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Predictably, this time of year makes me want to curl up with a good book. Also, predictably, my ruined attention span can make this activity a little fraught, especially when the world is feeling heavy and I’m using reading as an escape. Being gentle with myself sometimes means turning to gentle books, and I love cozy graphic novels for this very reason. Growing up in the woods in the middle of nowhere has certainly predisposed me to turn to books with a woodsy theme, but you don’t need the background to appreciate the soothing nature. A cozy, woodsy graphic novel for kids might be the key to a restorative afternoon.
Below, I’ve gathered three titles that fit the bill, matching nature-focused visuals with pleasant storylines. Escape to the woods without leaving your couch, and listen as your breathing slows. Read on!
Pilu of the Woods by Mai K. Nguyen
“Woods” is in the title, but it’s not why this book calls to me so firmly. The muted greens and yellows in the color palette of the cover are soothing, but Willow’s red jacket hints at a contrast, even as she cradles the delicate Pilu. The story is a quest, and rather than navigating the dangers of the forest, the characters find themselves navigating something trickier: their own difficult emotions.
Bog Myrtle by Sid Sharp
The striking, color-saturated drawings were what first drew me to pick up Bog Myrtle, but I was quickly absorbed in the world of Beatrice, Magnolia, and the giant forest spider who changed their lives. While parallels can be drawn to The Lorax and evil-family-member fairy tale tropes, Bog Myrtle is uniquely itself. You’ll want to read it more than once.
The Sprite and the Gardener by Joe Whitt and Rii Abrego
This one is a total whimsical delight—the story is quick and digestible, but the art will have you lingering over the pages. Wisteria is a sweet sprite in the process of using her ancestral magic to help a stymied young gardener named Elena. When the human and sprite meet and become friends, even more magic is unleashed as they work towards a common goal. After the narrative warms your heart, take some time to examine the sprites and the way their design is a nod to the plants they’re named for.
Hopefully, you’ve found something cozy to curl up with until the snow melts! Looking for more cozy graphic novels? Check out this list of cozy fantasy graphic novels from Eileen Gonzalez. Happy reading!