pancakes are BEST FRIENDS! They live in a giant tree house, as best friends do. They're always there for each other, and they love all the usual stuff... Games on the beach, birthday cake, alien pool parties and out-of-this-world ADVENTURES!
At the beach, Barry and Pancakes lose Blue’s beloved beach ball. So they come up with a plan to get it back, but things go HILARIOUSLY wrong. The three friends must survive a giant whale’s stomach, an alien pool party and Duckzilla's volcanic birthday bash if they ever hope to see Blue’s beach ball again!
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