Recently, Nathan expressed a reluctance to continue reading picture books, which made me worry. However, my friend Ananya introduced us to graphic novels, and Nathan loved them! Based on my observations, here are some things I learned about graphic novels and their benefits.
Graphic novels are stories that combine text and illustrations in a comic style. They use vivid illustrations and short bursts of text arranged in a series of rectangular panels to present clear, sequential stories. Graphic novels can include both fiction and nonfiction stories and are an excellent way to bridge the gap between traditional children’s picture books and a new, engaging experience for readers of all ages, especially reluctant readers.
In addition to being engaging, graphic novels promote visual literacy. The expressive and straightforward images provide big clues about the characters and plot, encouraging readers to look closely and promoting comprehension. Some graphic novels are even wordless, requiring the pictures to carry the entire story with an easy-to-follow plot.
Graphic novels aided Nathan in reading above his independent reading level due to their challenging text and accompanying illustrations. These novels also provide faster reading options, allowing for the consumption of a greater number of books.
Overall, graphic novels have become a favourite format in our home, and Nathan has started picking his books up once again.
