In the last few years, graphic novels have rapidly increased in popularity. They're a great way to get anyone into reading. Here are some of our favourite children's graphic novels published in the last year, in no particular order. From adventure to sport to roadtrips, there's something for everyone.

Dirt by Sea by Michael Wagner and Tom Jellett

This gorgeous book is half graphic novel, half picture book. Daisy lives in inland Australia with her dad and her grandparents. When her dad realises that she’s never seen the beach and thinks the Australian anthem is about a country ‘dirt by sea’, he sets off to show her the ocean in a once-in-a-lifetime father-daughter trip along the Australian coast.

This sweet family story will have you wanting to pack up everything and hit the road.

Suitable for ages 4 and up.

Lightfall: Shadow of the Bird by Tim Probert

The second installment of Lightfall, perfect for fans of Amulet.

After a battle that nearly cost them their lives, Bea and Cad awaken in the hidden settlement of the Arsai, mysterious creatures who can glimpse into the future. The Arsai’s vision paints a dire picture for their planet, as the bird Kest Ke Belenus-now awoken from a restless slumber-threatens to destroy all the Lights of Irpa. Desperate for a solution, Bea and Cad seek out the help of a water spirit known as Lorgon, whose ancient wisdom may help them find a way to take down Kest and save Irpa from utter destruction.   

This beautifully illustrated graphic novel will captivate every reader.

Suitable for ages 8 and up.

Alcatoe and the Turnip Child by Isaac Lenkiewicz

This is a quirky, fun story about Alcatoe, the one witch of Plum Woods, who loves to cause mischief and mayhem. When the village decides to hold a vegetable growing contest, the children beg Alcatoe for a spell to grow the biggest turnip. But a lot can go wrong even with a perfectly simple turnip-enlarging spell … like growing a few arms and legs. Will Alcatoe manage spoil the entire harvest festival, even if it means the Turnip Child gets turned into a casserole?

This hilarious book with have you laughing out loud.

Suitable for ages 5 and up.

The Cosmic Adventures of Astrid and Stella by Sabrina & Eunice Moyle

The first book in a fun new series. Astrid and Stella are ready to fire up the turbo blasters and take off into the stratosphere! They’ll just need a few things before it’s time to go: their special space suits, lots and lots of snacks, and their trusty robot Bobo. Come along as the pair meet new pals, solve friendship conundrums, and stop one evil tyrant-with lots of dance breaks and snack attacks along the way.

A sweet, colour graphic novel that will capture your heart.

Suitable for ages 6 and up.

Neverlanders by Tom Taylor and Jon Sommariva

Peter Pan with a steampunk twist. Neverland has become a war zone and a group of runaways are its only hope. A horde of pirates with a merciless new leader who will stop at nothing to steal the land’s magic. Tink leads a fairy army that barely holds them at bay. Peter Pan is gone. And rest of the Lost Boys have been killed. Can this group of teens become the new Lost Ones and save Neverland?

A fun story, perfect for fans of Peter Pan.

Suitable for ages 12 and up.

Booked by Kwame Alexander and Dawud Anyabwile

A graphic novel adaptation of Booked and the follow-up to Crossover, Twelve-year-old Nick is a football-mad boy who absolutely hates books. He's trying to figure out how to navigate his parents’ break-up, stand up to bullies, and impress the girl of his dreams. These challenges – which seem even harder than scoring a tie-breaking, game-winning goal – change his life, as well as his best friend’s.

A wholesome story that deals with the struggles of growing up.

Suitable for ages 10 and up.

The Prisoner of Shiverstone by Linette Moore

An action-packed adventure story about Helga Sharp, keen inventor. Eleven-year-old Helga is found unconscious in a drifting rowboat near the coast of Utley Island, a prison island to which the Mainland has exiled troublesome mad scientists for generations. The truth is, it’s no accident that Helga landed here. She is there to break mad genuis, Erasmus Lope out of the prison, right under the noses of the family of famous heroes that run Utley Island. There’s only one big problem–Lope’s trapped inside a giant crystal in the mad scientists’ museum!   

A delightfully fun adventure.

Suitable for ages 8 and up.