10+ Best Cartoon Books for 10-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)

Are you on the hunt for the perfect page-turner to keep your 10-year-old entertained? Look no further! Our latest roundup features some of the most engaging and fun cartoon books for 10-year-olds, guaranteed to capture their imagination and keep those pages turning. Whether they're into action-packed adventures or hilarious escapades, there's something here for every young reader. Keep reading to discover our top picks for cartoon books that are just right for 10-year-olds!

Fun Cartoon Books for 10-Year-Olds

• Dog Man by Dav Pilkey
  • Genre(s): Humor, Action, Graphic Novel
  • Synopsis: Follow the adventures of Dog Man, a hero who is part dog, part man, and all police officer, as he fights crime and stands up against the city's most formidable villains.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's packed with humor and action, which are perfect for keeping young readers engaged and entertained while encouraging a love for reading.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love superheroes and laugh-out-loud comedy.

• Amulet by Kazu Kibuishi
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Graphic Novel
  • Synopsis: This series starts with Emily and her brother Navin moving to their great-grandfather's house after tragedy strikes their family. They find a magical amulet and enter a world full of danger and mystery.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a thrilling fantasy adventure that captivates readers with its rich storytelling and stunning visuals.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy fantasy worlds and epic quests.

• Smile by Raina Telgemeier
  • Genre(s): Autobiography, Coming of Age, Graphic Novel
  • Synopsis: Raina just wants to be a normal sixth grader, but after a fall, she injures her two front teeth, leading to a long journey with braces, surgery, embarrassing headgear, and even a retainer with fake teeth.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a relatable, true story that deals with growing up and finding confidence, which is essential for readers at this developmental stage.
  • Perfect for: Kids going through or about to go through puberty, who might feel self-conscious about their own changes.

• Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney
  • Genre(s): Humor, Fiction, Graphic Novel
  • Synopsis: Greg Heffley finds himself thrust into middle school, where undersized weaklings share the hallways with kids who are taller, meaner, and already shaving. Greg chronicles his daily life in a diary filled with drawings and commentary.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's hilarious and speaks to the real issues kids face during the awkward years of middle school, making it a great tool to foster a love for reading.
  • Perfect for: Preteens who appreciate a good laugh and those who might be feeling a bit out of place.

• Zita the Spacegirl by Ben Hatke
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Adventure, Graphic Novel
  • Synopsis: Zita finds herself a stranger on a distant planet after she pushes a button that transports her into the universe. Now, this reluctant heroine must navigate her way through a bizarre landscape and save her best friend from an alien cult.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines the thrill of space adventure with strong character development, making it both exciting and empowering.
  • Perfect for: Adventurous kids who dream of space and enjoy stories about courage and friendship.

Educational Cartoon Books for 10-Year-Olds

• Science Comics: Rockets by Anne Drozd and Jerzy Drozd
  • Genre(s): Non-Fiction, Science, Graphic Novel
  • Synopsis: This comic dives into the history and science behind rockets, from the ancient Chinese inventors to modern space exploration.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Science literacy, history of technology, critical thinking
  • Why we recommend this book: It makes complex scientific concepts accessible and engaging through vivid illustrations and storytelling.
  • Perfect for: Young readers interested in science and how things work.

• Secret Coders by Gene Luen Yang and illustrated by Mike Holmes
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Education, Graphic Novel
  • Synopsis: This series follows Hopper and her friends as they uncover secrets in their school by solving coding puzzles.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Basic programming concepts, problem-solving, logical thinking
  • Why we recommend this book: It introduces coding in a fun and interactive way, blending education with an intriguing narrative.
  • Perfect for: Kids who have an interest in computers and mysteries.

• The Baby-Sitters Club: Kristy's Great Idea by Ann M. Martin and illustrated by Raina Telgemeier
  • Genre(s): Friendship, Business, Graphic Novel
  • Synopsis: This adaptation of the first book in the beloved series follows Kristy and her friends as they start their own babysitting business.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Entrepreneurship, teamwork, interpersonal relationships
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches valuable lessons about responsibility and working together, all wrapped up in a fun and familiar story.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy stories about friendship and young entrepreneurs.

• Nathan Hale’s Hazardous Tales: One Dead Spy by Nathan Hale
  • Genre(s): History, Biography, Graphic Novel
  • Synopsis: A humorous yet informative look at the life of Revolutionary War hero Nathan Hale, before he was captured and executed by the British.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Historical knowledge, critical thinking, understanding of the American Revolution
  • Why we recommend this book: It presents history in a way that is both educational and entertaining, with a good mix of humor and fact.
  • Perfect for: History buffs and readers who enjoy learning through storytelling.

• Dinosaurs: Fossils and Feathers by MK Reed and Joe Flood
  • Genre(s): Science, History, Graphic Novel
  • Synopsis: Part of the Science Comics series, this book explores the history of paleontology and the discoveries that have shaped our understanding of dinosaurs.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Scientific inquiry, historical context of science, paleontology
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a detailed look at the evolution of dinosaurs and fossil science, making it perfect for curious minds.
  • Perfect for: Young readers fascinated by dinosaurs and natural history.

