15+ Great Graphic Novels for Early Readers

Looking for a great first graphic novel for your newly independent reader? We have 15 of the best graphic novels for early readers…and they are each part of a series so there are actually hours of reading to be found within these inviting, colourful covers.

15+ Best First Graphic Novels for Early Readers

Each book included on this graphic novel list is linked to both an Amazon and/or Book Depository online store page – these are affiliate links and I may earn a small commission from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you.

Pizza and Taco: Who’s the Best? (book 1 of the series) by Stephen Shaskan A great first graphic novel series for young readers, Pizza and Taco are best friends but only one of them can actually be the best, right?!! Maybe they should host a debate and have their friends vote for who’s the best?! But will their friendship actually survive the competition? Age 5+ years. Available: Amazon | The Book Depository

Narwhal and Jelly (book 1 of the series) by Ben Clanton Narwhal is a happy-go-lucky narwhal. Jelly is a no-nonsense jellyfish. The two might not have a lot in common, but they do they love waffles, parties and adventures. Each book in this fun graphic novel series features three stories and interesting sea-worthy facts, they make a great first step towards chapter books. Age 5+ years. Available: Amazon | The Book Depository

Cat Kid Comic Club (book 1 of a new series) by Dav Pilkey Dav Piley’s latest offering is sure to be a hit with young fans! When Li’l Petey, Flippy, and Molly introduce 21 eager baby frogs to the art of comic making, the lesson progresses with many funny mishaps and re-directions. Children will learn lessons about the importance of mistakes, practice and persistence. Age 5+ years. Available: Amazon | The Book Depository

Owly: The Way Home (book 1 of the series) by Andy Runton A great first graphic novel series for young reader thanks to the combination of bold, bright artwork and minimal text. Owly is a kind, well meaning owl looking for a friend. Unfortunately many of his fellow forest creatures are afraid of owls. That all changes when he meets Wormy. Like Owly, Wormy is in need of a good friend – someone who can be counted on for a helping hand, a good laugh, and a great adventure! Age 5+ years. Available: Amazon | The Book Depository

Fox and Rabbit (book 1 of the series) by Beth Ferry A sweet first story of true friendship between unlikely friends – easygoing Fox and anxious Rabbit. The five adventures include important lessons about fear, being brave, being a good friend and more. Our 8 year old and her friends love this series. Age 5+ years. Available: Amazon | The Book Depository

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The Flying Beaver Brothers and the Evil Penguin Plan (book 1 of the series) by Maxwell Eaton A group of evil penguins steals beaver Ace’s surfboard just before a big surfing competition. When Ace and his brother, Bub, follow the penguins in order to rescue the surfboard, they discover the penguins evil plan to destroy the whole island. How will the beaver brothers stop them?! Age 6+ years. Available: Amazon | The Book Depository

Bink and Gollie (book 1 of the series) by Kate DiCamillo and Alison McGhee The Bink and Gollie books part first chapter book/part graphic novel, with each book including three stories featuring the unlikely friends, Bink and Gollie, as they learn sweet lessons in friendship – learning to compromise, about personal space and even, dealing with jealous feelings. Age 6+ years. Available: Amazon | The Book Depository

The Bad Guys (book 1 of the series) by Aaron Blabey With a super cool, graphic novel style, The Bad Guys series is a great read for those starting out with chapter books and reluctant readers (but the voracious young readers I know love them too!) They sound like bad guys, they look like bad guys … they even smell like bad guys. But Mr Wolf, Mr Piranha, Mr Snake and Mr Shark are about to change all of that…they’re turning good! Age 6+ years. Available: Amazon | The Book Depository

For more like The Bad Guys, be sure to check out our collection of chapter books for young readers.

Sherlock Bones and the Natural History Mystery (book 1 of the series) by Renee Treml Sherlock and Watts are from the exhibits in The State Natural History Museum, Sherlock the bones of a tawny frogmouth and Watts a stuffed parrot, and together they are trying to stop a diamond heist in their own museum. This is the first in a fun mystery graphic novel series for kids age 6+ years. Available: Amazon  |  The Book Depository

Real Pigeons Fight Crime (book 1 in the Real Pigeons series) by Andrew McDonald Rock is recruited to a crime busting gang of pigeons. Homey, Tumbler, Frillback and Rock are led by the more mature pigeon, Grandpouter, as they help solve problems around their park. A fun read for newly independent readers, these are pigeons with big personalities! Age 6+ years. Available: Amazon | The Book Depository

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Karen’s Witch (book 1 of The Baby-Sitter’s Club Little Sister series) by Ann M. Martin In this first book of the graphic novel adaptation of the classic The Baby-Sitter’s Club Little Sisters series, Karen lives next door to Mrs Porter, who wears long robes and has wild gray hair, and a black cat named Midnight. Karen isn’t supposed to spy on her neighbour but she’s determined to prove that Mrs Porter is a witch! Age 7+ years. Available: Amazon | The Book Depository

Mr Wolf’s Class (book 1 of the series) by Aron Nels Steinke Mr Wolf is looking forward to his first day teaching fourth grade, as his students prepare to return to school amid a myriad of real life challenges. Hurt feelings, bathroom dilemmas, new friendships, a lost student and a very silly survey all feel very relatable for young elementary students and are sure to keep them turning the pages. Age 7+ years. Available: Amazon | The Book Depository

Babymouse: Queen of the World (book 1 of the series) by Jennifer and Matthew Holm Babymouse works extra hard to earn an invitation to Felicia Furrypaws’ slumber party, navigating a series of obstacles (and rather unwise choices) to score one. Unfortunately, the behaviour of the party host and the other guests makes Babymouse regret her decision of choosing a party over her best friend. How will she ever make this right? Age 7+ years. Available: Amazon | The Book Depository

Dog Man (book 1 of the series) by Dav Pilkey Potty humour abounds in Pilkey’s graphic novels, even one about a crime fighting hero! This hero…well, he’s kind of unique!When a police dog and a policeman are in an accident and both are close to dying, doctors decides the only way to save them is to sew them together! As for the villain, we’ll that’s the sneaky Petey the Cat, who likes to cook up mischief in his secret lab. Can Dog Man put a stop to the evil plans of this crooked cat? Age 8+ years. Available: Amazon | The Book Depository

Zita the Space Girl (book 1 of the series) by Ben Hatke When her best friend is sucked into an inter-dimensional portal our fearless heroine, Zita, follows after him only to find herself a stranger on a very strange planet. But saving her friend may just result on Zita herself being stranded in this strange land, never to see Earth again! Age 8+ years. Available: Amazon | The Book Depository

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