Nothing keeps a kid reading like laughter! With the rise in popularity of graphic novels and comics, a good, funny graphic novel series hits all the right elements to encourage reluctant and voracious readers alike!
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Below you'll find books for ages 6 through middle school (see individual titles for recommended ages) in a variety of genres from realism to science fiction and adventure. Rest assured, these titles have all been given the kid-approved stamp for hilarity.
Peter & Ernesto: A Tale of Two Sloths by Graham Annable
This beginning graphic novel is pretty adorable. Peter and Ernesto are opposites. Peter loves the slow life, hanging out at home. Ernesto dreams of adventure. Ernest leaves to search out adventure but the separation only brings them closer together. Utterly charming! Ages 6 and up.
Dog Man by Dav Pilkey
When a cop and his canine are injured, they undergo surgery but the only way to save them is to create Dog Man! This part-canine, part-human creation feels the push and pull of his instincts from both his natures. Pilkey has said many times that he writes books that fulfill kids' need for silly books–the same need he felt as a second grader. Well, there is little doubt that this book is silly, and zero doubt that kids will love it. Enjoy! Ages 7 and up.
MORE: Books like Dog Man
The First Cat in Space Ate Pizza by Mac Barnett, illustrated by Shawn Harris
In order to solve the mystery of what's eating the moon, a cat and a robot head to space. Once they banish the evil rats from their moon-snacking ways, it's time for a giant pizza party and some ridiculous humor. Ages 8 and up.
Barb the Last Berzerker by Dan Abdo, illustrated by Jason Patterson
In this exciting adventure, Barb is the only one of her band of Berzerkers to escape capture by the evil Witch Head. Along with a Yeti named Porkchop, and the powerful Shadow Sword, she heads off to find the Northern Berzerkers so they can help her vanquish Witch Head. Ages 8 and up.
MORE: Science Fiction and Fantasy Graphic Novels for Kids
DNDoggos: Get the Party Started by Scout Underhill, colors by Liana Sposto
Four canines with distinct personalities engage in their favorite role-playing game and attempt to solve the mystery of the disappearing squeaky toys! But something even more important has gone missing, too–the mayor's son, Squish!
Super Potato by Artur Laperla
Who knows why potatoes are funny, they just are. The vain Super Max is turned into a caped crusading potato by the evil Dr. Malevolent. Will he be able to turn himself back into a human? Probably not as this is a series, but along the way expect lots of potato jokes. Ages 7 and up.
Agent 9 by James Burks
The author of the popular Bird & Squirrel graphic novel series is back. This time a feline super agent and her mechanical-fish sidekick are solving mysteries and crimes. The one thing that keeps getting in the way is Agent 9's impulsive behavior and decision making (parents can relate, am I right?) Ages 7 and up.
MORE: Graphic Novel Mystery Books
Lucy & Andy Neanderthal by Jeffery Brown
My ten year old loved reading this series out loud to me. Written by author of the Jedi Academy graphic novel series, these books tell the tale of two cave-kids, Lucy and Andy. Lots of sibling humor with loads of fun facts about Neanderthals and life in the Stone Age. Ages 7 and up.
Lunch Lady by Jarrett J. Krosoczka
How would you like to have a school lunch lady who is also a sleuth and a super-heroine? What if she also had super-gadget kitchen tools like a spatu-copter, perfect for battling cyborgs with fish-stick nunchucks? Sounds pretty awesome, yes? I bet it also sounds quite hilarious and full of surprises. Ages 7 and up.
Comics Squad by Jennifer L. Holm, etc.al.
Not quite a graphic novel, more of a "short comic story collection", each edition of Comics Squad contains several hilarious comics by well-respected authors and illustrators. I like that young readers will experience a variety of story-telling and illustrative styles. Kids will want to search out more works by the individual authors after reading the whole series! Ages 7 and up.
MORE: Best Comic Strip Books for Kids
Monkey King and the World of Myths by Maple Lam
Kids who love a rousing adventure story with a side of humor and a strong dose of mythology will delight in the antics of Monkey King Sun Wukong. Wukong's exciting quest is a mash-up of Chinese and Greek mythology. Ages 8 and up.
MORE: Fairy Tale-Inspired Graphic Novels
When Pigs Fly (series) by Rob Harrell
This new graphic novel series is hilarious! Video game and comics-loving Gary the pig gets a radioactive bite from Brooklyn the bat and transforms into the superhero, Batpig! Fast-paced, super silly adventures follow, but this book is not at all ridiculous. Friendship dynamics offer social-emotional learning, as well. Ages 8 and up.
CatStronauts by Drew Brockington
Cuddly cats in outer space? You know that is bound to be funny. In this series opener a team of cats head to the moon to set up a solar plant. I love that Brockington weaves in some science lessons, too! Ages 7 and up.
