The Graphic Novels & Comics Round Table announce ‘Froggy: A Pond Full of Pals!’, ‘How to Draw a Secret’ and ‘Witches of Brooklyn’ win the inaugural Outstanding Comics for Children Awards

“Froggy: A Pond Full of Pals!” written by Paige Walshe and art by Paige Walshe, published by Flying Eye Books; and “How to Draw a Secret,” written by Cindy Chang and art by Cindy Chang with colors by Cristina Rose Chua, published by Allida Books; and “Witches of Brooklyn, Witches of Brooklyn: What the Hex, Witches of Brooklyn: S’More Magic, Witches of Brooklyn: Spell of a Time, and Witches of Brooklyn: Curse & Reverse,” written by Sophie Escabasse and art by Sophie Escabasse, published by RH Graphic are the 2026 recipients of the Outstanding Comics Awards from the American Library Association’s Graphic Novels & Comics Round Table.

Newly announced in 2025, the GNCRT’s Outstanding Comics Awards are given to exceptional graphic novels that appeal to adults, teens, and children in the categories of fiction, nonfiction, and series. These awards aim to increase awareness of the graphic novel medium, raise voices of comic creators, and aid library staff in the development of graphic novel collections. The awards will be presented to the winning creators at the ALA Annual Conference & Exhibition in Chicago in June.

GNCRT President Shauntee Burns-Simpson said, “In libraries, we see how comics bring people together, new readers, lifelong fans, and everyone in between. The Outstanding Comics Award honors works that expand our understanding of what stories can look like and ensure that there is something on the shelf for everyone.”

“I am very proud of the committee’s hard work and our selections. The opportunity to uplift excellent comics for children with this inaugural award is an honor,” said Outstanding Comics Award Children’s chair Jennie Law. “Our winners and honorees represent the wide range of storytelling that is possible in comics. Each title takes readers on a unique journey through time and space, real and imagined with its distinct art, writing, and use of the comics form. However, at the center of each of these incredible books is the importance of community whether it be a circle of storytellers around a fire, close-knit friends, a coven, a family, an ocean or pond full of new pals, or a superhero team. Our committee hopes that young readers find a sense of belonging in these books as they see themselves and are given entry into worlds beyond their own.”

Outstanding Comics Award – Children in the category of Fiction Winner

“Froggy: A Pond Full of Pals!” written by Paige Walshe. Art by Paige Walshe. 2025. Flying Eye Books

Young Froggy sets off from his home swamp to explore the great, wide world in this beautifully illustrated, witty story full of humor and heart. Around the bend, he encounters adventures, challenges, and new friends.

Outstanding Comics Award – Children in the category of Fiction Honor Books

“Fresh Start,” written by Gale Galligan. Art by Gale Galligan. Colors by K Czap. 2025. Graphix.

Thai American Ollie is used to moving for her dad's diplomat job. After moving to Virginia, she learns that they’ll be staying permanently. What does it mean for her to build real friendships and put down roots? Wide-ranging art styles highlight both Ollie’s complex emotions and her creativity.

“The Snips: A Bad Buzz Day,” written by Raúl the Third. Art by Raúl the Third. Colors by Elaine Bay. Coloring by Eleonora Bruni. Lettering by Rob Leigh. 2025. LB Ink.

Scissor City's superhero barber team, The Snips, battle the rampaging Unruly Hairthing and solve a mysterious plague of terrible haircuts featuring the letters BBB. Spanish is seamlessly included throughout. Raúl the Third creates a vibrant universe using a unique blend of classic comic, Pop Art, and vintage cartoon styles.

Outstanding Comics Award – Children in the Category of Nonfiction Winner

“How to Draw a Secret,” written by Cindy Chang. Art by Cindy Chang. Colors by Cristina Rose Chua. 2025. Allida Books.

In this autobiographical story, tween Cindy Chang travels to Taiwan with her mom and sisters for a funeral and to see her father for the first time in four years. During the trip Cindy must reimagine her definition of family when long held secrets are uncovered.

Outstanding Comics Award – Children in the Category of Nonfiction Honor Books

“How to say Goodbye in Cuban,” written by Daniel Miyares. Art by Daniel Miyares. 2025. Anne Schwartz Books.

In 1960s Cuba, young Carlos recounts an idyllic childhood until the tumult of Fidel Castro’s rise to power. Based on the artist/writer’s grandfather’s recollections of his childhood in Cuba and his family’s perilous migration to the United States. This book is an emotional tale about the power of family and a germane meditation on what it means to be free.

