Kids graphic novels were a bright spot in the book business, according to information released by The NPD Group.  Unit sales of print books were up 1.9% in the U.S. in 2017, continuing the modest single-digit growth book sales have seen over the past few years.  Leading the growth was a 20% growth rate in kids graphic novels, driven by sales of Captain Underpants creator Dav Pilkey’s Dog Man and Cat Kid graphic novel series, NPD reported.

The holiday season for book sales was late, with sales declines from November 26 to December 9 and then a 7% surge in the last week before Christmas.  Overall U.S. unit book sales were up 2% for the 8-week holiday season, according to NPD.