My son learned to love reading because of graphic novels so they will always have a place in my heart. He’s reading chapter books now, but he still enjoys a funny notebook novel. I’m excited to share some newly published ones, and I’m giving away a few them as well (at the bottom of the page).
How about you? What graphic novels or notebook novels have your kids been enjoying? Please share!
Doodle Adventures: You Draw the Story
This is a fun concept, particularly for summer reading. It’s a doodle book combined with a graphic novel. The reader gets to decide the story by drawing it in and you don’t necessarily have to be an artist.
The Search for the Slimy Space Slugs by Mike Lowery
I wasn’t sure how my son would react to this doodle graphic novel since it looked a little easy for him, but he raced through it and enjoyed doodling along to create his own adventure. [doodle graphic novel, ages 6 and up]
The Pursuit of the Pesky Pizza Pirate by Mike Lowery
This adventure will be out in September 2016 and it’s the same doodle adventure concept. If your child likes The Search for the Slimy Space Slugs, be sure to pre-order your copy! [doodle graphic novel, ages 6 and up]
Funny Graphic Novels for Young Kids
Stinky Cecil in Terrarium Terror! by Paige Braddock
I’ve read a few of the Stinky Cecil graphic novels and they are funny, with an environmental message to boot. Cecil the toad gets captured from his pond and ends up in a classroom terrarium. His pond friends have to launch a daring rescue. The back pages include notes on chameleons, garter snakes, how to make a terrarium and character sketches. [graphic novel, ages 6 and up]
Unicorn vs. Goblins: Another Phoebe and Her Unicorn Adventure by Dana Simpson
Phoebe and her unicorn have a relationship that reminds me of Calvin and Hobbes with similar dry sarcastic humor. In this graphic novel geared towards girls, Phoebe goes to a sleep-away summer music camp, meets her unicorn’s sister, and goes on various misadventures involving sparkles, magic, and goblins. [graphic novel, ages 8 and up]
Julius Zebra: Rumble with the Romans by Gary Northfield
I would describe this notebook novel — a chapter book with doodles like Diary of a Wimpy Kid — simply as the movie Madagascar during The Roman Empire. Both the zebra in the movie and in this book are hilarious! Julius is captured and brought back to the Roman coliseum where he must battle for his life as a gladiator. My son and I loved this funny, zany adventure. The cartoon doodle illustrations match the comedic text perfectly. We are impatiently waiting for the sequel! [notebook novel, ages 8 and up]
Stick Cat: A Tale of Two Kitties by Tom Watson
Fans of Diary of a Wimpy Kid and Stick Dog will enjoy this newest offering by Tom Watson. Two cats, one adventure, and lots of laughs. [notebook novel, ages 8 and up]
The Misadventures of Max Crumbly 1: Locker Hero by Rachel Renée Russell
I just bought a copy for my son and am waiting for it to arrive. He’s also starting middle school and loves funny graphic novels and/or notebook novels. I don’t expect my son to be stuffed into the lockers by the school bully but I do think he will find this hilarious. [notebook novel, ages 9 and up]
Historical Fiction Graphic Novel
Alamo All-Stars by Nathan Hale
Nathan Hale’s historical fiction graphic novel series is a terrific, well-executed series. I had read his previous book about the Donner Party and the book gave me such a realistic accounting of what happened that I couldn’t help but be annoyed with various people at the party for being so stupid.
The Alamo is especially interesting to me because I visited San Antonio a few years ago and took my kids to The Alamo.
My only criticism is that the font size is quite small which may be off-putting to reluctant readers. [graphic novel, ages 9 and up]
New Graphic Novels for Kids GIVEAWAY
I’m giving away these four great graphic novels:
- The Search for the Slimy Space Bugs (doodle adventure graphic novel for ages 6 and up)
- Stinky Cecil in Terrarium Terror (environmental animal adventure graphic novel for ages 6 and up)
- Unicorn vs. Goblins (funny graphic novel for girls ages 8 and up)
- Julius Zebra: Rumble with the Romans! (hilarious notebook novel — chapter book with doodles, ages 8 and up)
Please fill out the Rafflecopter to win AND leave a comment with your first, second, and third choice. Thanks!
p.s. Related posts:
Book Lists of Graphic Novels for Kids and Teens
My Favorite Graphic Novels from 2020
Great New Graphic Novels for Kids (2019)
Graphic Novels for Ages 7 and Up
Books for Big Nate Fans
List of Books that inspired graphic novel NORI
My Favorite Graphic Novels for Girls Ages 6 and Up
10 Amazing Graphic Novels for Kids
19 Graphic Novels for Mighty Girls
More Great Graphic Novels for Kids
Great New Graphic Novels & Notebook Novels
10 Great Graphic Novels for 3rd Grade
ABCs of Graphic Novels (A-E)/Preschool
ABCs of Graphic Novels (F-J)
ABCs of Graphic Novels (K-O)
ABCs of Graphic Novels (P-T)
ABCs of Graphic Novels (U-Z), Young Adult
Best Graphic Novels (The Eisner Awards)
16 Great Diversity Graphic Novels for Kids and Teens
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1 Julius Zebra
2 Unicorn vs Goblins
3 The Search for the Slimy Space Slugs
My children have read graphic novels for years and they are a HUGE hit in the library where I work.
