2026 Top Graphic Novels for Kids Recommendations – January to March New Releases
Graphic novels continue to be one of the most powerful ways to hook young readers, combining visual storytelling, humour, and fast-paced plots that even those who don’t identify as ‘readers’ are sure to race through.
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The first few months of 2026 are packed with brilliant new releases – including laugh-out-loud series favourites, exciting new characters, and two special £1 World Book Day books.
We’re very big graphic novel fans in our house. Here are our most anticipated children’s graphic novels releasing between January and March 2026, with quick summaries and age recommendations to help you choose.
Buy & More Information on 2026 Graphic Novel Releases
Donut Squad: Make a Mess!
By Neill Cameron – January 2026
Chaos reigns as a group of donut-shaped heroes dive headfirst into sticky situations and explosive fun. Packed with slapstick comedy, expressive characters, and joyful mayhem.
This is book two and is just as laugh out loud fun as the first. Are you Team Donut or Bagel Battalion!?
Recommended age: 6–9
Donut Squad Resources
- Check out three how to draw donuts on The Phoenix website here.
Thank you David Fickling Books for sending a copy our way – we were so desperate to have it that we’d already pre-ordered it and got the limited edition pin too!
A Waffle Lot of Love
By Ben Clanton – January 2026
A sweet and silly addition to the Narwhal and Jelly series, this story celebrates friendship, kindness, and caring about others – all wrapped up in Clanton’s instantly recognisable style. Expect gentle humour, bright visuals, and lots of heart. A perfect starter graphic novel for gentle ones.
Recommended age: 4–7
Bunny vs Monkey: Total Chaos! ⭐ World Book Day £1 Book
By Jamie Smart – February 2026
Bunny and Monkey return in a high-energy, laugh-a-page adventure full of outrageous antics and over-the-top chaos. Perfect for fans of irreverent humour and fast visual jokes. If this will be your first dip into the mad world of Bunny Vs Monkey and you love it then check out the plethora of other books in the series.
Recommended age: 6–10
Tiny Hercules
By Jon Lock & Nick Angell – February 2026
What happens when a tiny hero has enormous strength? This playful, action-packed story delivers myth-inspired fun with a modern, humorous twist and lots of visual comedy.
We particularly loved how nearly everything is ‘tiny’ especially Tiny Athena. Thrilled to see Tiny Hercules – Golden Cabbage Chaos releases in August 2026! We’ll be pre-ordering this one!
Recommended age: 6–9
Tiny Hercules Resources
- You’ll find inside images, lots of additional character information and a free resource pack for Tiny Hercules to download here.
So pleased we pre-ordered this one – it arrived a couple of weeks before publication date!
Pablo and Splash: The Castle Quest ⭐ World Book Day £1 Book
By Sheena Dempsey – February 2026
Pablo and Splash embark on a medieval adventure filled with castles, quests, and gentle humour. A great choice for newly confident readers who enjoy light peril and big laughs. Pablo and Splash are perfect for graphic novel fans and those who love history. They use their time machine to travel back to different times.
Later in the year there is a Viking release. My daughter has never really been a history fan but these books have got her learning lots of historical facts in a fun and engaging way.
Recommended age: 5–8
Toby and the Pixies: How to Be Cool!
By James Turner & Andreas Schuster – February 2026
Toby is determined to be cool – but the pixies have other ideas. A relatable, funny story about fitting in, being yourself, and learning what really matters.
If you’ve got a fan of Billy and the Mini Monsters series this is a great next step book with a team of well meaning – but everything going wrong – mini heroes!
Recommended age: 6–9
Thank you David Fickling Books for sending a copy our way – we’ve also pre-ordered this one.
Cheesy Bob Strikes!
By Sophy Henn – February 2026
Cheesy Bob is back, and things are messier than ever. Bursting with colour, exaggerated expressions, and ridiculous humour that younger readers adore. This is a top pick from my daughter for this year. Although she is out of the age bracket (she’s 9) because she’s read all the others and loved them she can’t wait to get her hands on this release.
For me the age recommendations are just that – general guides. Often children full heavily into series they love and I’m not about to stop that.
Recommended age: 5–8
Agents of S.U.I.T.: Sew Much Trouble
By John Patrick Green – February 2026
A spin-off from the Investigators universe, this stylish caper mixes undercover missions, visual jokes, and just the right amount of mystery for confident readers. If you’ve read the InvestiGATORS then this is a great series to expand on their world.
Recommended age: 7–10
The Mubbles: The Good, the Bad and the Perky
By Liz Pichon – March 2026
A riotous introduction to the strange and wonderful Mubbles, filled with playful language, bold illustrations, and delightfully oddball characters. This is the third book in the series and there’s a fun YouTube channel to accompany this fun and creative series by the legend Liz Pichon (Tom Gates).
Recommended age: 6–9
Pandora in Puzzlevale: Call of the Crow
By Paul Duffield & collaborators – March 2026
Part story, part puzzle book, this richly illustrated adventure challenges readers to solve codes, spot clues, and unravel mysteries as they read. Definitely more for a slightly older audience as the puzzles are a perfect challenge. I thoroughly enjoyed the first one of these books myself. If you love puzzles then do check out Yoto Spy Card.
Recommended age: 8–11
Dadbot: Rise of the Badbots!
By Jack Noel – March 2026
Dadbot returns in a high-stakes sequel packed with robot action, family humour, and cinematic visuals. Ideal for fans of tech-themed adventures.
Recommended age: 7–10
Megalomaniacs: The Invasion Begins
By Jamie Smart – March 2026
An explosive new series launch filled with bizarre villains, wild visuals, and Smart’s signature brand of anarchic humour. Expect big laughs and even bigger action. Another highly anticipated title for my daughter – she’s a HUGE Jamie Smart fan. She met him at a book launch event and was so star struck she couldn’t speak!
Recommended age: 7–11
Why These Graphic Novels Matter
Graphic novels like these don’t just entertain – they build reading confidence, support visual literacy, and encourage children to see reading as joyful and accessible. With a mix of humour, adventure, puzzles, and relatable themes, early 2026 is shaping up to be an exceptional season for young readers. We really are in an exciting time for graphic novels. I’ll be sharing most anticipated April to June 2026 releases in a future post. There’s so much to look forward to!
If you’re planning ahead for World Book Day, those who haven’t found their book passion, or simply want books children will genuinely love, this list is a great place to start. Thursday 5th March is World Book Day 2026. You can find out more information and resources here.
More Graphic Novels
If you’re looking for more graphic novel inspiration then you might like these posts: