Recommended children's booklists sorted by age or topic

Format: Graphic novel

Comic Strip Myths: Myths, Gods and Gladiators in Ancient Rome

Graphic novel, Short story collection

This fascinating and funny comic book collection is the perfect introduction to the world of the ancient Romans.

Including six mythical tales retold in comic strips, readers will learn about the founding of Rome in ‘Romulus and Remus’, meet a callous cyclops in ‘Polyphemus and Ulysses’, and much more. Each myth is told in engaging modern language, which is easy for children to understand yet still retains the humour and intrigue of the original tales.

As you journey back through ancient Rome, you’ll meet an amazing array of mythical creatures and glorious gods, whilst non-fiction spreads will help you learn more about gruesome gladiators, amazing armies, evil emperors and the epic Roman empire.

With bright and bold illustrations by Laurie Avon, this retelling of the Roman myths will educate and entertain readers of all ages.

Tiny Hercules

Jon Lock & Nich Angell

Graphic novel

This fast-paced, joyous, laugh-out-loud text is a must for any library. Fans of graphic novels, history, or both will find the chaos of this text addictive and hard to put down.

It tells the tale of Tiny Hercules, a jam-jar-sized version of a well-known mythic hero who has to navigate their way through a series of twelve epic quests to make his way home. The re-imagined mythical adventure is full of twists, turns and laugh-out-loud moments that would be perfect for young readers or those who love comic humour.

This was a hit when I placed it in the school library; children were attracted from the outset by the cover and illustrations, and it has been checked out every week since. The last few pages offer instructions on how to draw Tiny Hercules and tease the beginning of the sequel due for publication in 2026. A great addition to any graphic novel collection!

The Crossover (Graphic Novel)

Dawud Anyabwile & Kwame Alexander

Graphic novel

Shortlisted for the Books Are My Bag 2020 Readers Awards

‘With a bolt of lightning on my kicks . . . The court is SIZZLING. My sweat is DRIZZLING. Stop all that quivering. ‘Cuz tonight I’m delivering,’ raps twelve-year-old Josh Bell. Thanks to their dad, he and his twin brother, Jordan, are kings on the court. But Josh has more than basketball in his blood – he’s got mad beats, too, which help him find his rhythm when it’s all on the line.

See the Bell family in a whole new light through Dawud Anyabwile’s dynamic illustrations as the brothers’ winning season unfolds, and the world as they know it begins to change.

Athena: Goddess of Wisdom and War

Imogen Greenberg & Isabel Greenberg

Graphic novel

Discover the adventures of Athena, the ancient Greek goddess of wisdom, war and courage in this stunning graphic novel. From her extraordinary birth – sprung from the head of her father, in the midst of a thunderous headache – to her refusal to take no for an answer. Find out how she inspired powerful gods, goddesses and humans and the terrifying fate of those who dared to cross her path.

Prepare to be amazed as you uncover the story of one of the most fearless ancient goddesses, and the tales of a world where humans, gods and goddesses could meet.

This action-packed graphic novel is illustrated and written by the brilliantly talented sister duo, Isabel and Imogen Greenberg.

White Bird

R.J. Palacio

Graphic novel

From the bestselling author of Wonder comes the graphic novel White Bird: soon to be a major film starring Ariella Glaser, Orlando Schwerdt, Bryce Gheisar, Helen Mirren and Gillian Anderson.

To the millions of readers who fell in love with R J Palacio’s Wonder, Julian is best-known as Auggie Pullman’s classroom bully. White Bird reveals a new side to Julian’s story, as Julian discovers the moving and powerful tale of his grandmother, who was hidden from the Nazis as a young Jewish girl in occupied France during the Second World War.

An unforgettable, unputdownable story about strength, courage and the power of kindness to change hearts, build bridges, and even save lives, from the globally bestselling author of Wonder.

A full-colour graphic novel, brilliantly illustrated throughout by R. J. Palacio

Evil Emperor Penguin: The World Will Be Mine!

Laura Ellen Anderson

Graphic novel

Evil Emperor Penguin’s plans to take over planet Earth are in place, and nothing can stop him . . . wait, is that his arch-nemesis, Evil Cat?! Surely the world is too small for TWO evil geniuses!

Who will become the cutest evil genius in the world?

Giggles are guaranteed in this delightfully silly comic, with extra how-to-draw content so young readers can become creators, too!

Unfairies

Huw Aaron

Graphic novel

A hilarious new full-colour graphic novel series from breakout talent Huw Aaron! Perfect for fans of Bunny Vs Monkey, Dogman and Evil Emperor Penguin.

Prepare to enter the world of the Unfairies! Where battles are epic, mighty and mega . . . though on a slightly miniature scale (just don’t tell them that . . .)

Some stories will tell you fairies are sweet, kind, magical creatures.

Well, those stories are WRONG. It’s time everyone knew the TRUTH! Fairies are sneaky, cunning and about as magical as slugs.

Join our impulsive, hilarious and somewhat surprising hero Pip on a breakneck adventure among the warring unfairy tribes of The Garden.

Expect sinister plots, epic acorn-based warfare, a dubious ancient prophecy, thrilling centipede chases . . . and a hero who doesn’t give two hoots about anything.

Astrosaurs: Mission to Infinity

Álex López & Steve Cole & Tobey Cole

Graphic novel

Young stegosaurus Teggs is the new captain of the DSS Sauropod, a spaceship designed to defend the Jurassic Quadrant from evil, carnivorous dinosaurs looking for their next meal.

With his crew, Ginni, Arx and Iggy, Teggs must defeat cunning raptors aiming to disrupt the Great Dinosaur Games, protect the last remaining plateosaurus eggs as they travel to their new home at the far end of the galaxy, and uncover the mystery lurking in the watery depths of Aqua Minor.

From powerful pongs to egg-cellent explosions, missions never quite go to plan . . . but the Astrosaurs are always there to save the day!

A brand-new look for the bestselling Astrosaurs series, perfect for fans of STAR CAT and BARB THE BRAVE.

Long Way Down: The Graphic Novel

Danica Novgorodoff & Jason Reynolds

Graphic novel, Verse novel

A visually stunning representation of an incredibly emotive novel.

This story is told through the voice of Will, who has grown up knowing how to watch his own back and that of his friends and family, knowing the death of those close to him in his neighbourhood and knowing ‘The Rules’. Then the unthinkable happens, and Will knows it is his turn to right the wrongs, just like his brother, Dad and Uncle before him.

Incredibly insightful, this graphic novel opens up a world of gangland violence without sugar coating or glamorising any of it. The tale is powerfully delivered through language and watercolour.

Pets Tell Tales: Ancient Egypt

Jordan Collver & Rik Worth

Graphic novel

Ever wanted to know ‘What a humble dung bug has to do with the rising sun’, ‘Why the pyramids were built’ or ‘What was the role of the baboon police’? Then look no further! Told in a comic book style, ‘Pets Tell Tales – Ancient Egypt’ is an engaging and hilarious way for young readers to learn about the history of Ancient Egypt.

The book begins with an introduction from Manny (an Egyptian bird similar to Bennu), explaining where the reader can find Egypt on a Map. Throughout the chapters, Manny adds his hilarious commentary, engaging the reader with witty remarks and asides.

Among the comic strips, the book interweaves timelines, graphs, images, dates and key facts to aid learning on this period of history. These work as tools to clarify the story and embed learning. I would recommend this book to history lovers, graphic novel fans, reluctant readers and any primary school child who has an interest in Ancient Egypt.

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Format: Graphic novel

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