Recommended children's booklists sorted by age or topic

Format: Graphic novel

Irena Sendler was a humanitarian and social worker in Nazi-occupied Poland during World War II. Her job allowed her to pass through the armed gates of the Warsaw ghetto, bringing limited aid to the 450,000 Jewish people who were forcibly moved there. In secret, Irena built a network of people to smuggle 2,500 children out of the ghetto, saving their lives. And in a hidden jar, she kept their family names. This is her story.

In Diper Överlöde, book 17 of the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series from #1 international bestselling author Jeff Kinney, Greg Heffley is finding out that the road to fame and glory comes with some hard knocks.

When he decides to tag along with his brother Rodrick’s band, Löded Diper, Greg doesn’t realize what he’s getting into. But he soon learns that late nights, unpaid gigs, fighting between band members, and money troubles are all part of the rock ‘n’ roll lifestyle.

Can Greg help Löded Diper become the legends they think they are? Or will too much time with Rodrick’s band be a diper överlöde?

Wry, witty and very funny diary-style story packed with doodles and comic strips about the frustration trickster god Loki feels at having to live trapped in the body of a weedy eleven-year-old boy.

After one trick too many, Loki is banished to live on Earth as a “normal” school boy. Forbidden from using his AWESOME godly powers, Loki must show moral improvement. As he records his lies THE TRUTH in his magical (judgemental) diary, it becomes clear Loki hasn’t a clue how to tell good from evil, trust from tricks, or friends from enemies.

This graphic novel is based on a very silly story and one that will go down a treat! Firstly, it’s about pizza – always a popular topic with children! Secondly, it stars two likeable, somewhat barmy characters (the good guys) and several creepy, villainous ones.

Its comic strip style is super appealing and colourful and the story is crammed with jokes and high jinks. The storyline is interesting (read fun, surprising, wacky, and inventive) and there’s a drawing tutorial at the end. Readers will be pleased to see the promise of future Peng and Spanners books.

This book will fly off the graphic novel shelf and is perfect for fans of the Investigators and Sparks in KS1 and KS2.

Charlie and August go on vacation, but trouble always finds them! A hilarious fast-paced full colour graphic novel series from Ian Boothby and Nina Matsumoto. Charlie and August, the kitty duo who control the incredible Sparks costume, are exhausted. It’s hard work saving people all the time! So what better way to relax than to get away to a beautiful tropical island? But when weird things start to happen and they discover that the island holds a surprising secret, they’re blasted off on their craziest adventure ever. And this time they have to save themselves!

Full colour pages throughout

A fun tale about the power of friendship, loyalty and facing your fears

For fans of Kitty Quest, Dog Man and The Bad Guys

From the powerhouse duo behind the instant bestseller Allergic comes a fun new graphic novel about finding your own space… especially when you’re in a family of nine!

Eleven-year-old Avery Lee loves living in Hickory Valley, Maryland. But she’s tired of feeling squished by her six siblings!

All Avery wants is her own room – her own space to be alone and make art. Avery hatches a plan to finally get her own room, all while trying navigating changes in her friendships, and working on an art entry for the fair.

And when Avery finds out that her family might move across the country, things get even more complicated. A funny, heartfelt, and charming story of family, friendship, and growing up.

Megan Wagner Lloyd and Michelle Mee Nutter have once again teamed up to tell a funny, heartfelt, and charming story of family, friendship, and growing up

A fast paced and heartfelt story with lots of humorous moments

Perfect for fans of Allergic, Twins & Kristen Gudsnuk’s Making Friends series

The next in the Babysitters Club Graphic Novel series – originally written by Ann M Martin and adapted by Cynthia Yuan Cheng! Stacey is so excited! Her friends from The Baby-sitters Club are coming to New York City for a long weekend. It’s going to be perfect: a party and a sleepover on Friday night, a big baby-sitting job on Saturday, and lots of sightseeing throughout.

But it turns out that the baby-sitters are way out of place in the big city. Mary Anne sounds like a walking guidebook, Dawn is afraid of everything, Kristy can’t keep her mouth shut, Claudia is jealous of Laine – Stacey’s New York best friend – and Mallory and Jessi feel intimidated by Stacey’s classmates. With ten kids to baby-sit and a full schedule of activities, how will Stacey keep the weekend from becoming a complete disaster?

A brand-new story from the original author

The series that has been entertaining children for generations

Full-colour graphic novel

Two spud siblings face off in a series of epic challenges in the first of a hilariously silly graphic novel series from the bestselling creator of the Narwhal and Jelly books.

Rot is a mutant potato who wakes up feeling great, maybe even…the greatest in the world! But that only makes Rot’s brother Snot the grumpiest in the world. The only solution? An epic contest to prove who is the greatest once and for all, judged by the only impartial party they can find—their small fry little sister, Tot.

But as the stakes get higher through the muddy potato sack race, sacred hot potato roll, and a hilarious laughing contest, their rivalry spirals out of control. Suddenly Rot’s not feeling so spudtacular anymore. Will this tater trio ever be able to determine who the greatest in the world really is?

Best Graphic Novels for KS1 (Ages 5-7)

Graphic novels are longer stories written and illustrated in a comic style, combining a sequence of engaging visual elements that drive the plot, coupled with short pockets of text in the form of captions and dialogue. The format has seen a burst in popularity in recent years, and these books are seeing an increasing demand in primary schools.

Up until recently, most of the graphic novels available have been aimed at older children, but a newer demand for graphic novels suitable for younger readers in KS1 is now emerging. Whether you are looking for simple adventures like Max and Chaffy or comic tales of animal friends like Peanut Butter and Crackers, we’ve compiled a short list of the best graphic novels where the story content, length and text level are suited to children aged 5-7 in Years 1 and 2.

This list is aimed at readers in KS1. If you are looking for recommendations for graphic novels for older children, be sure to check out our Graphic Novels for Lower KS2 and Graphic Novels for Upper KS2.

Piggy is back, and his newest plot is his most diabolical yet. Dog Man and the rest of your favourite characters must join together in this heroic and hilarious, ALL NEW adventure.

WHAT new villains are on the horizon? WHERE are they all coming from? And WHO will step forward to save the city when scoundrels sabotage our Supa Buddies? Find out in DOG MAN #11 – there’s so much more than ever before – it’s EPIC!

Dav Pilkey’s wildly popular Dog Man series appeals to readers of all ages and explores universally positive themes, including:

empathy

kindness

persistence

and the importance of doing good.

Full colour pages throughout.

Love Dog Man? Check out Cat Kid Comic Club and Captain Underpants by Dav Pilkey!

Everyone Digs Dog Man!

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