29/05/2026
Here at Redhill Library, we know that comics and graphic novels are books too. For children who struggle with traditional books, comics are a good way of getting kids into reading.
A survey into Children and young people's reading carried out by the National Literacy Trust in 2023, found that readers of comics and graphic novels were more engaged with reading, regardless of age – nearly 60% of comic readers enjoyed reading in their free time, compared to only just over 30% of those who didn’t read comics.
Because of the accessible format combining visuals with less words, comics can provide an easier path into reading. The images in comics can help children who struggle with vocabulary work out what new words mean and help them access storytelling that they otherwise would miss out on.
Many think of comic books as a genre, but they are actually a type of storytelling which covers many genres, and their stories and themes can be just as complex as those in traditional novels. Aside from comics with superheroes, Dogman, and Bunny vs Monkey, there are retellings of classic literature as well as non-fiction comics too.
Finding the right book at the right time can create a reader for life, whether those first books are comic books or traditional books. If your kids are into comics, then just run with it; ENJOYMENT is key to creating lifelong readers!
Whatever you're into, read into it.
Surrey Libraries UK