“I'm a Dumbo Octopus!: A Graphic Guide to Cephalopods” written by Anne Lambelet. Art by Anne Lambelet. 2025. Graphic Universe.

Striking, atmospheric illustrations take readers on a deep-sea tour of cephalopod life. Grimpy (Grimpoteuthis) serves as a guide as we learn what makes cephalopods so extraordinary. A standout pick for curious young readers, educators, and anyone eager to dive into the wonders of ocean science.

Outstanding Comics Award – Children in the Category of Series Winner

“Witches of Brooklyn v.1,” written by Sophie Escabasse. Art by Sophie Escabasse. 2020. RH Graphic.

“Witches of Brooklyn v.2: What the Hex?!,” written by Sophie Escabasse. Art by Sophie Escabasse. 2021. RH Graphic.

“Witches of Brooklyn v.3: S’More Magic,” written by Sophie Escabasse. Art by Sophie Escabasse. 2022. RH Graphic.

“Witches of Brooklyn v.4: Spell of a Time,” written by Sophie Escabasse. Art by Sophie Escabasse. 2023. RH Graphic.

“Witches of Brooklyn v.5: Curse & Reverse,” written by Sophie Escabasse. Art by Sophie Escabasse. 2025. RH Graphic.

When preteen Effie moves to Brooklyn to live with her aunts after the death of her mother, she discovers her beloved aunts are actually witches. So is she! Effie quickly adapts to a new life in which magic, mayhem, and merriment rule the day.

Outstanding Comics Award – Children in the Category of Series Honor Books

“Are You Afraid of the Dark? v.1: The Witch’s Wings and Other Terrifying Tales,” written by Tehlor Kay Mejia. Illustrated by Junyi Wu, Justin & Alexis Hernandez, Kaylee Rowena. Letters by Bernardo Brice. 2023. Amulet Books.

“Are You Afraid of the Dark? v.2: The Sinister Sisters and Other Terrifying Tales,” written by Roseanne A. Brown. Art by Shazleen Khan, Bill Masuku and Gigi Murakami. Letters by Lor Prescott with Sara Linsley. 2025. Abrams Fanfare.

In this series spinoff of the television show “Are You Afraid of the Dark?,” the Midnight Society is back and inducting new members! Each volume pulls from urban legends and lore (the first book from Hispanic cultures and the second Ghanaian folktales) to craft spine-tingling tales that are both horrifying and cautionary.

“Peapod Farm v.1: Stepping Stones,” written by Lucy Knisley. Art by Lucy Knisley. Colors by Whitney Cogar. 2020. RH Graphic.

“Peapod Farm v.2: Apple Crush,” written by Lucy Knisley. Art by Lucy Knisley. Colors by Whitney Cogar. 2022. RH Graphic.

“Peapod Farm v.3: Sugar Shack,” written by Lucy Knisley. Art by Lucy Knisley. Colors by Whitney Cogar. 2025. RH Graphic.

In this heartfelt story that arcs across three volumes, Jen must relearn what family means now that she and her mother have moved from her beloved city life to Peapod Farm with her mother’s partner Walter and his daughters, Andy and Reese.

In creating the Outstanding Comics Awards, the GNCRT has followed its resolution to honor the entire creative team (including writers, artists, letterers, colorists, and translators) involved in the books listed.   

The 2025 Outstanding Comics Award for Children selection committee members are Jennie Law, Chair, Katie Lawrence, Vice-Chair, Kim Becnel, Jennifer Dawes, Brandi Hamlin, Christian Hines, Tina Lerno, Midoria Linster, Eva Volin.

About the Graphic Novels and Comics Round Table

The Graphic Novels and Comics Round Table of the American Library Association is dedicated to supporting library staff in all aspects of engaging with graphic novels and comics, including collection development, programming, and advocacy. For more information connect with GNCRT on Discord; X: @libcomix; Instagram: @libcomix; Bluesky: or the GNCRT ALA Connect page.

About the American Library Association

The American Library Association is the largest non-partisan, nonprofit organization dedicated to America’s libraries. The ALA mission is to empower and advocate for all libraries and library workers to ensure equitable access to information for all. For 150 years, ALA has provided resources for information professionals to transform their communities through essential programs and services. For more information, visit www.ala.org.