Skip to content
Pragmatic Mom
Menu
  • Home
  • About
    • Contact
    • Policies
    • Media Kit
    • Privacy Policy
    • Copyright
    • KidLit Blogroll
  • My Book Lists
    • My List of Lists
    • Multicultural Books for Children: 60+ Book Lists
    • #OwnVoices
    • Summer Reading Lists for Middle School Kids
    • Asian American Children’s Books
    • African American Children’s Books
    • Arab American Children’s Books
    • Latinx American Children’s Books
    • Native American Children’s Books
    • LGBTQIA+ Children’s Books
    • Diverse Books for Kids
    • Best Books for Kids
  • Education
    • STEM/STEAM
    • Math
    • Social Studies
    • Art Projects for Kids
    • Applying to Art School
    • Applying to College
    • Book Club for Kids
    • 70+ Free Educational Games
  • Controversial
    • Sexual Misconduct in Children’s Book Publishing #MeToo #TimesUp
    • Rethinking & Examining Dr. Seuss’ Racism
    • Blood Feud over YA #BloodHeir
    • Tulsa Race Massacre: What They Don’t Teach You in History Books
    • The Chinese Exclusion Act – What They Don’t Teach in History Books
    • Segregation in California Schools: What They Don’t Teach in History Books
    • SCBWI Minnesota Racist Illustration and Gaslighting Response
  • My Books
    • My Book Announcements
    • Book Announcement: A Place to Call Home! {and a new title …}
    • FOOD FOR THE FUTURE makes Sunshine State Young Readers Award Orange Blossom List for Nonfiction!
    • Cover Reveal of my latest picture book … FORTUNE COOKIES FOR EVERYONE!
    • Picture Book Announcement! BARBED WIRE BETWEEN US, illustrated by Violeta Encarnación
    • We Sing From the Heart gets a few stickers!
    • Book Announcement! Postcards from Malcolm X: How Yuri Kochiyama Became a Civil Rights Activist
    • Kirkus Reviews My Newest Picture Book: THE TRAVELING TACO
    • We Sing From the Heart is a Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People Winner!
    • We Sing From the Heart gets a few stickers!
    • WE SING FROM THE HEART wins California Eureka! Nonfiction Children’s Book Award
    • WE SING FROM THE HEART is Orbis Pictus Recommended Book
    • WE SING FROM THE HEART is a Junior Library Guild Gold Selection
    • Dorktales Podcast: Simon Tam, Hidden Hero of History
    • Food for the Future Wins Nautilus Silver Book Award
    • Food for the Future makes Mass Book Award Long List!
    • FOOD FOR THE FUTURE Makes Green Earth Book Award Long List!
    • Food for the Future is a finalist for 2023 INDIES Book of the Year!
    • New! Food for the Future Activity and Discussion Guide!
    • FOOD FOR THE FUTURE is a Junior Library Guild Gold Selection!
    • ‘Food for the Future’ selected for Chicago Public Library’s Best of the Best books
    • Scholastic Purchased CHANGING THE GAME!
    • Starred Review for FOOD FOR THE FUTURE from School Library Journal!
    • Sumo Joe makes Bank Street Best Children’s Books of the Year list!
    • How To Coach Girls wins Silver Award!
    • Posts on My Books
  • My Book Events
    • My Book Events
    • OCA Reads: A Virtual Conversation with Mia Wenjen
    • The Traveling Taco Storytime and Craft at Ten Trees Books
Menu
graphic novels, ABCs of graphic novels, graphic novels for kids, kids graphic novels, best graphic novels

ABCs of Graphic Novels, A through E

Posted on January 7, 2013May 24, 2024 by Pragmatic Mom

Why Graphic Novels are Great for Reading!

KBN ABCs button, kid blogger network, ABCs series

Graphic novels give the brain more of a workout per sentence than any other type of media, including conventional books. 

School Library Journal

I recently discovered graphic novels from my 8-year-old son who loves them. Together, we’ve been haunting the graphic novel section of the library. I had no idea there were so many great graphic novels for young readers, including books for girls! I’m excited to be joining a group of great educational bloggers on an ABC series of posts. Mine will be on graphic novels but everyone has a different topic. Please check out the great posts. I have the list below.

