10+ Best Comic Books for 5-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)

Are you on the hunt for the perfect comic books for 5-year-olds? You're in the right place! Whether you're looking to ignite a love for reading or find a new bedtime favorite, we've compiled a variety of lists that cater specifically to young readers. Dive into this blog to discover the colorful, engaging world of comic books that are just right for your little one. Keep reading to explore our top picks!

Fun Comic Books for 5-Year-Olds

• Owly by Andy Runton
  • Genre(s): Graphic Novel, Adventure, Friendship
  • Synopsis: Owly is a kind-hearted owl who embarks on various adventures, making friends and learning valuable lessons along the way.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's largely wordless with beautiful illustrations, making it ideal for young readers to develop their interpretation skills and enjoy storytelling.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love animals and adventures, and are just starting to explore the world of reading.

• Toon Books: Benny and Penny in Just Pretend by Geoffrey Hayes
  • Genre(s): Graphic Novel, Children’s Fiction
  • Synopsis: Benny and Penny are sibling mice who learn about honesty and playing nicely as they embark on a pretend adventure.
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches important social skills through accessible language and charming illustrations, engaging young readers in a fun and educational way.
  • Perfect for: Young siblings or any child learning to navigate relationships with peers.

• Hilda and the Troll by Luke Pearson
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Graphic Novel
  • Synopsis: Hilda, a fearless blue-haired girl, finds herself on an adventure where she meets a mysterious troll in her magical world filled with peculiar creatures.
  • Why we recommend this book: It sparks imagination and encourages exploration, with a strong, curious female protagonist that inspires young readers.
  • Perfect for: Children who enjoy fantasy and exploring the unknown.

• Dragon Puncher by James Kochalka
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Humor, Graphic Novel
  • Synopsis: A fearless warrior cat, Dragon Puncher, teams up with a sidekick to battle dragons in a quirky, imaginative world.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines humor with adventure, captivating children with its unique characters and playful artwork.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love superheroes, cats, and lots of giggles.

• Nursery Rhyme Comics: 50 Timeless Rhymes from 50 Celebrated Cartoonists edited by Chris Duffy
  • Genre(s): Nursery Rhymes, Comics
  • Synopsis: Classic nursery rhymes are reimagined by fifty celebrated cartoonists, each bringing their unique style to these timeless tales.
  • Why we recommend this book: It introduces young readers to a variety of artistic styles while keeping the charming simplicity of the classic nursery rhymes they love.
  • Perfect for: Preschoolers who enjoy short, rhythmic stories and are beginning to appreciate visual storytelling.

Educational Comic Books for 5-Year-Olds

• Little Robot by Ben Hatke
  • Genre(s): Graphic Novel, Science Fiction
  • Synopsis: A young girl befriends a lost robot in this charming tale of friendship and adventure. Together, they navigate challenges and help the robot find its purpose.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Problem-solving, friendship dynamics, introduction to robotics
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines delightful storytelling with engaging visuals to spark interest in technology and engineering.
  • Perfect for: Kids interested in robots and adventures, and those learning about friendships and teamwork.

• Zita the Spacegirl by Ben Hatke
  • Genre(s): Graphic Novel, Science Fiction, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Zita finds herself a reluctant hero when she's transported to a distant world on a quest to save her kidnapped friend.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Courage, leadership, empathy
  • Why we recommend this book: The series is packed with action and heart, making it perfect for young readers to engage with themes of bravery and friendship.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who dream of space and enjoy stories about courage and heroism.

• Johnny Boo: The Best Little Ghost In The World by James Kochalka
  • Genre(s): Graphic Novel, Fantasy, Humor
  • Synopsis: Johnny Boo, the best little ghost in the world, goes on whimsical adventures with his pet ghost named Squiggle.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Imagination, humor, early reading skills
  • Why we recommend this book: Its simple text and vibrant illustrations make it a great choice for beginning readers who enjoy funny and light-hearted stories.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love playful and silly characters, and are just starting to read independently.

• Mouse Guard: Fall 1152 by David Petersen
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Graphic Novel
  • Synopsis: In a world where mice are warriors, the Mouse Guard defends their civilization from threats both external and internal.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Strategic thinking, understanding of medieval societies, bravery
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a richly illustrated, captivating narrative that introduces young readers to complex storytelling in an accessible way.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy epic tales and learning about heroism and adventure.

