Does your child avoid reading or get frustrated when it’s time to pick up a book? You’re not alone. Many early readers struggle to connect with reading, but the right book can make all the difference. Choose stories that match your child’s interests, reading level, and sense of humor to help them see that reading isn’t a chore.
Finding a book series that your child loves can make reading much more enjoyable, as you don’t have to search for new book after new book. Graphic novel series can be a great way to support struggling and reluctant readers to read “bigger kid” books without a ton of text. Illustrations break up the text to make reading graphic novels more accessible. Use these suggestions to find books that will captivate your child.
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For Early Readers
Elephant and Piggie Series
By Mo Willems
Perfect for reluctant readers, this book series features the lovable duo of Elephant and Piggie. With repetitive text and plenty of humor, these books build confidence and make reading fun and approachable.
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Biscuit Series
By Alyssa Satin Capucilli
This series follows an adorable puppy on adventures perfect for young readers. The simple text and sweet stories make it easy for children to practice reading while enjoying Biscuit’s world.
Narwhal and Jelly Series
By Ben Clanton
This quirky graphic novel series follows an enthusiastic narwhal and his more serious jellyfish friend. The engaging illustrations and simple text make this series great for reluctant readers.
Fly Guy Series
By Tedd Arnold
Follow the silly adventures of a boy named Buzz and his pet fly in this great first chapter book series. With short chapters and plenty of illustrations, these books are great for keeping early readers engaged.
Dog Man Series
By Dav Pilkey
Action-packed adventures draw early readers into this fun series. Full of laugh-out-loud humor, this series has an engaging comic book style that kids love. Dog Man is the crime-biting canine who is part dog, part man, and ALL HERO!
For Intermediate Readers
Bad Guy Series
By Aaron Blabey
A group of misunderstood “bad” animals tries to turn their reputations around, leading to hilarious adventures. With its humor and illustrations, this series is a great choice to hook reluctant readers.
Diary of a Wimpy Kid Series
By Jeff Kinney
Told through funny cartoons and handwritten notes, this series follows Greg Heffley as he navigates the ups and downs of middle school. Its relatable humor and easy-to-read format make it a favorite for older kids.
Who Would Win Series
By Jerry Palotta
Packed with fascinating animal facts and exciting head-to-head battles, this series asks kids to imagine which creature would come out on top. Its engaging format and action-filled illustrations keep readers eager to learn more.
Planet Omar Series
By Zanib Mian
Full of humor and heart, this series follows Omar as he navigates school, family, and friendships. With doodle-style illustrations and thoughtful themes about kindness and belonging, kids connect with Omar’s story on many levels.
Science Comics Series
Brimming with colorful infographics and comic-style storytelling, this series dives into fascinating topics like dinosaurs, volcanoes, and the solar system. Its engaging visuals and story-driven explanations make reading feel like an exciting adventure.
Finding the right book can be the spark that turns a hesitant reader into a confident one. These engaging series are designed to grab kids’ attention—making reading feel fun instead of frustrating. Every child’s reading journey is different, and with a little patience (and the right stories), they can discover the joy of getting lost in a good book.
