Graphic Early Readers

Thunder and Cluck
Written by Jill Esbaum, Illustrated by Miles Thompson
Simon Kids (2021)

Two dinosaurs with larger-than-life personalities become unlikely friends in this silly and sweet Level 1 Ready-to-Read Graphics series!

Ready-to-Read Graphics books give readers the perfect introduction to the graphic novel format with easy-to-follow panels, speech bubbles with accessible vocabulary, and sequential storytelling that is spot-on for beginning readers. There’s even a how-to guide for reading graphic novels at the beginning of each book.


“A … cheery, comedic romp, ideal for the youngest dinosaur lovers.” –Publishers Weekly

“Make room for this delightful dino tale.” –School Library Journal


Thunder is big. Cluck is small. Thunder likes to ROAR! Cluck likes to say “hello!”

Can Thunder and Cluck be friends?

Peek Inside!

-WINNER! Maryland Blue Crab Young Reader Award – Beginning Fiction
-Bank Street Book Committee, Best Children’s Books of the Year, 2022
-Kansas NEA Reading Circle List

Junior Library Guild Gold Standard

It is a hot day. Thunder and Cluck find a dark, cool cave. But which friend is brave enough to lead the way in?

Junior Library Guild Gold Standard

Thunder is strong. Cluck is smart. Thunder is stuck in quicksand! Can Cluck think of a way to get him out?

Simon & Schuster Guide for Educators


Draw Dinosaurs with Illustrator Miles Thompson