Day 1: ABCs of Graphic Novels, A-E

Day 2: ABCs of Graphic Novels, F-J

Day 3: ABCs of Graphic Novels, K-O

Day 4: ABCs of Graphic Novels: P-T

Day 5: ABCs of Graphic Novels: U-Z

A is for animal graphic novels especially when they have BIG personalities. Sidekicks is by Disney animator Dan XX in which an aging superhero (with a peanut allergy) needs a sidekick to help out and his pets are vying for the position. Bird & Squirrel on the Run by James Burks is the graphic novel version of Elephant and Piggie by Mo Willems.

B is for Benny and Penny graphic novels for preschoolers. Benny is the big brother to his little sister Penny. Mice have never been so charming! Winner of the Geisel Award too which recognizes best books for young readers and typically goes to an easy reader! B is also for Binky the Space Cat.

C is for Cameron and His Dinosaurs. Dinosaurs. Boys. Graphic Novel. What’s not to love? For young readers, ages 5 and up.

D is for Diary of Wimpy Kid launched a new genre of hybrid graphic novel/chapter books and convinced reluctant readers everywhere that it’s fun to read.

E is for Graphic Novels are for EVERYONE! They are fun to read and help to build reading comprehension because you have to draw contextual meaning from words and images.

 

More great posts from the Kid Bloggers Network on THE ABC’S OF…

photo of The ABCs of Literacy and Language

  • Books for Preschoolers from Mommy and Me Book Club
  • Building a Home Library from Ready Set Read!
  • Early Language Learning from Playing with Words 365
  • Early Literacy from Playdough to Plato
  • Exploring Books from JDaniel4’s Mom
  • Graphic Novels from Pragmatic Mom
  • Learning to Read Through Play from Mom to 2 Posh Lil Divas
  • Learning to Write from NurtureStore
  • Reading Comprehension for Pre K-Grade 1 from The Wise Owl Factory
  • Storytelling from A Mom with a Lesson Plan

Please click on any image of book above to examine at Amazon or here at Barnes and Noble.

graphic novels, ABCs of graphic novels, graphic novels for kids, kids graphic novels, best graphic novels

To examine any of the items listed, please click on image of item. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

 

Follow PragmaticMom’s board Multicultural Books for Kids on Pinterest.

Follow PragmaticMom’s board Children’s Book Activities on Pinterest.

 

My books:

We Sing From the Heart picture book cover reveal of The Slants Simon Tam

 Amazon / Signed or Inscribed by Me

Cover Reveal: Boxer Baby Battles Bedtime!Amazon / Signed or Inscribed by Me

Food for the Future: Sustainable Farms Around the World by Mia Wenjen, illustrated by Robert Sae-Heng

Food for the Future: Sustainable Farms Around the World

  • Junior Library Guild Gold selection
  • Massachusetts Book Award Long List
  • Selected as one of 100 Outstanding Picture Books of 2023 by dPICTUS and featured at the Bologna Children’s Book Fair
  • Starred review from School Library Journal
  • Chicago Library’s Best of the Best
  • 2023 INDIES Book of the Year Awards Finalist
  • Green Earth Book Award Long List
  • Imagination Soup’s 35 Best Nonfiction Books of 2023 for Kids

 Amazon / Barefoot Books / Signed or Inscribed by Me

cover for Sumo JoeChanging the Game: Asian Pacific American Female Athletes by Mia WenjenAmazon / Scholastic / Signed or Inscribed by Me

The Elusive Full Ride Scholarship: An Insider’s Guide

How To Coach Girls by Mia Wenjen and Alison FoleyAsian Pacific American Heroes

24 thoughts on “ABCs of Graphic Novels, A through E”

  1. Jackie Higgins says:
    January 7, 2013 at 7:43 am

    I’m looking for Benny and Penny at the library today! I think my four year old will love it. I’m super excited about this topic because I’m surrounded by ALL boys– all boys at home and tons of nephews. Not that girls can’t read graphic novels too, but it seems like if you pair most boys with a graphic novel, they go crazy for it!!

    Reply
    1. Pragmatic Mom says:
      January 8, 2013 at 10:16 pm

      Hi Jackie,
      The Benny and Penny graphic novels series is so cute and sweet for the preschool set. It’s especially great if you are a big brother with a little sister! And you are right, there are very few great graphic novels for girls of any age. I have two girls and a boy and when I find a great one for girls, I get it for them. I also do find that because graphic novels are a fast and visual read, it makes kids read more and want to read (even more important!). At least, it does for my kids!

