Five fantastic comic books chosen by Sophy Henn

  • Guest recommendations

Author-illustrator Sophy Henn recommends her favourite comic books to get children reading.

Recommendations

Illustration: Sophy Henn 

Baloney and Friends by Greg Pizzoli

Follow a joyous band of four: Baloney the pig, Peanut the horse, Bizz the bee and, possibly my fav, the ever-grumpy Krabbit on their lovely, gentle, everyday adventures. This book is great for all ages, but is a perfect jumping off point for younger readers into the world of comic books. 

Looshkin by Jamie Smart

An illustration of a cat called 'Looshkin', running away from his angry neighbours

Illustration: Jamie Smart Image: Jamie Smart 

High energy, utterly bonkers and totally hilarious. More comic book genius from Jamie Smart, who has done so much to create space for comic books on our shop, library, and bookshelves. 

  • Looshkin

    by Jamie Smart 

    2018 6 to 12 years 

    • Comic books
    • Funny
    • Graphic novels

    Looshkin is named the maddest cat in the world’ for good reason – anything that could possibly go wrong all comes down to this kitty. An outrageously fun graphic novel in a class of its own for silliness.

Juniper Mae by Sarah Soh

Certified kid wonder and engineer Juniper Mae is a heroine who can build her own gadgets and take herself off on her own adventures too, thank you very much – but maybe they are better with her tama-tama sidekick, Albie. A beautifully illustrated comic book, full of adventure and great for readers interested in STEM subjects. 

  • Juniper Mae: Knight of Tykotech City

    by Sarah Soh 

    2023 6 to 9 years 

    • Adventure
    • Graphic novels
    • Science fiction

    Juniper Mae lives in the ultra-high-tech Tykotech City, spending her days tinkering in her dad’s repair shop and dreaming of one day being an inventor at Tykotech Tower… and little does she know, her city is counting on her to save it! This is a fun and engaging graphic novel for younger readers.

Rollergirl by Victoria Jamieson

Illustration: Victoria Jamieson 

Anything that combines roller skating, self-acceptance, a bit of feminism and rainbow socks is obviously going to make my top five. An action-packed story about Astrid’s summer of self-discovery where she tries to work who she is, where she belongs and navigate friendships, new and old. 

  • Trish Trash: Rollergirl of Mars – The Collected Edition

    by Jessica Abel 

    2019 12+ years 

    • Graphic novels
    • Science fiction

    This collection of Trish Trash: Rollergirl of Mars, issues 1–3, is a fascinating graphic novel, melding a dystopian Mars society with the popular American sport of women’s Roller Derby. 

This One Summer by Mariko Tamaki

I could have chosen Heartstopper but you all know about that, so This One Summer will get my comic books for older readers’ spot. A beautifully illustrated coming of age story, that ambles from lazy summers that are giddy and carefree to ones that come with secrets, self-awareness, and a little melancholy, resulting in the gentle acceptance that some things will never be the same. 

More from Sophy Henn

Happy Hills: Attack of the Giant Danger Kittens by Sophy Henn is out now. 

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