Graphic Novels
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Similar to the Yeti Files (recommended below), readers will immediately meet Mr. Wolf. He looks scary and acts tough, but he’s actually a good guy, and together with his fellow scary animal friends, only wants to do good deeds and save the day.
These books are hilariously entertaining. Readers will love the humor. Author Aaron Blabey uses different size font and typefaces to help convey meaning, which will give readers will have the opportunity to work on reading with expression and gain meaning.
There are some occasional vocabulary words and terms where readers may need a dictionary or help from an adult.
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The Yeti from Nepal, Blizz Richards, speaks to readers immediately upon beginning the book in an interactive question and response format. Blizz shows diagrams, maps, photographs and supplies information about Bigfeet and other cryptids. But, there is a problem. Cryptids cannot be seen because they cannot simply offer up proof of their existence. They must remain a secret, but secrecy can be lonely.
Additionally, a troublesome character named George Vanquist tries to expose them. Readers will feel the suspense and likely empathize with the cryptids! This book has the feel of a graphic novel and includes some complex vocabulary. The number of words and sentences are limited, which will cause the reader to think inferentially and concentrate on subtle phrases and humor.
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Author and illustrator Ben Clanton creates scenarios between the two characters that are both endearing and humorous. He cleverly weaves in jokes related to aquatic life as well as information and factoids about marine biology.
Readers can visit narwhalandjelly.com for activities and to learn more about the author.
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Young readers will find themselves laughing so hard that they may need a minute to regroup before continuing reading. Benton uses a blend of basic (slapstick) and more sophisticated (subtle) humor throughout the book; even parents will laugh alongside their reader.
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From going on vacation to taking a test to attending camp, young readers will easily connect to many of the topics in each book. Bruel creatively mixes text into dialogue, pages from books, letters and more. He includes an interview at the end of the book where he discusses inspiration for the book and reflection about various plot elements.
For follow-up activities, young readers can visit badkittybooks.com
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Young readers interested in marine life will especially enjoy this series. Squizzard the squid has a strong personality that lands him in predicaments with his fellow underwater friends, including but definitely not limited to his best friend Toothy the great white shark.
The books are written in a graphic novel style with entertaining pictures and dialogue. The text includes dynamic vocabulary and sophisticated phrases. Toothy speaks of his “perfect school attendance” and the Deep Reef Elementary teacher expects “concise presentations.” Young readers will learn a plethora of information about marine life as facts are intertwined throughout the narrative.
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To date, there are eight graphic novels in this series. And though the graphic novels can be read before the chapter book version, readers may benefit most from starting with the latter as they will have read the entire storyline and create their own visualization of characters and events; it’s almost like reading a book before seeing the movie.
For follow-up activities, readers can visit magictreehouse.com
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