Graphic Novels

TOON Books are innovative early reader series written in comic book format. These books are ideal for visual learners and reluctant readers. The organization of the panels on the pages encourages eye-movement and storytelling, both essential pre-literacy skills. Art Spigelman and Francoise Mouly created TOON Books as a way to increase reading for fun with age-appropriate comics. Best for ages 4-9 and ESL readers of all ages.

"I have listened to teachers, professors, and scholars say that reading comic books is one of the best ways to teach literacy to young children. Because in order to enjoy and appreciate and be wrapped up in a comic book, you have to be able to read the dialogue balloons. Otherwise you won't know what's happening. The youngster forces himself or herself to read what is lettered there in order to follow the story. So many teachers have told me that whent hey put comic books in the classroom, children get better marks more quickly in English and in literacy than in any other way. There is something about the physical look and feel of a comic book that young children love." - Stan Lee, co-creator of Spider-Man

Source: American Libraries Association. "Newsmaker: Stan Lee." American Libraries Magazine 45, no. 5 (May 2014):16.