Please welcome my guest author, Lydia Lukidis, with her list of 10 great Early Reader Graphic Novels. That’s right! Graphic novels for ages 3 and up, but with the sweet spot at ages 6 and up.
We are giving away the second book in her Groucho series, Groucho the Grouchy Groundhog. To enter, please leave a comment.
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Welcome to a world where narwhals throw parties, squirrels panic over everything, axolotls go on big adventures, and grouchy groundhogs end up saving the day! These early reader graphic novel series are packed with humor, heart, and just the right amount of chaos to keep young readers turning pages.
Early graphic novels build visual literacy alongside traditional reading skills, helping kids decode meaning through both words and images. They’re also hugely popular right now because they make reading feel fast, fun, and accessible- even for reluctant or emerging readers.
10 Great Early Reader Graphic Novels
Groucho the Grouchy Groundhog by Lydia Lukidis, illustrated by Tara J. Hannon
I’ll start out with my own series! Groucho is a grumpy groundhog who gets dragged into a ridiculous pancake-related mystery in his chaotic town, where nothing ever goes as planned. As the situation spirals, complaints and clever thinking somehow go hand in hand. In the end, Groucho proves that even the grouchiest hero can save the day. [early reader, ages 6 and up]
Narwhal and Jelly by Ben Clanton
A cheerful narwhal and a cautious jellyfish form an unlikely friendship as they explore the ocean together. Their simple adventures are filled with humor, curiosity, and kindness. Each story celebrates connection in a light and joyful way. [early reader, ages 5 and up]
Owly by Andy Runton
A gentle owl experiences friendship and small challenges in a quiet forest world. With very few words, the story relies on expressions and visual storytelling to convey emotion. It creates a calm, heartfelt reading experience that resonates deeply. [early reader, ages 5 and up]
Pizza and Taco by Stephen Shaskan
Two best friends get into silly arguments and ridiculous situations together. Their friendship is playful, messy, and full of humor. Each story delivers simple jokes and lighthearted fun. [early reader, ages 6 and up]
The Unicorn and Yeti by Heather Ayris Burnell, illustrated by Hazel Quintanilla
A unicorn and a yeti form a gentle friendship through shared moments and small adventures. Their differences bring both humor and understanding. The stories are calm, kind, and emotionally soft. [early reader, ages 5 and up]
Lunch Buddies by Daniel Wiseman
Food characters come to life in silly and unpredictable adventures. The humor is playful, absurd, and full of energy. Everyday lunchtime turns into a wild and entertaining experience. [early reader, ages 6 and up]
Max, a Little Axolotl by Joey Spiotto
A small axolotl journeys through a big and unfamiliar world. Along the way, themes of bravery and belonging quietly unfold. The story feels both adventurous and comforting. [early reader, ages 7 and up]
Scaredy Squirrel by Mélanie Watt
An anxious squirrel carefully plans for every possible danger. Despite fears, unexpected situations push him to take small risks. The story blends humor with relatable emotions about worry and growth. [early reader, ages 3 and up]
Press Start! Super Rabbit Boy by Thomas Flintham
A video game hero jumps through action-packed levels filled with challenges. The story mimics the rhythm and excitement of gameplay. It keeps readers engaged with constant movement and fun obstacles. [early reader, ages 5 and up]
Benny and Penny by Geoffrey Hayes
Two siblings navigate everyday situations that feel big in their small world. Their adventures include misunderstandings, play, and moments of growth. The stories reflect childhood with warmth and honesty. [early reader, ages 4 and up]
Groucho the Grouchy Groundhog Giveaway!
We are giving away the second book in her Groucho series, Groucho the Grouchy Groundhog. To enter, please leave a comment. We can only mail to U.S. and A.P.O. addresses.
Lydia Lukidis is an award-winning author of 60+ trade and educational books for children. Her titles include UP, UP HIGH: The Secret Poetry of Earth’s Atmosphere (Capstone, 2025), DANCING THROUGH SPACE: Dr. Mae Jemison Soars to New Heights (Albert Whitman, 2024), and DEEP, DEEP, DOWN: The Secret Underwater Poetry of the Mariana Trench (Capstone, 2023). She won numerous awards such as the Crystal Kite Award for the Canada and North America division, a Forest of Reading Silver Birch Express Honor, and multiple Cybils Award nominations. Another passion of hers is fostering a love for children’s literacy through the writing workshops she regularly offers in elementary schools across Quebec with the Culture in the Schools program. Lydia is represented by literary agent Miranda Paul from Aevitas Creative Management. For more information, please visit her website and follow her on her blog, Twitter/X, Facebook, and Instagram.
p.s. Related posts:
Animal Friendship Early Readers
14 Great Easy Readers & Early Chapter Books: Cybils 2015 Shortlist
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My books:
Bookshop.org / Amazon / Signed or Inscribed by Me
Barbed Wire Between Us by Mia Wenjen, illustrated by Violeta Encarnación
- ⭐ Starred review from Kirkus
- ⭐ Starred review from Publishers Weekly
- ⭐ Starred review from School Library Journal
- Kirkus: The Most Anticipated Children’s Books of Spring 2026
Free and downloadable guide:
Barbed Wire Between Us Teacher’s Guide
Bookshop.org / Amazon / Signed or Inscribed by Me
Bookshop.org / Amazon / Signed or Inscribed by Me
- California Eureka Non-Fiction Gold Award
- Junior Library Guild Gold Selection
- Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People Winner (from National Council for the Social Studies and Children’s Book Council)
The Traveling Taco:
- California Eureka Non-Fiction Silver Award
- Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People Winner (from National Council for the Social Studies and Children’s Book Council)
- Reading Rockets’ Summer Reading Guide 2025
Bookshop.org / Amazon / Signed or Inscribed by Me
Bookshop.org / Amazon / Signed or Inscribed by Me
We Sing from the Heart: How the Slants® Took Their Fight for Free Speech to the Supreme Court
- ALSC Notable Children’s Book
- 2025 Carter G. Woodson Book Award Middle Level Honoree
- Orbis Pictus Recommended Book for Outstanding Nonfiction for Children
- 2024 Julia Ward Howe Prize for Children’s Literature Winner
- California Eureka Non-Fiction Award Honor Book
- Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People Winner (from National Council for the Social Studies and Children’s Book Council)
- Bank Street Best Children’s Books of the Year 2025
- Recommended Reading for the Social Justice Literature Award 2025 (International Literacy Association)
- Pennsylvania Mountain Laurel Book Award Nominee 2026-27
- Junior Library Guild Gold Selection
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Food for the Future: Sustainable Farms Around the World
- ⭐ Starred review from School Library Journal!
- Junior Library Guild Gold selection
- Massachusetts Book Award Long List
- dPICTUS 100 Outstanding Picture Books of 2023
- Chicago Library’s Best of the Best
- 2023 INDIES Book of the Year Awards Finalist
- Green Earth Book Award Long List
- Nautilus Silver Winner, Nonfiction Children’s Picture Book
- Sunshine State Young Readers Award Orange Blossom List for Nonfiction
- Imagination Soup’s 35 Best Nonfiction Books of 2023 for Kids
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Bank Street College’s The Best Children’s Books of the Year
Amazon / Signed or Inscribed by Me
Amazon / Signed or Inscribed by Me
Amazon / Signed or Inscribed by Me
