Garfield and the Wicked Wizard

A parent might reach for this book when their child, a fan of comics or cartoons, is reluctant to read longer-form stories. It provides a perfect bridge, using a beloved and familiar character to introduce a simple fantasy adventure. In the story, the famously lazy cat Garfield and his pal Odie are zapped through their television into a magical kingdom. There, they must confront the bumbling but wicked wizard Varic, who has turned all the friendly gnomes into glass. This book is a lighthearted, low-stakes introduction to good versus evil, showing that even the most unlikely hero can find the courage to help others, especially when a good meal is on the line. Its simple text, plentiful illustrations, and slapstick humor make it an entertaining and accessible choice for early independent readers.