Graphic novels are the perfect way to get disinterested readers to pick up a book.
Have you ever struggled to get your kid to read?
While reading might come naturally to some children, it’s fair to say that most kids need a bit of encouragement.
Whether your kid struggles with reading and writing or simply isn’t interested, graphic novels just might be your answer. Read on for our picks of the best graphic novels for reluctant readers!
Detective Beans Series, Li Chen
Recommended for readers aged 7+
Cat Town's best kitten detective is on the case in this hilarious and ridiculously cute graphic novel series for junior readers! Detective Beans is available 24/7* for all your mystery solving and ice-cream taste testing needs. Solving all the mysteries that you need solved, and even the ones you don’t need solved. He’s that good.
*Except on school days, and after bedtime.
Unfairies, Huw Aaron
Recommended for readers aged 7-12
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.
The Far Out Five, Olaf Falafel
Recommended for readers aged 6+
One funfair, a group of kids and one grumpy amateur magician... plus one magical mega tornado equals The Far-Out Five! Stewart, Sophie, Zainab and Jeffrey - and the Great Waldini - are magically transformed into strange creatures and whisked far away from home – and the wand that could change them back is LOST!
Percy Jackson Series, Rick Riordan
Recommended for readers aged 12+
Dive into the bestselling Percy Jackson and the Olympians series – in graphic novel form! If your kid loves mythology and monsters, then they will be obsessed with Percy Jackson. Following a half-blood demigod son of a Greek God and a mortal, Percy will have to swap skateboards for swords in an adventure to save the world. Best of all, once your kid has been sucked into the world of Percy Jackson, odds are they’ll want to keep reading, and luckily, there are so many more Percy Jackson books and graphic novels to choose from.
Magical creatures, perilous trials and one unbelievable adventure await in Protector of Beyond, the first book in a gripping new fantasy book series from exciting new voice Shara Curlett.
We wanted to know what young Kiwi readers thought about Royalslinger, the fantastical second book in Graci Kim's Slinger series (hint: they loved it!). Read on to see their reviews!
What does The Whale Rider mean to you?
There’s a version of The Odyssey for every reader - read on to find the one for you to read before (or after!) you see the movie in theatres.
Learn more and apply for the Penguin Children’s Bookseller Grant – a $50,000 initiative designed to engage young readers.
Learn how to make seven Book Week costumes inspired by the Bluey books. Each costume is easy to make and will look great during Book Week!
Can you bake a beautiful loaf of bread? We’re on a search to find the best young bread baker!
Celebrate Matariki with Dr Hinemoa Elder at events across the South Island, in conversation about her books and the wisdom that inspires them.
Tell us what you love reading so we can personalise the books, recommendations and emails you receive from Penguin.
Read the first three chapters of Ariā and the Monster Island!
For generations, Lynley Dodd’s Hairy Maclary stories have introduced young children to the joy of reading…
There is nothing kids love more than a big old belly-laugh, and when it comes to reading, a book full of laugh-out-loud moments can unlock a joy of reading for life!