      Reply
  2. Carolyn Wilhelm says:
    January 8, 2013 at 3:51 pm

    I’m so glad you selected this type of book, it is so good for developing reading comprehension through the use of thinking skills. The children have to pay close attention to realize the story being told, too, and use their imagination. Great idea! Pinned!

    Reply
    1. Pragmatic Mom says:
      January 8, 2013 at 10:29 pm

      Thanks Carolyn!
      I am new to graphic novels as a genre but quickly becoming a huge fan! I’m noticing how all my kids love to read them and it does make them good at inferencing. Plus, the fact that they enjoy it means they will associate reading as pleasure. That’s so important to me. It’s nice too that it’s a fast read! It makes the reader feel like he or she accomplished something to finish the book. I read Bible stories as a child that way and I swear that getting the next issue completely motivated me to go to Sunday School. And those stories like Ruth really stuck to me … all because of a graphic novel format.

      Reply
  3. Mom and Kiddo @What Do We Do All Day? says:
    January 9, 2013 at 11:13 am

    I love this ABC series of yours and am sharing it — I have a lot to learn about graphic novels. My husband really likes them and my son is starting to read them, too. I’m never been able to get into them, but I think I need to change that!

    Reply
    1. Pragmatic Mom says:
      January 10, 2013 at 8:06 am

      Hi Mom and Kiddo,
      I’m new to graphic novels too. My 8-year-old son started to read them with more interest this past year. His older sisters really didn’t read many of them but I think there are a lot less geared for girls. There also seems to be a new trend for younger graphic novels appropriate for preschool. The exciting thing about graphic novels, I’m learning, is that they definitely are a tool for inferencing since you have to comprehend the story from images and text. And it’s wonderful that boys especially want to read them, especially boys who don’t like reading.

      Reply
  4. Ann says:
    January 9, 2013 at 10:06 pm

    What a neat series! I totally agree with the first statement about being a brain workout – so true! Going to check out Benny and Penny! We liked Sidekicks and really enjoyed Ook and Gluk (but I guess we will have to wait for “O” for that : )

    Reply
    1. Pragmatic Mom says:
      January 10, 2013 at 8:24 am

      We loved Sidekicks too Ann!!! I think we are reading the same books! Yay!

      Reply
  5. Amy says:
    January 9, 2013 at 11:08 pm

    I am so excited to see this post! This year, I made a goal to go outside my comfort zone and try a new genre, and so I decided to try a graphic novel. (I think it’s kind of funny that one of the purposes of graphic novels is to encourage reluctant readers, and here I am, an avid reader, and I’m terrified of them!!). Anyway, thank you so much for this list (I’ll be looking at your other lists as you post them as well) because I have no idea how to select a good graphic novel!

    Reply
    1. Pragmatic Mom says:
      January 10, 2013 at 8:26 am

      Hi Amy,
      If you want one to try out, I’d suggest Smile or Drama by Raina Telgemeier. You’ll love it! Promise!!!

      Reply
  6. Tiffa @ The Picture Book Review says:
    January 11, 2013 at 3:14 am

    We spent a bit of today reading Zita the Spacegirl and both my son and I LOVED it! I love comic books and graphic novels and my son was wowed with Zita. It was so much fun to watch how excited he got. 🙂

    This is a great list! What a wonderful idea. 🙂

    Reply
    1. Pragmatic Mom says:
      January 11, 2013 at 7:15 am

      Hi Tiffa,
      How wonderful you and your son read Zita the Spacegirl and enjoyed it together! We got into graphic novels the same way, my son and I. The graphic novel phase was a relatively short phase as well. I think we read piles of them for about 6 to 9 months mixed in with picture books, non-fiction, and easy readers. I think the “excited” part is the most important part — that your son associates book time with excitement and enjoyment. That is sooo powerful! You are giving your son a gift of the love of reading!

      My son is 8-years-old now. He decided to try chapter books a few months ago when all his friends were reading Percy Jackson so now we are racing through the first series. I don’t think he’d be reading with such enthusiasm if it hadn’t been for graphic novels and then graphic novel hybrids like Alvin Ho, Dragonbreath, The Strange Tale of Origami Yoda and Diary of a Wimpy Kid. Enjoy the graphic novels! You are building such great memories together!

