BEGINNER GRAPHIC NOVELS
for ages 4-8
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I have always been a bit hesitant when it comes to graphic novels, simply because they don't always read like a complete story, but also because they can tend to carry dark or heavy elements.
My oldest son thoroughly enjoys graphic novels so I have been doing research to find ones we can
feel comfortable reading and having in our home.
- Some children are drawn to graphic novels, more than chapter books, because of the visual artwork and shorter sentence structure. These can be a great way for visual learners or hesitant readers to gain confidence in their reading. My oldest, though not yet confidently reading, has been able to tell me an entire plotline simply from looking at the pictures. I have seen it add to his imagination and play as well.
- The market for graphic novels is growing rapidly and thankfully their are Christian authors and publushers picking up the cause, however, I do highly urge you to be vigilent in which books you hand your child from this genre.
DOGGO & PUPPER
Doggo is used to things being a certain way in his family. He likes routine. Cat says he’s become boring. That is, until Pupper shows up! Pupper is playful and messy, and turns the house upside down. Soon, the humans realize that Pupper needs some training, and off he goes to puppy school.
POPPY & SAM - THE LEAF THEIF
It’s a beautiful day in the garden when Poppy and her panda friend, Sam, hear a commotion. Their friend Basil―who has always been known for his elegance―is in tears, because somebody nibbled his leaves last night! Poppy puts her detective skills to work, with help from Sam, and together they set out to find the culprit.
BOXCAR CHILDREN SERIES
** The graphic novels are no longer in print, but can be found at libraries or Ebay.
Henry, Jessie, Violet, and Benny Alden are brothers and sisters―and they’re orphans! The only way they can stay together is to make it on their own. One night, during a storm, the children find an old red boxcar that keeps them warm and safe. They decide to make it their home.
BEAK & ALLY SERIES
Beak thinks Ally is lonely and needs a friend. He has all sorts of friendship goals in mind, like riding bikes together, going to the movies together, and even solving mysteries together! But when a Long-Billed Party Pooper crashes Beak’s nest-warming party, Ally decides to show Beak something important to her: sticking up for what’s right.
SIR LADYBUG
*I only read book one.
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.
SAVE THE WORLD
Doggo likes routine: napping, eating, and more napping. Life is good.
Life is good for Pupper, too, even though he worries a lot, about things like giant squirrels. If he were braver, he might even be a hero. Maybe even a hero who can fly! But heroes aren’t afraid of giant squirrels . . .
POPPY & SAM - MOLE MYSTERY
It’s a new day in the garden, and Poppy and Sam are paying a visit to their friend Snuggles Molesy. But Snuggles is in a pickle, looking for a lost pair of pretty pink glasses! Sleuths Poppy and Sam begin to investigate: all around the garden, along the shore of the creek, and even inside the pies Snuggles had been baking.
OWLY SERIES
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. That all changes, though, once Owly meets Wormy. Like Owly, Wormy is in need of a good friend, too.