Challenging Cartoon Books for 10-Year-Olds

• Bone: Out from Boneville by Jeff Smith
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Graphic Novel
  • Synopsis: The first book in the Bone series follows the Bone cousins—Fone Bone, Phoney Bone, and Smiley Bone—as they are run out of Boneville and find themselves in a vast, uncharted desert. They soon stumble into a mysterious valley filled with wonderful and terrifying creatures, setting the stage for epic adventures.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative structure is complex with a deep plot and multifaceted characters, which requires higher-level reading comprehension and engagement.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a captivating blend of whimsical storytelling and serious themes, perfect for fostering imagination and critical thinking.
  • Perfect for: Readers who love epic tales and exploring new, fantastical worlds.

• The Arrival by Shaun Tan
  • Genre(s): Wordless, Fantasy, Graphic Novel
  • Synopsis: This unique, wordless graphic novel tells the story of an immigrant's journey to an unfamiliar and fantastical world, where he encounters strange creatures and experiences both challenges and help from kind strangers.
  • Why this book is challenging: The lack of text requires readers to interpret the detailed and rich illustrations to understand the story, enhancing their visual literacy and empathy.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a profound visual experience that deepens understanding of the immigrant experience and the power of kindness.
  • Perfect for: Visual learners and those interested in storytelling through art.

• Mouse Guard: Fall 1152 by David Petersen
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Graphic Novel
  • Synopsis: In a world where mice struggle to live safely and prosper amongst harsh conditions and predators, the Mouse Guard, defenders of the realm, uncover a treacherous plot that threatens their entire civilization.
  • Why this book is challenging: It features complex themes of bravery, politics, and betrayal, requiring readers to engage with a layered story and sophisticated moral questions.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines stunning artwork with a gripping narrative that teaches about courage, loyalty, and the importance of community.
  • Perfect for: Fans of epic adventures and animal heroes.

• El Deafo by Cece Bell
  • Genre(s): Autobiography, Coming of Age, Graphic Novel
  • Synopsis: This graphic memoir details the author's childhood experiences with hearing loss and the challenges she faces, including using a powerful hearing aid that earns her the nickname "El Deafo."
  • Why this book is challenging: It tackles complex issues of disability, friendship, and identity with sensitivity and humor, which can help develop emotional intelligence.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's an inspiring story of overcoming obstacles and embracing one's differences, making it both educational and uplifting.
  • Perfect for: Children dealing with any kind of personal challenge or who want to understand more about living with disabilities.

• The Lost Boy by Greg Ruth
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Fantasy, Graphic Novel
  • Synopsis: When Nate moves into a new home, he discovers a tape recorder that leads him on a mysterious adventure involving a boy who vanished many years ago and a hidden world of magical creatures.
  • Why this book is challenging: The plot is intricately woven with multiple timelines and a deep mystery that requires careful reading and interpretation.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a thrilling and mysterious tale that captivates and stimulates the imagination, perfect for developing problem-solving skills.
  • Perfect for: Young detectives and lovers of supernatural mysteries.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're diving into the colorful world of cartoon books, it's a fantastic way to make reading a fun habit for your 10-year-old. Here are some engaging exercises that can help enhance their reading experience and develop good habits early on. Let's get started!

• Create a Comic Strip
  • What it is: Draw a comic strip inspired by a cartoon book you've read.
  • How it helps: Encourages creativity and helps with understanding the story structure.
  • Tips: Use simple stick figures and speech bubbles to start with.

• Character Diary Entries
  • What it is: Write diary entries from the perspective of a favorite character.
  • How it helps: Enhances empathy and deeper understanding of characters.
  • Tips: Choose a character that really intrigues you for more engaging entries.

• Story Prediction Chart
  • What it is: Before finishing the book, predict what will happen next and write it down.
  • How it helps: Develops critical thinking and anticipation skills.
  • Tips: Discuss your predictions with friends or family who have read the same book.

• Book Review Vlog
  • What it is: Create a video talking about what you liked and didn’t like in the book.
  • How it helps: Improves articulation and confidence in expressing opinions.
  • Tips: Keep the video short and sweet, maybe 2-3 minutes long.

• Reading Time Scheduler
  • What it is: Set specific times in the week dedicated solely to reading.
  • How it helps: Builds a routine and helps make reading a regular habit.
  • Tips: Align reading time with relaxing times like post-dinner or weekend mornings.

• Reading Challenge Poster
  • What it is: Make a poster tracking the number of books read over a period.
  • How it helps: Provides a visual progress report and motivates continued reading.
  • Tips: Set a reward for reaching reading milestones to keep the motivation high.

Wrapping up, integrating these exercises into your reading routine can make exploring cartoon books even more exciting and rewarding for your young reader. Not only do they make reading fun, but they also build essential skills that will benefit them throughout their lives. Happy reading!