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A One More Book shelf

The next step after picture books.

The step up from picture books: first graphic novels and very low-text illustrated stories, packed with pictures and jokes so new readers keep turning pages all by themselves. Perfect for holding — or building — reading skills over the summer. For ages 5 to 7.

Funny19 picksAges 4–9Last reviewed July 2026
Descriptions
i.

Max and Chaffy

by Jamie Smart · 2023–2024

Series · 4 books · Graphic Novels · Ages 5–8

Best for 5-8s who want friendly comics with cute creatures, island adventures, search-and-find detail and very safe emotional stakes.

FunnyWarmGentle
ii.

Pluto Rocket

by Paul Gilligan · 2023–2025

Series · 4 books · Graphic Novels · Ages 5–8

A wide-eyed little spaceship lands in a new town and finds everyday life amazing, with a streetwise dog to show it the ropes. Warm, gag-packed comics with just a few words a panel — for readers finding their feet on their own.

FunnySillyAdventurous
iii.

Narwhal and Jelly

by Ben Clanton · 2016–2025

Series · 10 books · Illustrated Chapter Books · Ages 4–8

Best for early independent readers who want comics that are funny, kind, visually simple and emotionally reassuring.

FunnyWarmGentle
iv.

Bumble and Snug

by Mark Bradley · 2021–2025

Series · 5 books · Graphic Novels · Ages 5–8

Best for younger graphic novel readers who want jokes and fantasy creatures alongside useful stories about feelings.

FunnyWarmSilly
v.

Jolly Monster Town

by Rong Rong · 2026

Series · 2 books · Illustrated Chapter Books · Ages 5–8

Short, warm, full-colour monster-town adventures with a gentle lesson in every book — an ideal step up into chapter books.

FunnyWarmSilly
vi.

Bird & Squirrel

by James Burks · 2012–2019

Series · 7 books · Graphic Novels · Ages 6–9

Best for early graphic novel readers who like chase scenes, animal comedy, anxious-versus-bold friendship dynamics and lots of visual momentum.

FunnySillyAdventurous
vii.

Norma and Belly

by Mika Song · 2020–2023

Series · 4 books · Graphic Novels · Ages 5–8

An Eisner Honor-winning squirrel-caper comic series — quick, silly, warm-hearted and pitched perfectly at newly independent readers.

FunnySillyWarm
viii.

Owly

by Andy Runton · 2020–2024

Series · 5 books · Graphic Novels · Ages 5–8

Best for gentle first graphic novel reading: kind, clear, visually supportive and emotionally reassuring.

GentleWarmHeartwarming
ix.

Wombats!

by Maddie Frost · 2023–2024

Series · 2 books · Graphic Novels · Ages 5–8

Best for 5-8s who want gentle animal comics with friendship, camping, magic, jokes and very manageable peril.

FunnySillyWarm
x.

Batcat

by Meggie Ramm · 2022–2026

Series · 4 books · Graphic Novels · Ages 5–9

Four warm, funny full-colour graphic novels about a bat-powered cat superhero, perfectly pitched for reluctant readers stepping into comics.

FunnyWhimsicalWarm
xi.

The Cosmic Adventures of Astrid and Stella

by Sabrina Moyle · 2022–2026

Series · 5 books · Graphic Novels · Ages 6–9

Best for 6-9s new to graphic novels: fast, funny space adventures with big feelings and even bigger snacks.

FunnySillyHeartwarming
xii.

Blue, Barry & Pancakes

by Dan Abdo · 2024–2026

Series · 6 books · Graphic Novels · Ages 5–8

Best for 5-8s who want their comics silly, fast, colourful and emotionally safe.

FunnySillyWarm
xiii.

Croaky

by Matty Long · 2022–2023

Series · 4 books · Illustrated Chapter Books · Ages 6–9

Best for early fantasy fans who want quests and creatures with lots of jokes and visual support.

FunnySillyAdventurous
xiv.

Bear & Bird

by Jarvis · 2022–2024

Series · 6 books · Illustrated Chapter Books · Ages 5–7

Gentle, very picture-heavy illustrated stories about a bear and a bird navigating the small ups and downs of friendship — sweet and funny without ever being soppy. A warm, low-text choice for children reading almost on their own.

WarmGentleCosy
xv.

Earl & Worm

by Greg Pizzoli · 2025

Series · 3 books · Illustrated Chapter Books · Ages 4–8

Short, gently funny illustrated stories about two unlikely best friends — a sunny, saxophone-playing bird and a quiet, book-loving worm who are complete opposites and fit together perfectly. Low-text and warm, ideal for brand-new independent readers.

WarmGentleFunny
xvi.

Gordon the Meanest Goose on Earth

by Alex Latimer · 2024–2026

Series · 5 books · Illustrated Chapter Books · Ages 6–9

Best for newly independent readers who enjoy naughty animal comedy, short chapters and stories about trying to make better choices.

FunnySillyWarm
xvii.

Pizza and Taco

by Stephen Shaskan · 2023–2026

Series · 11 books · Graphic Novels · Ages 5–8

Best for first comic readers who want short, funny, low-pressure graphic novels about friendship, food and everyday kid situations.

FunnySillyWarm
xviii.

The Spectacular Space Loop

by Javi De Castro · 2025

Graphic Novels · Ages 5–8

When Cosmo's new jetpack explodes and flings him into deep space, a wild ride begins, aliens, magicians, sewer mutants and one friendly egg-shaped creature. A clever flip-over comic you read one way, then upside down, perfect for first graphic-novel readers.

FunnySillyAdventurous
xix.

Peanut, Butter & Crackers

by Paige Braddock · 2023–2026

Series · 5 books · Graphic Novels · Ages 5–8

Best for young animal lovers who want gentle graphic novels with friendship, pets, humour and very safe emotional stakes.

FunnyWarmGentle

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