Books About Cartooning

The Best Cartooning Books for Kids

By the Bookroo Editors

Looking for excellent children's books about cartooning? This collection brings together Bookroo's highest-rated and most useful picks in one place.

Start with our editorial favorites, then browse recommendations organized by reading stage to find the right book for your reader.

The Shortlist

Our 7 Favorite Books About Cartooning

Bad Kitty Makes Comics . . . and You Can Too!
Graphic Nov.
Sale price
$1498
Chapter Book · Ages 5–8 · 2015

Bad Kitty Makes Comics . . . and You Can Too!

By Nick Bruel · Bad Kitty series

A bored cat gets a surprise visitor who teaches her how comics are made.

144 pages· 4,529 words· Est. 1 hour read
4.5 Goodreads · 156 ratings
$15.99Save 6%
Paperback
Summary: Kitty is so bored she nearly plays with Puppy, until a knock at the door brings Strange Kitty, who leads Kitty and readers through how comics work. Told in comics, the story covers panels, sound and visual effects, word balloons and more, with guided exercises for readers who want to try drawing their own.
Dibs on This Chair
Graphic Nov.
Chapter Book · Ages 8–11 · 2001

Dibs on This Chair

By Lincoln Peirce · Book #10 in the Big Nate series

A mischievous sixth grader navigates school with humor and chaos.

9,589 words· Est. 2 hour read
4.5 Goodreads · 5,000 ratings
Paperback
Summary: Meet Nate Wright, an 11-year-old aspiring cartoonist and self-proclaimed genius. Known for his record-breaking detentions, Nate's life is a whirlwind of school antics and family pranks. Can he balance his dreams with his knack for trouble? Dive into Nate's world of humor and chaos as he stakes his claim on everything in reach. Will his sarcasm and creativity lead to triumph or more detentions?
My Life as a Cartoonist
Sale price
$1348
Chapter Book · Ages 9–12 · 2013

My Life as a Cartoonist

By Janet Tashjian, Jake Tashjian (Illustrator) · Book #3 in the My Life series

Derek's plan to help a new classmate backfires, leading to stolen ideas and school humiliation.

272 pages· 28,303 words· Est. 3 hour read
4.2 Goodreads · 773 ratings
$13.99Save 4%
Hardcover
Summary: Derek Fallon tries to help new classmate Umberto, who uses a wheelchair, by training his monkey, Frank, to assist him. But Umberto isn't interested in help and instead mocks Derek, even stealing his cartoon ideas. As Derek becomes the school joke, he must find a way to reclaim his creativity and dignity. Can his cartoon strip, SUPER FRANK, save the day and restore his reputation?
Big Nate Goes for Broke
Graphic Nov.
Sale price
$958
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2012

Big Nate Goes for Broke

By Lincoln Peirce · Book #4 in the Big Nate series

Nate faces off in a snow-sculpture showdown against school rivals. Can he lead his team to victory?

224 pages· 14,625 words· Est. 2.5 hour read
4.5 Goodreads · 19,596 ratings
$9.99Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: Nate, the notorious class clown, is determined to lead P.S. 38 to victory in the Ultimate Snowdown, a fierce snow-sculpture competition against their arch-rivals from Jefferson Middle School. As tensions rise, Nate's quest for greatness lands him in the hospital with a broken bone. Can he overcome the odds and finally defeat the bullies who always seem to win? With humor and heart, this comic-strip adventure explores friendship, rivalry, and the pressure to succeed. Will Nate crack under pressure, or will he save the day and achieve his dreams?
Drawing from Memory
Sale price
$2374
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2011

Drawing from Memory

By Allen Say

An artist's journey unfolds amid war, mentorship, and self-discovery.

Robert F. Sibert Informational Book Honor (2012)
64 pages· 6,131 words· Est. 52 min read
4.0 Goodreads · 58,445 ratings
$24.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: In the midst of WWII, a young artist finds himself torn between his father's disapproval and the guidance of Japan's top cartoonist. As he apprentices under a new mentor, he grapples with questions of identity and heritage. Through rigorous training and introspection, he embarks on a transformative journey to uncover his true self. This graphic novel blends memoir and history, capturing the profound bond between mentor and student, and the resilience of an artist's spirit.
Mallory in Full Color
Sale price
$1899
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2024

Mallory in Full Color

By Elisa Stone Leahy

A girl's secret web comic goes viral, and her friends recognize themselves.

320 pages· 62,099 words· Est. 8.5 hour read
4.0 Goodreads · 242 ratings
$19.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: Mallory Marsh becomes whatever others want her to be; her real feelings go into the sci-fi web comic she publishes anonymously as Dr. BotGirl. Rather than admit she hates swim team, she skips practice for the library's comic club, where she meets Noa, who is sure of who they are. Then her comic goes viral, kids at school recognize the unflattering characters based on her friends, and Mallory must face the lies she has told.
Who Was Charles Schulz?
Sale price
$674
Chapter Book · Ages 8–11 · 2022

Who Was Charles Schulz?

By Joan Holub, Who HQ, Tim Foley (Illustrator) · Who Was . . . ? series

Discover the origins of Charlie Brown and Snoopy in this tale of a cartoonist's journey.

112 pages· 7,956 words· Est. 1 hour read
4.2 Goodreads · 228 ratings
$6.99Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: Explore the life of Charles 'Sparky' Schulz, the creative mind behind Charlie Brown and Snoopy. From childhood doodles to iconic characters, Schulz's passion for drawing led to a legendary career. Uncover the inspirations and stories that shaped the beloved Peanuts gang. What challenges did Schulz face, and how did his creations capture the hearts of millions? Dive into this captivating journey of creativity and legacy, perfect for fans of the classic cartoon series.
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