Here are Minipreneur’s favourite children’s comic books, graphic novels and highly illustrated fiction published this year by some of the best children’s book publishers in the UK including Bloomsbury, DK, Faber, HarperCollins Children’s Books, Macmillan Children’s Books, Oxford University Press, Puffin Books, Simon & Schuster and Thames & Hudson.
Bloomsbury
Athena: Goddess of Wisdom & War by Isabel and Imogen Greenberg is a stunning graphic novel that brings to life the story of one of mythology’s most fearless and influential goddesses. With beautifully crafted illustrations and compelling storytelling, this book captures the essence of Athena’s strength and intelligence, offering readers a vivid portrayal of her adventures and influence in the ancient world.
The graphic novel explores how Athena inspired powerful gods, goddesses, and humans, highlighting her role in epic battles and legendary feats. It also delves into the terrifying fate of those who dared to cross her path, showcasing her fierce sense of justice and formidable power. This captivating retelling is not only an artistic triumph but also a fantastic educational resource, perfect for young readers and mythology enthusiasts alike.
Athena: Goddess of Wisdom & War is an excellent addition to any library, blending historical myth with engaging visuals to create an unforgettable reading experience. Isabel and Imogen Greenberg’s collaboration results in a book that is both informative and entertaining, making the tales of ancient Greece accessible and thrilling for a new generation.
£10.99 published by Bloomsbury
Gaia: Goddess of Earth by Imogen and Isabel Greenberg is a stunning graphic novel that brings to life the story of Gaia, the ancient Greek goddess who created the Earth and universe. Gaia’s creation was magnificent, from towering trees to thundering waterfalls, but the gods’ ambitions soon spiralled out of control, leading to brutal wars and chaos. As storms rage and fires blaze, Gaia never stops fighting for her beloved Earth, pleading with the gods to protect it.
This beautifully illustrated tale of resilience and hope is packed with action and emotion, making it an inspiring read for young readers.
£10.99 published by Bloomsbury
Buster Books
In A Day in the Life of an Astronaut, Mars and the Distant Stars, award-winning duo Mike Barfield and Jess Bradley whisk young readers on an exhilarating comic-strip adventure through the wonders of space. Packed with humour and colour, this fun-filled book invites children to explore everything from the poisonous clouds of Venus to the swirling storms of Jupiter and beyond.
With over 90 laugh-out-loud entries, readers will meet historic space pioneers, animals who paved the way for human space travel, and the awe-inspiring technology that took them there. Bursting with quirky facts and vibrant illustrations, this engaging guide makes learning about the cosmos a joy for budding astronauts and curious minds alike. Perfect for any child fascinated by space!
£10.99 published by Buster Books
Written by Mike Barfield and illustrated by Paula Bossio, The Wild Life of Dinosaurs and Other Prehistoric Animals a lively and hilarious exploration of Earth’s ancient past, perfect for young fans of prehistoric creatures. Through vibrant comic-strip style illustrations, this engaging non-fiction book takes readers on a journey from the earliest ocean-dwellers to the mighty dinosaurs and the woolly mammoth.
Divided into eras like the Paleozoic, Mesozoic, and Cenozoic, the book introduces a host of fascinating creatures, each with its own unique survival story. Quirky facts, fun “Dead Cool” features on the oddest animals, and insights into modern-day “Living Legends” make this a brilliantly entertaining and educational guide to life on prehistoric Earth. A must-read for budding palaeontologists!
£10.99 published by Buster Books
Planet Earth: My Life So Far by award-winning duo Mike Barfield and Jess Bradley offers a captivating, comic-style account of Earth’s history as narrated by Earth itself. Spanning from its formation 4.5 billion years ago to present-day challenges, this engaging book covers Earth’s geographical and geological features, diverse habitats, and life forms. Mike Barfield’s humorous writing and Jess Bradley’s vibrant illustrations make this an entertaining and educational read, perfect for fans of the “A Day in the Life…” series. Dive into the fascinating story of our planet and discover its incredible journey.
£10.99 published by Buster Books
DK
Written by award-winning musician Gavin Friday and illustrated by none other than Bono, Peter and the Wolf offers a fresh, modern retelling of the beloved classic. This extraordinary illustrated adaptation takes young readers on an adventurous journey into the woods, where Peter, mourning the loss of a parent, ventures out despite his grandfather’s warnings to find a roaming wolf.
With striking punk rock illustrations and a sensitive exploration of themes like love and loss, this enchanting story is perfect for children aged 7-9. More than just a retelling, it helps children understand grief while reminding them that hope and courage endure, even in the darkest times. This beautifully illustrated keepsake will captivate both children and adults alike, making it a timeless treasure.
