Mini Reviews by Topic: “Graphic Novels”
Title: El Deafo
Illustrator: By the author
Stage(s): Elementary
Why We Love It:
Why We Love It
What happens after Cece Bell loses her hearing at age four makes for an entertaining and poignant look into the challenges of growing up in a hearing world. Transformed into El Deafo, with superhuman abilities, we especially love how the main characters are drawn as bunnies. Written with humor, honesty and personal insight, this graphic novel is perfect for middle elementary through middle school age children.
Title: Sidekicks
Illustrator: By the author
Stage(s): Elementary
Why We Love It:
Why We Love It
Captain Amazing is a superhero in need of a sidekick. His four pets each want the job. Together they discover how working as a team helps get the job done while fighting crime and saving Metro City from their arch-enemy Dr. Havoc. The story moves quickly enough to hold attention and the colorful illustrations are both entertaining and match the dialogue perfectly.
Title: Bird & Squirrel on the Run!
Illustrator: By the author
Stage(s): Elementary
Why We Love It:
Why We Love It
This is the story of Squirrel who is afraid of everything and Bird, his fearless friend who is grounded with an injured wing. Just the right balance of action and adventure keep the pages turning in this graphic novel as Squirrel and Bird keep away from Cat who wants to eat them both.
Title: The 3-2-3 Detective Agency in The Disappearance of Dave Warthog
Illustrator: Fiona Robinson.
Stage(s):
Why We Love It:
Why We Love It
After a chance meeting on a train, a donkey, penguin, dung beetle, sloth, and rat work together to figure out why there are so many disappearances from a beauty salon in town. This colorful graphic novel entices readers with a simple layout and enough text on the page to keep the story interesting as the animal detectives use their natural abilities to solve the crime.
Title: Click on the cover for your very own copy.
Illustrator: George O’Connor
Stage(s): Preschool, Beginner, Elementary
Why We Love It:
Why We Love It
Many young children believe that superheroes live action-filled lives. The young boy in this story is much like those children except he alternates between his real world and an imaginary one where he becomes Super Eagle. This comic picture book works well as a read-aloud for preschoolers or read-alone for younger elementary students.
Title: Stone Rabbit # 1 BC Mambo
Illustrator: By the author
Stage(s): Elementary
Why We Love It:
Why We Love It
Stone Rabbit finds a portal of doom under his bathroom rug. He travels back in time to a land full of dinosaurs and not-too-scary adventures perfect for elementary readers. Reluctant and voracious readers alike will gobble up all of the zany, humor-filled books in the Stone Rabbit series.
Title: Owly, Vol. 1: The Way Home & The Bittersweet Summer
Illustrator: By the author
Stage(s): Beginner, Elementary
Why We Love It:
Why We Love It
Owly is a rare bird indeed; kind, thoughtful and generous as a friend. This first graphic novel in the Owly series has two small novellas each rich in visual detail. This near wordless story is appropriate for all elementary age children.
Title: Babymouse #1: Queen of the World
Illustrator: Matthew Holm
Stage(s): Elementary
Why We Love It:
Why We Love It
Babymouse takes the ordinary experiences in life such as missing the bus and having to walk to school and turns them into adventures (traveling through dangerous territory in the wild west). The pink-toned illustrations and funny text will keep elementary readers engaged with the entire Babymouse series.
Title: Chi’s Sweet Home
Illustrator: By the author
Stage(s): Beginner, Elementary
Why We Love It:
Why We Love It
A young kitten is separated from her family during an outing and is frightened by the many dangers she discovers. Chi is found by a loving family who bring her to their home which has a strict rule against pets. This excellent manga style story is the first in the series, perfect for all elementary readers.
Title: Benny and Penny in the Big No-No!
Illustrator: By the author
Stage(s): Preschool, Beginner
Why We Love It:
Why We Love It
Young readers will relate to Benny and Penny’s problem when the mouse siblings suspect a neighbor has stolen their toy. Simple vocabulary and lots of repetition help new readers enjoy this second graphic novel in the Benny and Penny series.
Title: Otto's Backwards Day
Illustrator: Frank Cammuso
Stage(s): Preschool, Beginner, Elementary
Why We Love It:
Why We Love It
When crooks steal Otto’s birthday presents, he follows them and goes into a palindrome machine where everything comes out backwards. Young readers will enjoy the simple comic format, abundance of wordplay and the fun that comes from a backwards world like when Otto wears his underwear on the outside of his clothing. A great graphic novel for younger and middle elementary age children.