• Adventures in Cartooning by James Sturm, Andrew Arnold, and Alexis Frederick-Frost
  • Genre(s): Graphic Novel, Educational
  • Synopsis: This book teaches kids how to create their own comics, using a charming knight's quest to demonstrate storytelling, paneling, and illustration techniques.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Artistic skills, narrative development, creativity
  • Why we recommend this book: It's both a story and a drawing lesson, perfect for engaging creative minds in the art of comic making.
  • Perfect for: Young aspiring artists and storytellers who want to learn how to make their own comics.

Challenging Comic Books for 5-Year-Olds

• Super Potato’s Mega Time-Travel Adventure by Artur Laperla
  • Genre(s): Graphic Novel, Science Fiction, Humor
  • Synopsis: Super Potato, once a fearless superhero turned into a potato, travels through time to prevent his arch-nemesis from conquering the world.
  • Why this book is challenging: The book introduces complex concepts of time travel and historical events in a humorous way, which can be advanced for young readers.
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s a fun blend of humor and history, encouraging kids to learn about different eras while enjoying the adventures of a superhero potato.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love superheroes and are curious about history.

• The Princess in Black by Shannon Hale and Dean Hale, illustrated by LeUyen Pham
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Early Chapter Book
  • Synopsis: Princess Magnolia has a secret—she’s also the Princess in Black, a superhero who fights monsters and saves her kingdom!
  • Why this book is challenging: The transition from simple picture books to early chapter books with more complex narratives and character development.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a strong female protagonist and a fun, engaging story that bridges the gap between picture books and more detailed storytelling.
  • Perfect for: Young readers ready to step up from simpler stories and engage with a longer, more structured narrative.

• Binky the Space Cat by Ashley Spires
  • Genre(s): Graphic Novel, Humor, Science Fiction
  • Synopsis: Binky, a house cat, believes he’s a space cat meant to protect his human family from alien invaders (which are actually bugs).
  • Why this book is challenging: It uses a unique blend of real-life pet behaviors and imaginative space adventures to challenge young readers’ understanding of fiction and reality.
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s hilarious and creative, encouraging kids to use their imagination and think creatively about the world around them.
  • Perfect for: Animal lovers and young readers with a big imagination.

• The Adventures of Polo by Regis Faller
  • Genre(s): Graphic Novel, Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Polo the dog sets off on a silent journey full of magical encounters, using his backpack full of useful gadgets to navigate through challenges.
  • Why this book is challenging: The entirely wordless narrative requires children to interpret the story through pictures alone, enhancing their visual literacy.
  • Why we recommend this book: It fosters imagination and storytelling skills, as children narrate their own version of Polo’s adventures.
  • Perfect for: Visual learners and kids who enjoy crafting their own stories from pictures.

• Mr. Wolf’s Class by Aron Nels Steinke
  • Genre(s): Graphic Novel, Realistic Fiction
  • Synopsis: Mr. Wolf, a new teacher, navigates his first day at school with a classroom full of diverse animal students, each with their unique personalities and challenges.
  • Why this book is challenging: It introduces young readers to a variety of social situations and character dynamics, reflecting the complexity of real-world interactions.
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s a great introduction to school life, helping kids understand and prepare for their own school experiences through relatable characters.
  • Perfect for: Children about to start school or those who enjoy reading about everyday adventures.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Introducing your 5-year-old to the colorful world of comic books can be both fun and educational! Here are some engaging exercises that can help develop good reading habits early on. These activities are designed to be enjoyable and beneficial for young readers.

• Picture Walk
  • What it is: Preview the comic book by flipping through and discussing the pictures before reading.
  • How it helps: Enhances prediction skills and sets a purpose for reading.
  • Tips: Ask your child to guess the story or character emotions based on the images.

• Character Match
  • What it is: Create cards with characters' names and another set with their pictures, then match them.
  • How it helps: Helps with character recognition and retention.
  • Tips: Play this as a fun memory game after reading the comic book.

• Story Order
  • What it is: Cut out panels or scenes from a comic strip and mix them up for your child to reorder.
  • How it helps: Develops sequencing skills and understanding of narrative structure.
  • Tips: Start with simpler, shorter comic strips before trying longer ones.

• Read and Draw
  • What it is: After reading, have your child draw a scene from the comic or create their own comic strip.
  • How it helps: Encourages creativity and reinforces comprehension.
  • Tips: Provide plenty of colorful materials and encourage your child to share their drawings and stories.

• Role Play Reading
  • What it is: Take turns reading the dialogues of different characters in the comic book.
  • How it helps: Enhances reading fluency and expression.
  • Tips: Use different voices for different characters to make it more fun and engaging.

These exercises are not just about reading; they're about making reading a dynamic and interactive part of your child's life. By incorporating these fun activities, you're setting the stage for a lifelong love of reading. So grab some comics and let the adventures begin!