Cat Ninja by Matthew Cody, illustrated by Yehudí Mercado
Cat Ninja, a graphic novel series, is a fun choice for kids who love animal adventures. As a kitten, Claude used to watch ninja movies with his owner and now he has transformed into Cat Ninja! His mission is to keep Metro City safe from Raccoon Bros, Chat Noir and Master Hamster. Integrated into the action is a story thread about Leon, Claude's young human owner who is coming to terms with his parent's divorce. Ages 7 and up.
MORE: Sports Themed Graphic Novels
The Wolf in Underpants by Wilfrid Lupano, illustrated by Paul Cauuet and Mayana Itoïz
These picture book graphic novel hybrids will satisfy kids who giggle endlessly at silly humor. All the forest friends are afeared of Wolf and spend their days trying to figure out how to keep themselves safe from his supposed terror. However, could it be that Wolf just has a cold derrière? Read these aloud or hand them off to your kids for independent reading time. Ages 6 and up.
Jurassic Jeff by Royden Lepp
Jeff crashes his spaceship onto prehistoric earth. Believing his status as a technologically advanced being makes him superior to the dinosaurs, he declares himself their leader. Laughs ensue and friendships are formed. Ages 7 and up.
Bone by Jeff Smith
People in the know consider this one of the best graphic novel series out there. It may be true because both my boys sure do love this epic series! The Bone cousins, Fone Bone, Phoney Bone, and Smiley Bone are run out of Boneville. Their high adventures begin with a separation, a reunion and loads of fantastical creatures. There are at least 9 books in the main series, plus some prequels and special and a spin-off. Best for ages 9 and up.
Bird and Squirrel on the Run by James Burks
Bird and Squirrel are a hilarious duo in a this graphic novel series. These two mismatched friends will have your kids rolling with laughter. Bird is adventurous and carefree, Squirrel is more conservative and fearful. In the first book, Squirrel is getting ready for winter and Bird is being chased by a cat. Squirrel comes to Bird's rescue but in doing so, his hard-earned acorn stash is ruined. Ages 7 and up.
Two Dogs in a Trench Coat Go to School (series) by Julie Falatko, illustrated by Colin Jack
Two dogs, Waldo and Sassy, decide to rescue their human from the boredom of school (the wonderfully named, Bea Arthur Memorial Elementary School). The canine pals don the titular garment and pose as new student, Salty Woofadogington. As you might imagine, hilarity and shenanigans ensue. Ages 7 and up.
Let's Get Cracking! (series) by Cyndi Marko
The Kung Pow Chicken series straddles the line between graphic novel and chapter book. My then-6 year old LOVED this series and demanded I check all of them out of the library. I admit, the puns had me giggling. A young chicken gains superpowers when he accidentally falls into a mysterious vat in his uncle's lab in their home town of Fowladelphia (see what I mean?). In this first adventure, he and his sidekick must figure out what is causing the local population to lose their feathers. Silly and fun. Ages 6 and up.
When Crocs Fly (Pearls Before Swine Kids series) by Stephan Pastis.
(Pastis also has a grown-up comic series under the Pearls Before Swine moniker, so be sure to get these comics from the kids' section.) My youngest son adores this funny comic strip book series so much! The main characters are all animals: a pig, crocodile, zebra, rat, etc. The humor is a little dark (but appropriate) and there are lots of lovely puns. Ages 7 and up.
The Big Bad Fox by Benjamin Renner
Sadly, this is not a series, but this funny graphic novel kept my son in stitches and so I cannot help but include it. We actually saw the French animation movie before realizing it was based on a book. A hapless fox ends up becoming a mama to some baby chicks that he originally stole in order to raise them up to be his dinner! Ages 7 and up.
Frazzled! by Booki Vivat
This is a graphic novel hybrid, great for easing comic loving kids into more traditional books. Abbie Wu is starting middle school and she is looking for something to be "her thing." Abbie is also a little bit high strung and so when she and her friends decide to institute a lunch time revolution, the results are hilarious. It's very refreshing and honest about the struggles of early teens trying to find their place, as well as all the embarrassing moments that take place on the journey. Ages 9 and up.
MORE: Middle School Graphic Novels
Sunny Side Up (series) by Jennifer Holm and Matthew Holm
Sunny is sent to spend the summer with her Grandfather in Florida. She's not too thrilled with living in an "old person's" neighborhood but she meets Buzz, and the two of them have some crazy adventures you could only have in Florida! Sunny is certain that there is a mysterious reason she has been sent away to Gramps' place and later she learns that her older brother is struggling with substance abuse. Ages 9 and up.
MORE: Graphic Novels about Tough Topics
More of the best and funniest graphic novels and comics for kids:
Ashley Chapman says
Can you make this a printable?
Ashley Chapman says
Jk
Bridgit says
My soon to be 9 yo has been obsessed with graphic novels all year. Thank you for this list!