For years, we've been hearing that comics are no longer for kids. Well, we've got some good news for you. Comics for young readers are back (not that they ever really left)-and they're better than ever.
In the last two years alone, graphic novels have taken home some serious hardware, including the Theodor Seuss Geisel Award (won by Geoffrey Hayes's Benny and Penny in the Big No-No! [Toon, 2009]), the Scott O'Dell Award for Historical Fiction (swept away by Matt Phelan's The Storm in the Barn [Candlewick, 2009]), and the Sydney Taylor Award gold medal for older readers (swooped up by Barry Deutsch's Hereville: How Mirka Got Her Sword [Abrams/Amulet, 2010]).
In recent years, traditionally adult book publishers like Dark Horse, Oni Press, and Top Shelf have turned their attention to creating quality graphic novels for children and teens. And kids' book publishers, such as First Second Books (the graphic novel imprint of Roaring Brook Press), Candlewick, Simon & Schuster, and Scholastic, have also gotten in on the act.
By the way, when we started choosing our 10 favorite comics, it seemed like a snap. In fact, we all quickly agreed on the first eight selections. But it was tough to settle on the last two: there are a slew of terrific titles out there to choose among-from tales of teen angst to superheroes to mad scientists. One thing's for certain, though, while this year's top 10 list is as solid as can be, we expect next year's to be even better.
1. Around the World (Candlewick) by Matt Phelan. Inspired by Jules Verne's Around the World in 80 Days, Phelan presents three tales of 19th-century visionaries who circled the globe armed with little more than fortitude, ingenuity, and a healthy dollop of the American spirit. In 1884, miner Thomas Stevens abandoned his down-and-out career and set out to become the first person to circumnavigate the globe by bicycle. Intrepid reporter Nellie Bly embarked five years later, determined to beat Phileas Fogg's record by six days. And in 1895, retired sea captain Joshua Slocum kicked off an ambitious three-year expedition to become the first man to sail solo around the world. Phelan's simple but lively drawings add surprising emotional depth to each of these true tales without getting bogged down in details or any other extraneous weight.
2. Anya's Ghost (First Second) by Vera Brosgol. After Anya accidentally falls down an old, abandoned well, she finds herself face-to-face with Emily-a ghost who tries to help the awkward, self-conscious teen become more popular. At first, Anya welcomes Emily's help, but as the ghost's true intentions become clear, Anya's family is threatened. Rebellious, confused, and basically good-hearted, Anya is a character with whom teens will easily identify.
3. Bad Island (Scholastic/Graphix) by Doug TenNapel. Reese's family can't wait to get away from it all. But when an unexpected storm capsizes their boat, they're marooned on a mysterious island that's swarming with weird plants, dangerous animals, and technology that doesn't look like it's from anywhere on Earth. As the family flees the island's inhabitants, its members are forced to rely on one another to escape this deadly predicament. Talk about a bad vacation!
4. Bake Sale (First Second) by Sara Varon. Cupcake, the baker, is excited about going on a trip with his best friend, Eggplant, to meet a famous pastry chef. But when disaster strikes, Cupcake is faced with a big decision: Should he cancel the trip for the sake of friendship? Varon's beautifully illustrated tale is as sweet as Cupcake's baked goods. And the book includes recipes, so youngsters can bake their own mouthwatering goodies. Yum...
5. The Ferret's a Foot (Graphic Universe) by Colleen A. F. Venable and Stephanie Yue. Volume three of the "Guinea Pig Pet Shop Private Eye" series charts the exploits of reluctant PI Sasspants and her rambunctious assistant, Hamisher. This time, the not-so-dynamic duo is trying to figure out who's switching the signs in Mr. Venezi's pet store. Packed with witty dialogue, off-the-wall humor, and quirky, likable characters, this mystery is bound to appeal to budding primary school sleuths.
6. The Last Dragon (Dark Horse) by Jane Yolen, illustrated by Rebecca Guay. It's been centuries since dragons last roamed the Earth. But when one unexpectedly hatches from an ancient egg, a small village is suddenly in peril. The community's would-be saviors are an unlikely team: a muscular, empty-headed warrior and the daughter of a healer. This gorgeously drawn story is funny and exciting, and it's a terrific choice for fantasy lovers and a top-notch introduction to graphic novels.
7. Nursery Rhyme Comics: 50 Timeless Rhymes from 50 Celebrated Cartoonists (First Second). World-class artists, such as James Sturm and Gene Yang, put a clever spin on "The Itsy Bitsy Spider" and other classics that many of us grew up with. There's something here for kids of all ages, and the illustrations are as lively as the rhymes themselves. With eye-popping artwork and loads of humor, this book is a perfect holiday gift.
8. Owly & Wormy: Friends All Aflutter (S & S/Atheneum) by Andy Runton. Owly and his best friend, Wormy, plant flowers to attract butterflies, but instead, they're stuck with caterpillars. But one day, after the insects have vanished, all that's left are some odd cocoons. What happened? Owly fans will enjoy his first full-color picture book, featuring the same wordless fun as his comics. The gentle story is a primo introduction to life cycles, making it an excellent choice for the classroom.
9. Sidekicks (Scholastic/Arthur A. Levine Bks.) by Dan Santat. In this heartwarming, fast-paced comedy, four house pets team up to save their absentee master, Captain Amazing, from his arch-nemesis, Dr. Havoc. Though Sidekicks is a winner on a number of levels-with its great artwork, snappy dialogue, and appealing characters-what makes it such a standout is the loving way in which the author pokes fun at superhero clichés while simultaneously creating a classic superhero story.
10. Zita the Spacegirl (First Second) by Ben Hatke. When Zita and her best friend, Joseph, find a mysterious device, they're catapulted across the universe in this tale that features plenty of action, humor, and heart. Zita is ready to stare down any danger-from doomsday space aliens to mystifying monks. And Hatke's kicky, kindly tale is just as likely to appeal to kids who like sweet stories about friendship as it is to sci-fi fans.
For more great tips, visit the "Good Comics for Kids" gang-Brigid Alverson, Robin Brenner, Kate Dacey, Lori Henderson, Esther Keller, Mike Pawuk, Scott Robins, and Snow Wildsmith at www.slj.com.
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