10+ Best Cartoon Books for 7-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)

Are you on the hunt for the perfect read to keep your 7-year-old entertained and engaged? Look no further! Our roundup of cartoon books for 7-year-olds is packed with exciting picks that are sure to captivate their imagination and tickle their funny bones. From whimsical adventures to delightful characters, we've got something for every young reader. Keep reading to discover our favorite cartoon books that are just right for 7-year-olds!

Fun Cartoon Books for 7-Year-Olds

• Dog Man by Dav Pilkey
  • Genre(s): Graphic Novel, Comedy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Follow the adventures of Dog Man, a hero who is part dog, part man, and all cop as he battles his nemesis Petey the Cat and other challenges.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's packed with humor and action, which are great for keeping young readers engaged and eager to turn the page.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love superheroes and laughter.

• The Bad Guys by Aaron Blabey
  • Genre(s): Graphic Novel, Humor, Adventure
  • Synopsis: A group of traditional 'bad guys'—including a wolf, shark, snake, and piranha—attempt to become heroes in a series of funny misadventures.
  • Why we recommend this book: It flips the script on good vs. evil and encourages thinking about redemption and the complexity of characters.
  • Perfect for: Children who enjoy rooting for the underdog and fans of ironic humor.

• Amulet by Kazu Kibuishi
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Graphic Novel
  • Synopsis: After moving to an ancestral home, Emily and her brother Navin find themselves in a mystical world where they must save their mother using an enchanted amulet.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines thrilling fantasy elements with strong family values, making it both exciting and heartwarming.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love fantasy adventures and stories about family bonds.

• Hilo: The Boy Who Crashed to Earth by Judd Winick
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Graphic Novel
  • Synopsis: A boy named DJ finds his world turned upside down when Hilo, a robot boy, crashes to Earth and together they embark on adventures to save the world.
  • Why we recommend this book: Its blend of humor, friendship, and action makes it an irresistible read for young minds.
  • Perfect for: Kids who are fascinated by space, robots, and friendships that overcome challenges.

• Owly by Andy Runton
  • Genre(s): Graphic Novel, Silent (No Text), Adventure
  • Synopsis: Owly is a kind-hearted owl who goes through various adventures, making friends and learning life lessons along the way.
  • Why we recommend this book: The lack of text encourages imagination and interpretation, which is great for developing creativity and emotional intelligence.
  • Perfect for: Visual learners and young readers who appreciate heartwarming stories of friendship.

• Zita the Spacegirl by Ben Hatke
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Fantasy, Graphic Novel
  • Synopsis: Zita finds herself a reluctant heroine when she's transported to a distant world where she must rescue her kidnapped friend.
  • Why we recommend this book: It features a strong female protagonist and a wealth of imaginative settings and characters, ideal for inspiring bravery and adventure.
  • Perfect for: Adventurous kids who dream of space and enjoy tales of courage and heroism.

Educational Cartoon Books for 7-Year-Olds

• Science Comics: Dinosaurs by MK Reed and Joe Flood (Illustrator)
  • Genre(s): Educational, Graphic Novel, Non-fiction
  • Synopsis: This engaging comic book dives into the prehistoric world of dinosaurs, exploring their evolution, types, and the science behind their extinction.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Science literacy, historical knowledge, critical thinking
  • Why we recommend this book: It makes learning about paleontology fun and accessible, combining factual information with captivating illustrations.
  • Perfect for: Young dinosaur enthusiasts and budding scientists.

• The Magic School Bus Explores the Senses by Joanna Cole and Bruce Degen (Illustrator)
  • Genre(s): Educational, Graphic Novel, Science
  • Synopsis: Ms. Frizzle takes her class on a whimsical journey through the human body to explore the five senses and how they work.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Understanding of human biology, observational skills
  • Why we recommend this book: It presents complex scientific concepts in a simple, enjoyable format that's easy for kids to understand.
  • Perfect for: Curious minds interested in science and how the body works.

• Nathan Hale’s Hazardous Tales: One Dead Spy by Nathan Hale
  • Genre(s): Historical, Graphic Novel, Biography
  • Synopsis: The book is a humorous but informative look at the life of Revolutionary War hero Nathan Hale, from his early spying days to his famous last words.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Historical knowledge, critical thinking, understanding of the American Revolution
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines history with humor, making it engaging and memorable for young readers.
  • Perfect for: History buffs and kids who enjoy learning about the past in a fun way.

• Secret Coders by Gene Luen Yang and Mike Holmes (Illustrator)
  • Genre(s): Educational, Graphic Novel, Mystery
  • Synopsis: This series starts with friends Hopper and Eni solving puzzles and challenges at Stately Academy, which leads them into the world of coding and programming.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Logical thinking, problem-solving, basic programming
  • Why we recommend this book: It introduces coding in an intriguing, interactive way that encourages problem-solving and critical thinking.
  • Perfect for: Aspiring coders and any kid who loves puzzles and mysteries.

• The Science of Breakable Things by Tae Keller
  • Genre(s): Educational, Graphic Novel, Emotional Learning
  • Synopsis: Natalie's science teacher uses a question about how to make an egg fly to help her understand her mother's depression and the science of hope.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Emotional intelligence, scientific inquiry, coping with family issues
  • Why we recommend this book: It sensitively weaves emotional learning with scientific exploration, helping children understand complex feelings.
  • Perfect for: Kids dealing with family challenges or interested in science and emotional learning.

