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Read the Pictures: Graphic Novels for Younger Children
They've been called comic books, graphic novels, and more. Whatever you call them, these books — once considered inappropriate for children — have come of age!
Gene Yang won the prestigious Printz Award for American Born Chinese and To Dance: A Ballerina's Graphic Novel by Siena Cherson Siegel was awarded the Sibert Award for excellence in nonfiction. Each of these graphic novels uses techniques that are unique to the format and are successful in conveying both emotion and information.
Carefully placed images and words that are not typical of traditional picture books, novels or even nonfiction are used to create engaging books for readers of all ages, even emerging readers. So read on, but take the time to look, really look, at how the words and pictures work together to convey information, meaning, and feeling.
Gene Yang: The Making of a Graphic Novel
The magic of comics takes place between the panels, says Yang, a high school teacher and award-winning graphic novelist. His book American Born Chinese received the 2007 Michael L. Printz Award for young adult literature, and was a finalist for the National Book Award both firsts for a graphic novel. Watch as Yang demonstrates the steps in his writing and drawing process.
Credit: The Kennedy Center Education Department Performing Arts Series
The irrepressible Babymouse is eager to get a puppy even though her track record with pets isn't encouraging. Could Babymouse's dreams be better than reality? Fast and funny, many readers will see themselves in the very pink dreams of Babymouse.
As Lana and her unconventional family of kitties (they have a pet mouse) celebrate her 8th birthday, a shelf of fashion magazines knocks an unsuspecting Lana out cold. She wakes up unharmed but has transformed into a skilled superhero with the ability to help the fashion-impaired, in this first of the series that spoofs superheroes.
What could be sillier than a Jack-in-the-box leaving its box to play? Why, even more things emerging from Jack's hat and box! A straightforward comic book format combined with simple illustration and conversation bubbles effectively convey both meaning and silliness in this enjoyable, imaginative romp.
Sophisticated readers will appreciate the over-the-top adventures of a cryogenic pickle that emerges with superhero skills through the bedroom floor of Jo Jo Wigman. This full-color comic is distinguished by funny puns and wordplay as well as the combination of familiar school problems and Magic Pickle’s fantastic dilemmas.
Though nearly wordless, the expressive black and white illustrations effectively convey Owly's broad range of changing emotions: loneliness, trepidation, fear, joy, and more. In this volume, Owly learns to fly while another forest animal learns to trust — both with the help of Owly's buddy, Worm.
The chase is on when Polo's book is stolen by a small alien. Polo, an engaging hound, pulls an amazing assortment of aids from his backpack, all leading to a satisfying conclusion. Colorful art placed in comic strip format is supported on large pages in Polo's second adventure.
When a new kid comes to his swamp, a small monster does everything he can to get rid of him. Instead, the young monster learns a thing or so about friendship. An easy-to-follow comic book format combined with recognizable concerns makes this ideal for emerging readers or for one-on-one sharing.
Greek gods and goddesses are the stuff of contemporary superheroes. Dramatic full-color, exaggerated comic book illustrations are used to present a dozen of the ancient heroes, sure to thrill contemporary, more experienced readers.
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