      Reply
  7. Jodi Carmichael says:
    January 13, 2013 at 9:33 am

    Love this list!

    My youngest has ADHD and an issue with her working memory, so learning to read has been a challenge. However, once she found graphic novels, her reading ability shot up several levels, and her self-confidence has soared.

    Her current favourite is the Bad Kitty series.

    We read regular chapter books together, in addition to her reading alone time with graphic novels, so that she sees that her next step are books without so many illustrations.

    Reply
  8. Kelly at Little Wonders' Days says:
    January 13, 2013 at 6:07 pm

    This is a great list of books! I have an 8 year old son too and he loves a few of these books. We’ll have to check out some on your list. Thanks for linking up to the After School Party.

    Reply
  9. Debra says:
    January 14, 2013 at 12:15 pm

    This is a great list. It’s not really in my work area anymore, and I don’t have kids, but I have some friends who are looking at homeschool and ways to suppliment public school education, and this is great. I’ll definitely be passing this along.

    Reply
    1. Pragmatic Mom says:
      January 15, 2013 at 8:49 am

      Hi Debra,
      Thanks so much for passing my post along. I am a new but ardent fan of graphic novels after watching how eagerly my kids read them, especially my son and then reading research on how graphic novels help kids with reading comprehension.

      Reply
  10. Renee C. says:
    January 17, 2013 at 2:19 pm

    Great series Mia! I love all these suggestions. My son is currently devouring books and he really enjoys books that are heavily illustrated. He finds it overwhelming to look at a page that only has words. These might be perfect for him. Do you have age recommendations for the Diary of a Wimpy Kid books? We just watched both movies recently and my kids really enjoyed them, so I’m wondering if my son would like the books – he’s 6.

    Thanks for linking this post into the Kid Lit Blog Hop. 🙂

    Reply
    1. Pragmatic Mom says:
      January 17, 2013 at 2:25 pm

      Hi Renee,
      My son read Diary of a Wimpy Kid at age 8, second grade. He’s old for his grade. At age 6, I would try Alvin Ho, Cameron and His Dinosaurs, Bird and Squirrel, Sidekicks rather than Diary of a Wimpy Kid. I think even if he’s able to read it, he’ll appreciate the humor and social situations when he’s just a few years older.

      Reply
      1. Renee C. says:
        January 17, 2013 at 2:37 pm

        Thanks for the recommendations Mia! I really appreciate it. He’s such an eager reader that I want to make sure that he reads the right books to keep him interested. I love that both my kids are avid readers. Reading has always been such an important part of my life. Have a wonderful weekend! 🙂

        Reply
        1. Pragmatic Mom says:
          January 18, 2013 at 8:00 am

          Hi Renee,
          I wholeheartedly agree with you! Reading with my kids when they are young and not reading independently was so important and we have the best memories of reading books together. It definitely pays off as well! They do learn to love to read books!

          Reply
    2. Pragmatic Mom says:
      January 18, 2013 at 7:59 am

      Hi Renee,
      I think I have some posts of the books my son read in first grade last year if that would help:
      http://www.pragmaticmom.com/2011/11/boy-book-picks/

      He loved DragonBreath series last year and Frankie Pickle as well.

      http://www.pragmaticmom.com/2012/05/picture-book-reviews-grade-son/

      Reply
  11. Dorothy says:
    January 28, 2013 at 1:55 am

    these are awesome children’s book. Thank you for sharing.

    Reply
    1. Pragmatic Mom says:
      January 31, 2013 at 8:04 am

      Thanks so much Dorothy! I’m so glad you liked the series. It was a lot of fun to create it!

      Reply
  12. Heather Swanson says:
    March 24, 2019 at 3:01 pm

    My MA was about a graphic novel, but I only know the novels for older audience. Thank you for helping me introduce my little ones into the world that means so much to me.

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Looking for something? Search here.

I’m Mia Wenjen!

Mia Wenjen Pragmatic Mom

Hi, I’m Mia Wenjen. Nice to meet you!

I blog excessively about diverse children’s books (picture books through middle grade). I am also the co-founder of Read Your World Celebrates Multicultural Children’s Book Day on Jan 25, 2024, our 11th year!

I’d love to chat with you. Let’s connect! PragmaticMomBlog (at) gmail (dot) com or through my social media handles.