Challenging Cartoon Books for 7-Year-Olds

• Bone: Out from Boneville by Jeff Smith
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Graphic Novel
  • Synopsis: The story follows the Bone cousins, Fone Bone, Phoney Bone, and Smiley Bone, who are run out of Boneville and find themselves in a vast, uncharted desert that leads them to a mysterious valley filled with wonderful and terrifying creatures.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative complexity and richly woven plot provide a deeper and more intricate storyline that challenges young readers to follow along and understand the underlying themes.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a captivating blend of whimsical characters and serious adventure that stimulates the imagination and introduces elements of epic storytelling.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy sprawling fantasy tales and character-driven narratives.

• Little Robot by Ben Hatke
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Friendship, Graphic Novel
  • Synopsis: A young girl finds and befriends a lost robot in the junkyard, but soon realizes that the robot is being hunted by a larger, more menacing robot.
  • Why this book is challenging: The book deals with themes of friendship and technology, presented through minimal text, which requires readers to infer much from the illustrations and context.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a heartwarming story of friendship interspersed with gentle introductions to concepts of autonomy and the ethics of technology.
  • Perfect for: Kids interested in robots and stories that explore the meaning of friendship and loyalty.

• Roller Girl by Victoria Jamieson
  • Genre(s): Coming of Age, Sports, Graphic Novel
  • Synopsis: The story centers on twelve-year-old Astrid as she signs up for roller derby camp, learning the ropes of derby and the value of being tough and resilient, all while navigating the tricky waters of friendship and growing up.
  • Why this book is challenging: It tackles complex emotional dynamics and the physical challenge of roller derby, offering a multifaceted view of personal growth and resilience.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's an empowering tale that encourages perseverance, self-discovery, and the importance of hard work and friendship.
  • Perfect for: Girls and boys alike who appreciate sports and stories about personal growth and friendship.

• El Deafo by Cece Bell
  • Genre(s): Autobiography, Coming of Age, Graphic Novel
  • Synopsis: This is a semi-autobiographical account of the author's childhood with a powerful and honest look at growing up with a severe hearing impairment.
  • Why this book is challenging: The book offers insights into the life of someone living with a disability, depicted through both the challenges and the unique strengths that come from navigating the world differently.
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches empathy and resilience, and the superhero theme is creatively used to frame the author’s hearing aid as a source of power.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy real-life stories and those who can learn from the diverse experiences of others.

• The Arrival by Shaun Tan
  • Genre(s): Wordless, Fantasy, Graphic Novel
  • Synopsis: This is a beautifully illustrated tale about the experience of an immigrant who leaves his troubled homeland to build a new life in a bewildering city filled with strange creatures and unfamiliar customs.
  • Why this book is challenging: The lack of text requires readers to interpret the detailed illustrations to understand the story, which enhances critical thinking and visual literacy skills.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a poignant exploration of the immigrant experience, fostering understanding and empathy through its powerful visual narrative.
  • Perfect for: Visual thinkers and any young reader interested in stories about journeys and the challenges of adapting to new environments.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're diving into the colorful world of cartoon books with your 7-year-old, you've chosen a fantastic and engaging way to develop their reading habits. Here are some fun exercises that can help enhance their reading experience and make the most out of every page turn:

• Character Match Game
  • What it is: Create cards with character names and another set with their descriptions or key actions, then mix them up for a match-up game.
  • How it helps: This exercise helps with comprehension and memory by associating names with actions or characteristics.
  • Tips: Play this game after each book to reinforce what your child has learned.

• Story Map Creation
  • What it is: Draw a map that outlines the story’s setting and plot progression.
  • How it helps: Encourages a deeper understanding of the narrative structure and spatial awareness of the story’s environment.
  • Tips: Use colorful markers or crayons to make this activity more engaging and visually stimulating.

• Comic Strip Summary
  • What it is: After reading, have your child create a mini-comic strip summarizing the book.
  • How it helps: This helps with summarization skills and allows them to express creativity.
  • Tips: Provide them with blank panels and let their imagination fill in the blanks.

• Dialogue Completion
  • What it is: Write out snippets of dialogue from the book, leaving some blanks, and ask your child to fill them in.
  • How it helps: Enhances understanding of the story and characters, and improves memory.
  • Tips: Start with more straightforward dialogues and gradually increase the complexity as your child becomes more comfortable.

• Reading Race
  • What it is: Set a timer and challenge your child to read as much as they can before the time runs out.
  • How it helps: Builds reading speed and fluency.
  • Tips: Keep the sessions short and fun; reward them with praise or a small treat for beating their previous record.

• Question Balloons
  • What it is: Write questions about the story on pieces of paper and put them inside balloons; pop them to answer.
  • How it helps: Makes answering questions about the book exciting and interactive.
  • Tips: Use this as a celebratory activity after finishing a book.

These exercises are not just about reading; they're about making reading a dynamic part of your child's daily life. By integrating these fun and educational activities, you'll help your 7-year-old build strong reading habits and a love for books that can last a lifetime. Happy reading!