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Books by grade

Top 18 graphic novels and comics for K to 2nd grade

Comics ask kids to read pictures and text together, which is real reading. These titles are easy to follow and short enough for a first graphic novel.

Chosen for short text, jokes, strong pictures or comics, and checked against Open Library and award lists in Oct 2026. A reluctant reader usually needs a book they chose, so offer several. Checked 2026-10-25. Nobody paid to be here. The buy links are plain search links, not affiliate links, so Peabody earns nothing from them.

  1. Dog Man

    Dav Pilkey · Ages 6-9

    Half dog, half policeman, fully chaotic: a comic with silly jokes and a surprising amount of heart. The series is a reluctant-reader hit.

    Watch for: Potty humour and cartoon violence.

    Buy: Bookshop.org · Amazon

  2. The Bad Guys: Episode 1

    Aaron Blabey · Ages 6-9

    A wolf, a snake, a shark and a piranha try to be good guys. Graphic, quick and funny, with big text.

    Watch for: Cartoon-style mischief and mild peril.

    Buy: Bookshop.org · Amazon

  3. Narwhal: Unicorn of the Sea

    Ben Clanton · Ages 5-8

    Narwhal and Jelly become friends in a comic with waffles and facts about sea life. Easy graphic novel for beginner readers.

    Buy: Bookshop.org · Amazon

  4. Super Narwhal and Jelly Jolt

    Ben Clanton · Ages 6-9

    More ocean comedy in a graphic reader with a super-hero twist. Easy to follow for beginner readers.

    Buy: Bookshop.org · Amazon

  5. Press Start! Game Over, Super Rabbit Boy!

    Thomas Flintham · Ages 6-9

    A video-game rabbit takes on a villain, told in comic panels. Appeals to children who play games and may not yet choose books.

    Buy: Bookshop.org · Amazon

  6. Owly: The Way Home & The Bittersweet Summer

    Andy Runton · Ages 5-9

    A wordless-leaning graphic novel about an owl and a worm. Easy to read through pictures alone.

    Buy: Bookshop.org · Amazon

  7. Binky the Space Cat

    Ashley Spires · Ages 6-9

    A house cat trains to defend his home from aliens. Graphic novel with simple language.

    Buy: Bookshop.org · Amazon

  8. Little Mouse Gets Ready

    Jeff Smith · Ages 4-8

    A mouse spends a long time getting dressed. A TOON Books comic and Geisel Honor 2010 that beginning readers can read alone.

    Buy: Bookshop.org · Amazon

  9. Stinky

    Eleanor Davis · Ages 5-9

    A swamp monster is teased and finds a friend. A TOON Books comic and Geisel Honor 2009; the pictures carry the plot.

    Buy: Bookshop.org · Amazon

  10. Zig and Wikki in Something Ate My Homework

    Nadja Spiegelman and Trade Loeffler · Ages 5-9

    Two aliens and a doomed homework in a TOON Books comic. Uses simple words and strong picture cues.

    Buy: Bookshop.org · Amazon

  11. Bird & Squirrel on Ice

    James Burks · Ages 6-9

    A bird and a squirrel go on the run from a cat. Graphic novel with big expressions.

    Buy: Bookshop.org · Amazon

  12. Benny and Penny in the Big No-No!

    Geoffrey Hayes · Ages 5-8

    Two mouse siblings in a comic-style early reader and Geisel Award 2010 winner.

    Buy: Bookshop.org · Amazon

  13. Squish: Super Amoeba

    Jennifer L. Holm and Matthew Holm · Ages 6-9

    An amoeba tries to fit in at school. Comic format with science facts hidden in the jokes.

    Buy: Bookshop.org · Amazon

  14. Babymouse: Queen of the World!

    Jennifer L. Holm and Matthew Holm · Ages 6-9

    Babymouse wants to join the popular crowd. Pink-and-black comic panels and real feelings.

    Buy: Bookshop.org · Amazon

  15. Lunch Lady and the Cyborg Substitute

    Jarrett J. Krosoczka · Ages 6-10

    A lunch lady fights crime with fish sticks. Comic book style, short, quick.

    Watch for: Mild cartoon peril.

    Buy: Bookshop.org · Amazon

  16. Cat Kid Comic Club

    Dav Pilkey · Ages 6-9

    Baby frogs learn to make comics from Cat Kid. Encourages creativity and shows kids how to write their own comics.

    Buy: Bookshop.org · Amazon

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