£14.99 published by DK
Faber
Peng and Spanners by Steve Webb introduces a dynamic duo: a sarcastic penguin and a clever cat with a toolbelt. This hilarious graphic novel takes readers on an adventurous journey as Pengtastic and Spanners investigate a wild pizza mystery. When the school pizza parlour vanishes and a giant robot appears, it’s up to these unlikely heroes to save the day before the school inspectors arrive. Perfect for fans of Dogman, Barry Loser, and Bunny vs Monkey, this book is filled with witty humour, thrilling escapades, and a dash of superhero flair. Dive into the fun with Peng & Spanners and their unforgettable adventure.
£9.99 published by Faber
Written and illustrated by Waldo Pancake (aka Jim Smith), How to Be a Genius Kid is the first in a hilariously wacky graphic novel series from the creator of *Barry Loser*. Bursting with laugh-out-loud illustrations and totally bonkers “facts,” this book will teach you everything you never knew you needed to know about fingers, pavements, and much more.
Ever wondered why misspelling is a sign of “grate intelly-genz” or why rain on a pavement smells so good? In this zany guide, you’ll find out – and have a blast doing it! Perfect for kids who love quirky humour, it’s packed with ridiculous jokes, clever drawings, and step-by-step instructions on how to become a mega keel genius. Guaranteed fun for readers of all ages!
£9.99 published by Faber
Chris Mould’s War of the Worlds is a breathtaking full-colour graphic novel adaptation of H.G. Wells’ iconic sci-fi tale, brilliantly brought to life by Chris Mould, illustrator of The Iron Man and Animal Farm. In War of the Worlds, strange meteorites crash to Earth, unleashing a devastating alien invasion. As chaos spreads, Leon and his scientist wife embark on a desperate mission to uncover the Martians’ secrets and save humanity from annihilation. Mould’s exquisite illustrations convey the tension and horror of Wells’ classic, making this graphic novel a must-read for fans of gripping sci-fi and visually stunning storytelling.
£16.99 published by Faber
HarperCollins Children’s Books
David Walliams’ debut graphic novel, AstroChimp, illustrated by Adam Stower, takes readers on a hilariously zany space adventure. Chump the chimpanzee, known for his silly antics like making rude noises and eating banana skins, is unexpectedly chosen by NASA for a crucial space mission. As Chump attempts to orbit Earth, chaos ensues with encounters involving a pirate space-dog, a laser-blasting cat, and dastardly fruit flies. This laugh-out-loud animal space opera, filled with vibrant illustrations and side-splitting humour, is a must-read for fans of David Walliams’ million-copy bestselling books. Get ready to blast off with Chump and experience the most ludicrous threat the world has ever faced!
£14.99 (hardback) published by HarperCollins Children’s Books
Macmillan Children’s Books
In InvestiGators: All Tide Up John Patrick Green’s adventurous alligators, Mango and Brash, return for a riotous maritime mystery. This vibrant graphic novel sees the duo diving into a wacky adventure to solve the case of a missing cruise ship and its passengers. Was the ship sunk, boat-napped, or are supernatural forces involved? With their trademark humour and full-colour illustrations, Mango and Brash are on a mission to crack the case before another vessel meets a similar fate. Perfect for fans of *Bunny vs Monkey*, this nautical romp celebrates teamwork, perseverance, and clever problem-solving in a fun, engaging way.
£9.99 published by Macmillan Children’s Books
Agents of S.U.I.T.: From Badger to Worse by author John Patrick Green, co-writer Christopher Hastings & illustrator Pat Lewis is a laugh-out-loud graphic novel that follows Bongo and Marsha, two bumbling badger agents. When their love for gadgets goes over-budget, they’re sent to Bora Bora to investigate the bees running a shady resort. With plenty of twists, gadgets, and giggles, this hilarious adventure is perfect for fans of Bunny vs Monkey and the InvestiGators series. The antics in this side-splitting book will keep young readers coming back for more.
£8.99 published by Macmillan Children’s Books
Oxford University Press
In Reggie Rabbit: The Great Carrot Heist, Swapna Reddy delivers a delightful whodunnit set in the bustling Bearburgh City, brilliantly illustrated by Becka Moor. Reggie Rabbit dreams of being a detective like his hero, Detective Fox, but his parents want him to stay home and work on their vegetable stall. When a carrot crime wave threatens their business and Detective Fox refuses the case, it’s up to Reggie and his quirky sidekick, Pipsquark, to solve the mystery. With a lively mix of illustrated chapters and comic-style pages, this fun, detail-packed adventure will keep young readers hooked.