Thanks for entering Nancy!! I loved Julius Zebra too! It’s so funny!
1. Search for Slimy Space Bugs
2. Stinky Cecil
3. Julius Zebra
Graphic novels have always been a huge hit in my classroom, but I need to expand to some new titles thanks for the ideas!
Hi Sarah,
I love the idea of doodling to create the story! My son liked this series even though it’s on the easy side for him; the drawing part makes it perfect for a wider range of ages!
1. The Search for the Slimy Space Bugs
2. Stinky Cecil in Terrarium Terror
3. Julius Zebra: Rumble with the Romans!
Oh my goodness, my daughter would love all these books! I even want to read them! 😍
Hi Julie,
They are fun to read. Every time I have a stack of graphic novels to read, I am a happy camper!! They are so satisfying because they are a quick read, and tell a great story. Many excel in the humor department or are a fun way to learn about a historical event. We are huge fans!
Both my daughter & I love Raina Telgemeier’s Smile and Sisters–can’t wait for her Ghosts in September!
We also loved El Deafo by Cece Bell; Anya’s Ghost by Vera Brosgol (mainly because that’s my daughter’s name 😉 );
She also enjoyed many of the Nathan Hale’s Hazardous Tales (especially The Underground Abductor) and Roller Girl.
I liked Sunny Side Up (& some of the Babymouse books) by Jennifer & Matthew Holm.
Hi Maria,
Great list as usual!!! I didn’t know Raina has a new one out in September. I better pre-order it for my daughter!
Thanks for the chance!
1st choice – Unicorn vs. Goblins
2nd choice – Stinky Cecil in Terrarium Terror
3rd choice – Julius Zebra: Rumble with the Romans!
Thanks so much for entering Caitlin!!
So fun!
1. Unicorn vs. Goblins
2. Julius Zebra: Rumble with the Romans
3. Stinky Cecil in Terrarium Terror
Thanks so much for entering Heather!
1. Julius Zebra
2. Unicorns vs. Goblins
3. Stinky Cecil
Thanks for entering Valerie!
1. Unicorn Vs. Goblins
2. The Search for the Slimy Space Slugs
3. Stinky Cecil in Terrarium Terror!
Fun!
Thanks you Danzel for entering!
1. Search for Slimy Slugs 2. Zebra 3. Cecil
Thanks for entering MS!
Stinky Cecil in Terrarium Terror!
Unicorns vs. Goblins
Julius Zebra: Rumble with the Romans!
I’m a school librarian at two elementary schools and I can’t seem to keep up with my students’ excitement over graphic novels. Any of these would be a wonderful and much appreciated addition to our collection.
Thanks for entering Ariel!
1. Stinky Cecil in Terrarium Terror!
2. The Search for the Slimy Space Slugs
3. Julius Zebra: Rumble with the Romans
Thank you!
Thanks for entering Margaret!
Graphic novels are important – I’m glad to see your post! Kids should always have the option to pick up a great graphic novel! 😀
Hi Erik,
It’s weird to think that graphic novels didn’t really exist when I was a kid; it was comic books then, but not with such a wide range of topics like now. I love graphic novels (now that I finally get to read them).
They all sound fun, My choices would be: Slimy Space Slugs, Julius Zebra, and Unicorn vs. Goblins. Thanks for the chance to enter!
Thanks for entering Beth!
I’d love to start collecting these for when my son is older to read on his own but for now I can read it to him. Here’s the books I like in order,thanks!
1. Stinky Cecil in Terrarium Terror!
2. The Search for the Slimy Space Slugs
3. Julius Zebra: Rumble with the Romans
Thanks for entering Renee!
1. Julius Zebra
2. Unicorns v. Goblins
3. The Search for the Slimy Spacebugs
My kids would love these books!
Thanks so much for entering Nancy!
These would all be awesome for my classroom. My students love graphic novels. My first choice would be Stinky Cecil in Terrarium Terror, then The Search for the Slimy Space Bugs, and third choice would be Unicorn vs. Goblins.
Thanks so much for entering Jennifer! My son’s reading really took off once he discovered graphic novels so I can totally relate!
I can’t keep my graphic novels in my library!
1. Julius Zebra: Rumble with the Romans!
2. Stinky Cecil in Terrarium Terror
3. Unicorns vs. Goblins
Thanks for entering Sarah! I love how graphic novels get kids reading. It worked for my son which I am eternally grateful for!
1. Julius Zebra: Rumble with the Romans!
2. Unicorn vs. Goblins
3. Stinky Cecil
Thanks so much for entering Tabithia!