Tips for Reading Graphic Novels/Comics With Kids

No matter how old you are or how old your children are, you can enjoy comics and graphic novels with your kids. Really!

So for any one out there who might be hesitant about reading comics/graphic novels with kids here are a few tips I thought of to enhance the reading experience for everyone. You should know that this isn't law, it's more like pirate code (guidelines). Use what is helpful for your family and forget the rest.

1. Cover art can be misleading, so thumb through the book before reading it to your kiddo. Many adult graphic novels have awesome illustrations that could appeal to adults and kids, but the content inside isn't intended for children. Luckily, most children's graphic novels have found ways to make it abundantly clear that they are for children.

2. To help your child follow the story, point to each panel as you are reading it or describing it in the case of a wordless graphic novel.

3. When multiple characters are talking in a panel you can point to each one to help them follow the dialogue. For my son, I point to each character for the first few pages and then I just say "So and So said" for the rest.

4. Don't let anyone convince you that comics/graphic novels are mediocre reading materials. They earn awards just like children's literature. Seriously, to any nay-sayers, I say it's your lose. If your child is engaged in reading or being read to then that's a win-win in my book any day.

5.  Know your kids limits for reading or being read to. Many kids graphic novels are starting to add reading levels on the front or back of the book. Smaller kids being read to may not be able to sit through lots of heavy dialogue in each panel so again, thumbing through the book is helpful before bringing it home.

6. Have fun, of course! The number of kids graphic novels grows everyday and I can honestly say that some are completely enjoyable to read as an adult with out my kids.

So there you go. Some easy tips to get you started. Now head over to your local library, comic book shop or book store and prepare for your world to be rocked.

Stay nerdy, my friends.