Graphic novels for kids is a booming category, and this holiday season, publishers will offer a wide array of choices for middle-grade readers.
Hilda and Twig: Hide from the Rain is the first new volume in Luke Pearson’s charming series since 2020. Hilda and Twig, her deerfox companion, are out on an adventure when they get caught in a storm and take shelter in a mound, but it turns out the real danger lurks within. This 8” x 11”, 56-page hardcover is rated for ages 5-9, but Pearson’s sophisticated storytelling makes the Hilda books a delight for adults and children alike. (Nobrow-Flying Eye Books, November 6, $17.99)
Dog Man: Big Jim Begins is the 13th volume in Dav Pilkey’s long-running and best-selling Dog Man series, published by Graphix (see “
New ‘Dog Man’ Graphic Novel”). This one goes into the origin story of Dog Man’s friend Big Jim while they team up to fight the Space Cuties, who apparently are more dangerous than their name would imply. (Ages 7+, December 3, $14.99)
Wildflower Emily, by Lydia Corry, reframes the story of Emily Dickinson, discarding the recluse narrative and portraying her as an adventurous young girl, exploring the fields of wildflowers near her home accompanied by her dog Carlo. Corry brings her story to life in luminous watercolors. (Godwin Books, ages 7-10, October 16, hardcover: $22.99, paperback: $14.99)
The Tiny Titans team of Art Baltazar and Franco turn their talents to a classic sci-fi franchise with
Flash Gordon Adventures, a new story in which the eponymous hero takes on his equally classic foe, Ming the Merciless. In addition to wholesome messages about friendship and teamwork, this graphic novel delves into lizard-making machines, how gravity on other planets affects the digestive system, and fake beards. With cute art and goofy humor, this is a good pick for fans of
Dog Man and
InvestiGators. (Papercutz, ages 7-12, November 27, hardcover: $12.99, paperback: $7.99)
The Baby-Sitters Club graphic novels are perennial best-sellers, and for those who want to catch up on the older stories, or are just getting started but want to jump in the deep end, Graphix is releasing a new printing of their boxed set of full-color editions of volumes 1-4, all written and drawn by Raina Telgemeier. (Ages 8-12, October 2, $51.96)
Marvel Super Stories: Amazing Adventures is the second in Abrams’ series of hardcover anthologies of superhero stories for middle-grade readers (see “
Marvel, Abrams Team Up”). This one features short stories about the Incredible Hulk, Doctor Strange, Black Panther, the Fantastic Four, and other members of the Marvel pantheon by a roster of creators that includes Chan Chau (Baby-Sitters Club), Judd Winick (Hilo), and Jarrett Krosoczka (Lunch Lady). (Ages 8-12, November 13, $16.99)
In
Spices and Spuds: How Plants Made Our World, Andy Warner takes an entertaining trip through the history of the plants we eat, including grains, vegetables, and spices. This is the second book in the
Andy Warner’s Oddball Histories series; the first was
Pests and Pets. The vibe is similar to
Nathan Hale’s Hazardous Tales, and Warner’s books would appeal to any kid who likes collecting fun facts. (Little Brown Ink, ages 8-12, November 6, hardcover: $24.99, paperback: $12.99)
Jonna and the Unpossible Monsters: The Complete Collection brings together all 12 issues of the fantasy series by Chris Samnee, Laura Samnee, and Matthew Wilson in an affordable paperback format. Oni Press previously released the series as three paperback volumes followed by a deluxe hardcover collection. This new collection is not rated, but the first volume of the series was rated for ages 9-12. (November 6, $34.99)
Korgi: The Complete Tale brings together all of Christian Slade’s comics and graphic novels into a single, 584-page paperback volume. Slade’s pen-and-ink drawings of magical corgis and their fairy-like companions have a timeless feel, and his wordless storytelling makes these tales accessible to all readers. This is another graphic novel that is as rewarding for adults as for children. (Top Shelf, ages 9-12, currently available, $39.99)
Avatar: The Last Airbender—Team Avatar Treasury Library Edition bundles three previously published Avatar graphic novels,
Katara and the Pirate’s Silver, Toph’s Metalbending Academy, and
Suki, Alone, into a 240-page hardcover with a generous 9” x 12” trim size. The book also includes the creators’ commentary on the creation process. (Dark Horse, ages 10+, October 30, $49.99)
For more great suggestions for gifts merchandising this holiday season, click here.
