16 Outrageously Funny Graphic Novels for Reluctant Young Readers
by Iva-Marie Palmer
Some kids have a natural affinity for reading. They’re the kids who not only have a favorite book but often find almost any reading material interesting. Other kids need more encouragement to explore the world of reading. The best motivation for a reluctant reader is to entice them with books they can’t help but love.
Graphic novels create a natural entry point for turning a reluctant reader into a book lover. These selections are full of humor – wordplay, slapstick, silly scenarios, and oddball premises – that make them irresistible.
Pro tip: Don’t impose these on your stubborn reader. Merely show them the book and say, “This one looks like something you might like.” Leave it on a table or the arm of the couch and (stealthily) watch. They’re sure to pick it up and be chuckling soon.
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Mayor Good Boy Series
Buy from:Meet the one and only Mayor Good Boy — Greenwood’s new canine leader on a mission to make his town kinder, one belly rub at a time. But not everyone’s thrilled about a dog in charge. With hilarious hurdles, sweet hijinks, and a fur-filled campaign, this graphic novel is pure delight for kids who love humor, heart, and a hero with four paws.
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Two-Headed Chicken Series
Buy from:Kids with a quirky sense of humor will love this rib-tickling graphic novel series about a two-headed chicken racing through the multiverse. From dodging a carnivorous moose to chatting up a mustachioed fish, this two-headed hero travels through space and time. With jokes, games, and puzzles scattered throughout each volume, this wacky series will keep kids coming back for more.
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What Happened to the Naked Mole Rat?
Buy from:Reluctant young readers will love this ghostly classroom mystery! When his class pet dies unexpectedly, Carter’s class blames him for the tragedy. Now, Carter must figure out what really happened to Mr. Pebbles to clear his name. In a bizarre twist, Mr. Pebbles’s ghost returns to help Carter solve the mystery. Kids will also want to read the second book in the series, Milkshake the Disappearing Milk Snake.
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Grumpy Monkey School Stinks!
Buy from:If your kiddo loved the Grumpy Monkey picture book series, they’ll want to graduate to the graphic novels! After Jim Panzee gets doused in Polecat’s smelly spray, he heads back to school to learn how to identify animals by their footprints. Young readers will laugh out loud at Jim’s misadventures in the classroom. The fun continues with Grumpy Monkey Who Threw That? and Grumpy Monkey Freshly Squeezed.
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Narwhal and Jelly Series
Buy from:Kids everywhere love this hilarious undersea duo! Narwhal and Jelly don’t have much in common, but this unlikely pair team up to have deep-sea adventures that keep young readers glued to the page. Each volume in this 10-book series contains three silly stories to delight and engage your reader.
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Pizza and Taco Series
Buy from:Your two favorite snacks face off in this early graphic novel that kicks off a 10-book series. When Pizza and Taco decide to put their popularity to a vote, they accidentally start a rivalry that could end their friendship. What’s a snack to do? Kids will giggle along with all of Pizza and Taco’s wild adventures.
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Sky & Ty Series
Buy from:Saddle up! Send your child on a dinosaur-riding, package-delivering adventure with a young cowgirl and her T.Rex. Sky and Ty must learn how to work together and handle any problems that arise to deliver their packages on time. This hilarious early graphic novel is perfect for kids who love dinosaurs, cowgirls, and unconventional humor.
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Archie & Reddie Series
Buy from:These graphic novels, perfect for fans of Narwhal and Jelly, follow two foxes and their unbeatable friendship. Archie and Reddie are a hilarious pair whose antics will have young readers bursting with laughter. Each story is a little bit silly, with expressive dialogue and playful illustrations, and the whole series is great fun.
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Mellybean Series
Buy from:Many reluctant readers will relate to Mellybean, an energetic pup who wants her feline friends to play with her instead of napping. In this graphic novel series, the high-energy canine finds her way into magical adventures in new worlds. These snappy, sweet stories will hook young readers who love animal movies like The Secret Life of Pets.
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My Aunt Is A Monster
Buy from:Safia is in for a thrilling adventure when she stays with her recluse and mysterious aunt, who goes by the name of Lord Whimsy. Despite being visually impaired, Safia gets to experience a full world full of quirks, twists and turns. With a heart-warming message about the power of support, which will surely captivate even the most reluctant readers. Get ready for a page-turner that anyone can enjoy!
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Ham Helsing Series
Buy from:A pig who fights vampires — who could resist this premise? This first entry in a new series features Ham Helsing, a pig from a long line of vampire hunters. Ham isn’t quite like his family, preferring to read poetry and paint pictures instead of chasing down fanged monsters. But after his daredevil brother tragically dies, it’s up to Ham to carry on the dangerous work of fighting immortal foes.
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How to Promenade with a Python (and Not Get Eaten)
Buy from:The main character of Rachel Poliquin’s Polite Predators series is Celeste – a cockroach. The much-maligned insect serves as a guide to hanging out with predators without getting eaten (something cockroaches manage to do around various members of the animal kingdom). This lively and colorful book (with illustrations by Kathryn Durst) offers up plenty of python facts as Celeste brainstorms a myriad of ways to survive a moonlit walk with a slithering pal.
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The Pathfinders Society Series
Buy from:Five adventurous kids embark on an exciting summer camp journey as they accept a mysterious project. They must work collaboratively to uncover strange clues, follow a secret path, navigate through twists and turns, and ultimately discover a legendary treasure. This lively and clever debut graphic novel will grab young reader's attention who enjoy thrilling adventures and solving puzzles. Fans of popular series The Last Kids on Earth and Lumberjanes are sure to love this fun and engaging summer camp story.
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Hilo Series
Buy from:When a strange boy crash-lands on Earth, D.J. and his best friend, Gina, help him out. But Hilo adjusts to his new life, the kids discover that he wasn’t the only thing that fell from the sky. Soon, the three friends find themselves fighting mutant robots, dodging monsters, and saving the universe. With 11 volumes in this series, kids will have plenty of material to keep them reading and laughing!
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Zoo Patrol Squad Series
Buy from:These graphic novels, perfect for fans of the Dog Man series, pop right off the page with Brett Bean’s fast-paced writing and colorful illustrations. Mismatched duo Fenlock the Fox and Penny the Pig work together to solve mysteries, find missing zoo pals, track monsters, and save the day. The Zoo Patrol Squad will keep young readers engaged and laughing for several re-reads.
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Max Meow Series
Buy from:Bad Guys and HiLo fans will love the heroic feline superhero, Max Meow. Max’s powers get activated when he bites into a radioactive meatball at his friend’s secret lab. Max’s superhero adventures are hilarious and heartfelt as he works to save the world and be a good and cooperative friend.
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Editor’s Note: This article was originally published in 2021 and updated in 2025.