£7.99 published by Oxford University Press
In Supersized Squirrel and the Great Wham-o Kablam-O, Luke Séguin-Magee launches a thrilling new graphic novel series brimming with heart, adventure, and laughter. The story unfolds in a once-peaceful forest where woodland creatures lived harmoniously—until a radioactive meteor crash-landed, creating Crater’s Edge, a community of mutant animals. Among these transformed residents, one stands out: Supersized Squirrel, a small squirrel with the extraordinary ability to grow to gigantic proportions. As Supersized Squirrel navigates this vibrant world of mutant creatures, readers are in for a wild ride filled with excitement and humour.
£7.99 published by Oxford University Press
In Croaky: Search for the Sasquatch, Matty Long, creator of Super Happy Magic Forest, introduces readers to a lively new children’s graphic novel full of humour and adventure. Croaky Hopper is no ordinary frog—his mind is always on wild escapades, dreaming of the heroic deeds of his idol, Tennessee Toad. When his Aunt Lilly signs him up for the Woggle Scouts, Croaky expects crafting and cookie sales, but instead embarks on a daring expedition to find the elusive Sasquatch. With hilarious characters and nonstop fun, this is the perfect read for budding adventurers!
£6.99 published by Oxford University Press
Puffin Books
Rick Riordan’s iconic Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief is brilliantly brought to life in this thrilling graphic novel adaptation by Robert Venditti, with stunning artwork from Attila Futaki and José Villarrubia. Percy’s life turns upside down when he discovers he’s a demigod, the son of Poseidon, and must embark on a dangerous quest to recover Zeus’ stolen lightning bolt. Packed with action, mythological creatures, and humour, this graphic novel version is a must-read for both fans of the original and newcomers to Percy’s world.
£14.99 published by Puffin Books
Step into the purr-fectly entertaining world of Max Meow: Cat Crusader, the first book in a hilarious new graphic novel series set in the vibrant city of Kittyopolis, where cats rule and science is super cool. Max, a regular cat with a modest podcast following, finds his life turned upside down when he accidentally bites into a radioactive space meatball at his friend Mindy’s secret lab. This unexpected bite transforms him into the superhero known as the Cat Crusader! With newfound powers like super strength and the ability to fly, Max’s adventures are just beginning. But when his excitement leads him to neglect his best friend, Max must learn valuable lessons about teamwork and friendship. Will he and Mindy be able to save Kittyopolis from the sinister Agent M and Big Boss? Dive into this action-packed, laugh-out-loud series full of twists, turns, and plenty of cat-titude!
£9.99 published by Puffin Books
Simon & Schuster
Get ready for a purr-fectly hilarious adventure with Happy Hills: Attack of the Giant Danger Kittens by Sophy Henn! In this vibrant, full-colour graphic novel, the quirky residents of Happy Hills are in a frenzy as they share spooky tales and play a town-wide game of IT. Meanwhile, unicorn Ace finds himself dodging the mischievous giant danger kittens causing chaos everywhere. With Sophy Henn’s signature humour and lively illustrations, this action-packed collection is a must-read for fans of *Dog Man*, *Bunny vs Monkey*, and *Tom Gates*. Dive into the fun and experience a world where the unexpected is always just around the corner!
£8.99 published by Simon & Schuster
Thames & Hudson
Miss Cat: The Case of the Curious Canary is a stylish and superbly fun graphic novel by Jean-Luc Fromental, with Joëlle Jolivet’s bold illustrations bringing the quirky characters to life. In this first instalment of the new crime-busting series, young detective Miss Cat, dressed in her signature cat-ear hoodie, takes on the mystery of a missing canary. Filled with crafty crooks and animal magic, this charming, action-packed tale will delight younger readers who love a good detective story with a twist. A purr-fect start to an irresistible new series!
£9.99 published by Thames & Hudson
Dive back into the whimsical world of Miss Cat with Miss Cat: The Gnome’s Nightmare by Jean-Luc Fromental and Joëlle Jolivet, the second book in this charming series. Private eye Miss Cat, with her unique ears-on-her-hat and a sharp nose for mystery, is faced with an intriguing challenge when an unusual visitor seeks her help to prevent a terrible dream from becoming reality. As Miss Cat investigates, she encounters a secretive author, a cryptic mayor, and a band of peculiar pirates. With a touch of humour and the help of her friends, Miss Cat is determined to solve the mystery in this delightfully silly illustrated adventure.
£9.99 published by Thames & Hudson
