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Read with us.
The Adventures of Penguin and Panda. 2024 Best Graphic Novels for Children Easy Readers (ages 5-9) The American Library Association Official List. Written by Brenda Maier. Illustrated by Fanni Mézes. Surprise!, Book 1. Penguin and Panda are very different, but they are best friends. Fun and Games!, Book 2. Penguin and Panda learn it’s easy to get over-excited and sharing is cool.
AUTHOR: Brenda Maier ILLUSTRATOR: Fanni Mézes
In the tradition of Narwhal and Jelly, here is a new graphic novel series for young readers.
Categories: graphic novel, early reader, middle-grade; family-friendly;
Themes: friendship, following rules, surprises, creativity, jealousy; social emotional learning;
“Penguin and Panda demonstrate kindness, understanding, and support for each other, showcasing the positive aspects of companionship. The books are infused with humor, often through Penguin’s whimsical outlook on life and Panda’s more pragmatic responses.
Each book is composed form multiple short stories and STEM-related fun facts. The graphic novel format makes the series accessible to a wide range of readers, including those who may be transitioning from picture books to chapter books.”
Overall rating
Plot 5.0 Characters 5.0 Writing Style 5.0 Illustrations 5.0
—YA Bookcentral
“A can-do panda and a laze-about penguin are inexplicably best buds in this odd-couple escapade series launch.”
—Publishers Weekly – Early Reader Spotlight
“Quite different in personality, Penguin expresses big emotions and Panda tends to be a little more carefree. Each book contains 4 stories and some fun facts at the end. Both of my kids gravitated toward these books immediately. We will be preordering the next book, Winterfest, that comes out in the fall!”
—Linsey @3bittybookworms
“…Mézes’s illustrations have a pleasant, hand-drawn quality with lovely, somewhat muted colors and the characters feel like they are bursting from the panels—and in some cases, they are…
A solid purchase for collections where elementary-age graphic novels are popular.”
—School Library Journal
There are lots of beginning graphic novels to choose from, but these stand out because of the healthy relationship portrayed in a fun way. The books are only available in paperback, but they appear to have fairly sturdy bindings and strong covers. Recommended.
—Jean Little Library
“I love that so many graphic novels and being created and published for beginning readers. As a librarian and a parent, I can tell you that they are the gateway drug to reading. One thing that is special about beginning graphic novels is that they are so wholesome. After you turn last page you feel like you just got a hug from a book. So fantastic.”
—Amanda Murphy (Librarian, Goodreads Review)
ISBN: 9781958325056 (TP) April 23rd, 2024
ISBN: 9781958325711 (HC) July 1st, 2025
9781958325063 (Ebook)
Trade Paperback: $9.99
Hardcover: $13.99
Length: 72 pages; Size: 6×8.25 in
Ages: 6-10; Grades: 1-4
AUTHOR: Brenda Maier
ILLUSTRATOR: Fanni Mézes
“These two peas in a pod couldn’t be more different—Penguin feels all the feels and Panda is super low-key. Together, they make for a hilarious and precious duo. It reminds me of series like Elephant and Piggie, and Narwhal and Jelly with its sweetness and humor!
There’s so much positivity conveyed in each book, that makes for delightful reads!” ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
—Jenn Kim @squarebooksroundwold
ISBN: 9781958325070 (TP) April 23rd, 2024
ISBN: 9781958325414 (HC) July 1st, 2025
9781958325049 (Ebook)
Trade Paperback: $9.99 US
Hardcover: $13.99
Length: 72 pages; Size: 6×8.25 in
Ages: 6-10; Grade: 1-4
AUTHOR: Brenda Maier
ILLUSTRATOR: Fanni Mézes
“This graphic novel is adorable! In each chapter, Penguin and Panda have some sort of cute little adventure and they discover the delights of friendship.
They go to a carnival together and share their tickets. Panda accidentally breaks Penguin’s bike and tries to hide it. Panda gets a weird new pet and Penguin is not sure if the pet is acceptable. At the back of the book, there are some fun facts about real penguins and pandas, as well as some funny animal jokes. The artwork is so cute and colorful! I love this sweet book!” ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
—Luminous Libro
ISBN: 9781958325162 (TP) October 1st 2024
HARDCOVER IS COMING SOON!
Trade Paperback: $9.99 US
Length: 72 pages; Size: 6×8.25 inches
Ages: 6-10; Grade: 1-4
AUTHOR: Brenda Maier
ILLUSTRATOR: Fanni Mézes
Whether earning money for the perfect Christmas tree; shopping for a cozy new holiday sweater; sledding down a terrifyingly snowy hill; or trying to squeeze in everything on Penguin’s over-the-top Christmas list, these two yin and yang besties meet every challenge with an abundance of humor and generosity of spirit. Full of clever dialogue, giggle-inducing artwork, and even a few fun facts.
ISBN: 9781958325452 (HC) October 7th, 2025
Hardcover: $13.99 US
Length: 72 pages; Size: 6×8.25 in
Ages: 6-10; Grade: 1-4
AUTHOR: Brenda Maier
ILLUSTRATOR: Fanni Mézes
Whether it’s Penguin’s first campout (in the dark!) or her strange competition with the new neighbor, she is definitely feeling all the feels. Panda, Mr. Low-Key, is always happy to offer up sage wisdom, but his inability to stop putting things off comes back to bite him when he ruins a special Fun Friday.
“My son giggled through this entire book. It was so much fun. He has been such a hard kid to get into reading. We will be purchasing this series.”
—Megan S. Educator – NetGalley
Brenda Maier is a writer, mother of five, public school teacher, and board member of OAGCT, the Oklahoma chapter of the National Association for Gifted Children. Among her books for young readers are The Little Red Fort and The Little Blue Bridge, both of which have been named to notable reading lists. She lives in Oklahoma with her family and enjoys visiting classrooms around the country to share her passion for reading and writing. See more about Brenda at brendamaier.com
Fanni Mézes is an artist living in Budapest, Hungary. After graduating university as a product design engineer, she pivoted to art school and set out to illustrate books for young readers. The Penguin and Panda books mark her U.S. debut. Fanni and her husband are the parents of one daughter; they all enjoy reading and watching cartoons together. Find her at fannimezes.com
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