Have a reluctant reader or a graphic novel enthusiast at home? Alice, our Children's & Youth Team Member and resident graphic novel reader, shares her current top picks.
Home Time by Campbell Whyte
Target age: 8-12
This story is about six kids who just finished primary school and are wondering what's in store for them next. On their way home, they fall into a river and suddenly find themselves in a magical world inhabited by mysterious plant people called the Peaches. The Peaches treat them like gods, but it soon becomes apparent that something sinister is going on.
This is the perfect story for kids who love video games and going on adventures. Each chapter is told from a different character's perspective, with different art styles for each. The story covers themes of growth, change, and the pain that comes with growing up and realising that the world is far less kind than it appears.
Lightfall: The Girl & The Galdurian by Tim Probert
Target age: 8-12
After a cataclysmic event, the world is plunged into darkness. The only light comes from giant lanterns in the sky, which are kept burning at all times. Only one person knows where the last light of the sun is – the Pig Wizard, who lives in the middle of the forest with his granddaughter, Bea. When he goes missing one day, it's up to Bea to find him, along with her trusty cat and a strange creature called a Galdurian.
This book would be perfect for children who love to escape into fantasy worlds. The artwork is fun and whimsical, and Bea is an easy character to like. It also deals with tricky themes such as anxiety and age-related memory loss in a sympathetic way.
Gunhild by Fred Tornager
Target age: 10+
Gunhild has a dream: to leave the orphanage she grew up in and become a god. Unfortunately for her, nobody takes her seriously. They're also constantly getting mad at her for not being able to control her fire powers. One day, she stows away on a ship bound for Asgard, the realm of the gods. There, she meets the trickster Loki, who promises to help her achieve her dream – for a price.
This book takes inspiration from classic shounen manga series like One Piece and Naruto. Each chapter introduces a new character for Gunhild to fight, and in typical shounen manga fashion, she defeats them all with nothing but sheer willpower. Kids will love the vibrant artwork and unique character designs, which helps bring the story to life.
Island in a Puddle by Kei Sanbe
Target age: 16+
Minato lives in a rundown apartment with his sister Nagisa, trying to make ends meet. Their mum comes home every few months, but she never stays. One day, she takes them to a theme park and tells them to go on the Ferris wheel. Minato knows that she's going to leave again, but he does what she says anyway. When the Ferris wheel reaches its highest point, lightning strikes, and Minato finds himself standing over a dead body.
This manga would suit older teens who enjoy reading thrillers. The author is very good at building suspense, but the artwork is quite graphic and the story deals with some heavy themes. Parental guidance is advised.
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