In a world that can be downright tumultuous at times, readers may feel the need to relax with cozy, feel-good entertainment. It can be tough to gauge what stories are truly low-stakes before actually reading them, so here are my recommended titles, spanning a variety of reader ages and interests, that unfold like a warm blanket. I’m also putting forth the cozy fall vibes to manifest my favorite season. We can collectively relax and ignore the soaring summer temperatures for now!
For a wider range of similar cozy recommendations, check out the Cozy Reads featured list on Comics Plus®. From friendship stories, magical worlds, and relatable examinations of mental well-being, readers are sure to find a story that provides maximum interest without disrupting their cozy vibes.
Children
Truck in the Muck by Sophia Gholz and Susan Batori (Cherry Lake)
A duck in a truck gets stuck in the muck, or so the story goes! Duck is excited for a playdate with his friends, but first, he must finish his work day. Suddenly, the clouds roll in, and rain pours down, and his truck becomes trapped in the mud. Despite immediate assistance from an array of animal friends, they’re unable to get the truck unstuck. Will Duck and his friends be able to make the best of a messy situation?
Fans of classics such as The Little Blue Truck are sure to enjoy this heart warming read-alike. It unfolds like a warm blanket on a cool evening. This reminds readers that we make the best of “muck” and sometimes a mishap can turn out even better than what we originally planned. This picture book is great for sharing in family or classroom settings, or for independent reading.
Kids
Kingdom Unraveled: A Closely Knit Graphic Adventure by Mariana DiMercurio (Andrews McMeel)
When a magical Guardian disguised as a butterfly informs kind, elderly Josephine that she is a Champion and must embark on a dangerous quest to save the entire kingdom, Jo accepts her fate and begins the journey. In the bustling Capital, she meets Roy, whom she charms into helping her. After a series of dangerous encounters and narrow escapes, they meet a group of eager but untested magic school students who are working to uncover the mystery of both the Champions and the Guardians. Can the motley crew work together to find answers and save the kingdom before it’s too late?
This tale is laid out like a book of fables, with each chapter framed by a little more backstory for the magical world and its perils. Jo is humorously unflappable and unfailingly charming, a combination that makes both in-world characters and readers immediately drawn to her and her plight. Combined with compelling lore and stunning illustrations, this elementary-grade-appropriate adventure is the right combination of fun and cozy.
Teens
Shrub #1 by Shane Portman and Andy Alves (Fanbase Press)
Clea and Robby are teenage siblings, each grieving the loss of their father in their own way. His passing caused a rift in the family that neither has the emotional tools to articulate, until a lovable, sentient Shrub inserts itself into their lives. The trio, along with a bird they call Chirps, embark on a roadtrip to Hollywood on a mission to reunite Shrub with their family. Of course, the road ahead isn’t straightforward, physically or emotionally—forcing Clea and Robby to confront their beliefs about themselves, their family history, and the world at large.
Shrub #1 is part of a forthcoming eight issue collection. Aimed at middle-grade readers, the irresistible characters, delicate and nuanced handling of grief, and heartwarming illustrations make it appropriate for readers of any age. Adults can use the included mental health essays and study guide resource to guide younger audiences through the story while also appreciating for themselves what it says about the emotional journey of losing a loved one.
Shrub is a standout example of mental health representation through graphic medicine, a growing field that uses the comics medium to explore health-related topics, and is sure to resonate with readers. Keep an eye on Comics Plus for subsequent issues of this buzzed about new series!
Young Adult
Middlewest Book 1 by Skottie Young and Jorge Corona (Oni Press)
Abel is a young man from a rural farming community. After an argument with his perpetually angry father turns violent, a wind monster suddenly appears, stabs Abel through his heart with unknown magic, envelopes his father, and chases Abel away. On the run from the monster, Abel and his unnamed fox companion must discover how to reverse whatever evil the monster has inserted. They must navigate a cast of colorful characters, both malicious and benign, while Abel grapples with his own fear and anger.
This seemingly straightforward action fantasy has a lot to say about unchecked rage and the cycle of abuse and trauma that can live within a family. The magic curse bestowed in Abel’s chest worsens when he’s angry, threatening to destroy those around him the same way his father’s abusive patterns wreck havoc on his relationship with Abel.
While the mature themes and sporadic harsh language make the Middlewest series appropriate for older teens, the outright gorgeous visuals and the deft handling of generational curses keep this within the realm of comforting reads for fall and beyond.
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