Have you noticed that there are more graphic novels being published for kids now than ever before in the entire history of the world? I have, and I’m happy about it. I’ve also noticed that there are more and more being published for younger kids, what we librarians might refer to as the “Early Elementary” set, or kids in Kindergarten through 2nd or 3rd Grade. It wasn’t so long ago that we experienced a surge in publishing for this age group in the chapter book department (see our blog post “Ready for Chapter Books!” for a selection of titles), and now it seems like we’re at the dawn of the age of Early Graphic Novels. We created a section just for these lovely little books last year, and it has been a popular spot ever since. Next time you’re in the library, come ask and we’ll show you. Below, find a selection of favorites you can put on hold. As always, click on any book cover or title to go to our online catalog. Enjoy!
Geraldine Pu and Her Cat Hat, Too! / by Maggie P. Chang
Geraldine Pu thinks her hair is boring and uses her cat shaped hat to cover it, but after she tries to copy her grandmother’s hair with disastrous results, Geraldine learns to embrace her individuality.
Waffles and Pancake: Planetary Yum / by Drew Brockington
When they lose Dad-cat in the big science museum after seeing extraordinary things, kittens Pancake and Waffles wonder if they’ll get stuck living in the museum and eating star tots and tuna melts fur-ever.
The Flower Garden / by Renee Kurilla
After planting a seed packet in the backyard, things don’t go as expected for best friends Anna and Tess. They fall asleep in the sun and wake up to blooms as tall as buildings!
Bobo and Pup-Pup: We Love Bubbles! / by Vikram Madan
Did you ever have a friend who likes doing something that you find completely annoying? Well, Bobo and Pup-Pup both LOVE bubbles. Bubbles are the absolute best–on that they can agree! While Pup-Pup loves blowing them, Bobo LOVES popping them…way too much for Pup-Pup’s taste.
Sir Ladybug / by Corey R. Tabor
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.
Minnie Mouse: The Perfect Book / by Brooke Vitale
It’s an exciting day at Minnie’s school. They are having a book fair! Minnie loves books, but which story will she choose? Thankfully, there’s no idea too big or too small for Minnie and her adventures!
Shelby & Watts: Tide Pool Troubles / by Ashlyn Anstee
Fitz and Cleo / by Jonathan Stutzman
Ghost siblings and best friends Fitz and Cleo go to the beach, fly paper airplanes, play baseball, and adopt a cat.
Burt the Beetle Doesn’t Bite! / by Ashley Spires
Some bugs have super-power like abilities. And then there’s Burt the beetle. He’s not strong and he can’t run fast. He doesn’t even bite. He’s more of a hugger, really. But Burt wants more. He wants a SUPERPOWER. There’s just one tiny problem: what kind of special abilities do June beetles have?
Fox & Rabbit Make Believe / by Beth Ferry and Gergely Dudás
Fox and Rabbit are the very best of friends. They do everything together. Good things like getting ice cream and not-so-good things like getting bad haircuts. But when they meet a new friend, Owl, Fox isn’t so sure if there’s enough friendship to go around.
Unicorn and Yeti: Cheer Up! / by Heather Ayris Burnell and Hazel Quintanilla
Unicorn and Yeti are best friends even though they do not always like the same things–and best friends support each other and share experiences, whether it is icicles in the snow or a walk in the dark forest.
Squidding Around: Fish Feud! / by Kevin Sherry
Squizzard is a small squid who always wants to be the center of attention, whether it is playing with his best friend Toothy the vegetarian Great White Shark, or giving a report in school.
Johnny Boo and the Ice Cream Computer / by James Kochalka
Johnny Boo creates an incredible Ice Cream Computer that can turn anything into delicious ice cream. Old toys that you don’t want to play with anymore? Ice cream! Clods of dirt and grass? Ice cream! It works great… until Squiggle decides to turn himself into ice cream!
Donut Feed the Squirrels / by Mika Song
Belly and Norma are the best of squirrels . . . or so they think! After discovering donuts for the first time, they are determined to get some for themselves, even if they have to outsmart the food truck driver to do it!
Narwhal and Jelly: Narwhal’s Otter Friend / by Ben Clanton
Narwhal and Jelly… and Otty?! Exuberant Narwhal and skeptical Jelly test the waters of adding a new friend to their pod when they meet Otty the super-adventurous otter.
Baloney and Friends: Going Up! / by Greg PIzzoli
Baloney and friends continue their adventures that include creating a theme song, having a sleepover, using their imagination, and learning to appreciate the meaning of life.
Owly: The Way Home / by Andy Runton
Owly is a good-natured little owl, and he’s always helping those around him. But despite his kindness, he seems to frighten would-be friends away before they even give him a chance, just because he’s an owl.
Noodleheads: Fortress of Doom / by Tedd Arnold
Using knowledge from a library book, brothers Mac and Mac build a fortress. But Meatball, armed with a book of his own, wants to take it from them.
Pizza and Taco: Best Party Ever! / by Stephen Shaskan
Pizza and Taco are bored and decide to throw a party, but despite their careful planning, nothing seems to go right.
Peanut, Butter, and Crackers: Puppy Problems / by Paige Braddock
A floppy-eared puppy’s unabashed energy completely upends the quiet world of an anxious rescue dog and a plump, snarky kitty.