Free Blog Updates in your Inbox (RSS feed)

Monthly Newsletter with Subscriber Only Giveaways in your Inbox

My Linktree (click for my links & socials)

my linktree

My Websites

  • How To Coach Girls
  • I Love Newton
  • Mia Wenjen (My New Author Website)

Camp Cody: Overnight Camp in New Hampshire

Read Your World LGBTQIA+ Books Save Lives Merch!

https://www.pragmaticmom.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Read-Your-World-FINAL-Merchandise-Video.mp4

Purchase Read Your World Merch

LGBTQIA+ Books Save Lives Merch.

Buy it here!

Search Amazon

Find Children's Books

Newton Children’s Book Festival 2025

Newton Children's Book Festival 2025

Get My Books Signed or Inscribed through my shop (click to purchase)

Mia Wenjen signed books

Boxer Baby Battles Bedtime! (click to purchase)

Cover Reveal: Boxer Baby Battles Bedtime!

We Sing From the Heart (click to pre-order)

We Sing From the Heart picture book cover reveal of The Slants Simon Tam

FOOD FOR THE FUTURE (click to purchase)

Food for the Future: Sustainable Farms Around the World by Mia Wenjen, illustrated by Robert Sae-Heng

CHANGING THE GAME (click to purchase)

Changing the Game: Asian Pacific American Female Athletes by Mia Wenjen

SUMO JOE (click to purchase)

Sumo Joe cover reveal

Asian Pacific American Heroes (click to purchase)

Asian Pacific American Heroes by Mia Wenjen

GNOMES & UNGNOMES: Poems of Hidden Creatures // I have 3 haiku poems (click to purchase)

GNOMES & UNGNOMES: Poems of Hidden Creatures 3 haiku by Mia Wenjen
Read Your World is Multicultural Children's Book Day

ClothingRIC- A Premium Coupon Website!

ThingsFromMars- The Wondrous World of Wacky Gift Products!

How to Get Kids Reading

  • Multicultural Books for Children: 60+ Book Lists
  • Getting Kids to Love Reading
  • Summer Reading Lists for Kids By Grade
  • Summer Reading Lists for Middle School Kids

Heim Nest Kid Mattress Exclusive Deal

Heim Nest Kid Mattress

AdvancedWriters.com is an expert writing service which helps students with academic writing.

educational toys

CEX.IO is a versatile crypto exchange platform where users can buy, sell, and trade cryptocurrencies, as well as access resources and tools to learn how to trade effectively.

MyPaperDone.com
is surely one of the best when it comes to paper writing assistance.

My Custom Essay
will guide you through academic life.

Essay Writing Services

If you ask "write my essay", Topessaywriting can help you with paper writing

TranslationReport can help you to choose the best translation service

If you are looking for the most trusted essay writing service, check this article about best essay writing service reviews at Econotimes

educational toys from dhgate stores

Assignment Writing Services Offer Assignment Assistance In UK Based Company 50% Discount Students

Playing at online casinos can be an exciting and rewarding experience, and you can find the best options at casinoszondercruksonline.com. 

For those seeking a safe and reputable gambling experience, the Meest betrouwbare buitenlandse casino lijst is an invaluable resource.

Archives

Categories

The Elusive Full Ride Scholarship (click to purchase)

The Elusive Full Ride Scholarship: An Insider’s Guide

HOW TO COACH GIRLS (click to purchase)

How To Coach Girls silver award winner

Archives

I’ll be sharing WHAT I WISH I KNEW BEFORE I STARTED MY KICKSTARTER CAMPAIGN

HOW TO COACH GIRLS book trailer by Mia Wenjen & Alison Foley

https://youtu.be/j74M0bBxrGg

Recent Posts

  • Food for the Future’s 2nd Birthday! & 2 Signed Book GIVEAWAY! May 23, 2025
  • Maui: Alexander & Baldwin Sugar Museum May 21, 2025
  • Origami French Fries: Activity for THE TRAVELING TACO May 19, 2025
  • OCA Reads: A Virtual Conversation with Mia Wenjen May 16, 2025
  • Book Announcement: A Place to Call Home! {and a new title …} May 14, 2025

Categories

© 2025 Pragmatic Mom | Powered by Superbs Personal Blog theme
This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish.Accept Read More
Privacy & Cookies Policy

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are as essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
SAVE & ACCEPT