TL;DR
If you’re looking for the antidote to the loud, hyper-caffeinated "brain rot" often found on YouTube, the Hilda graphic novels are it. Created by Luke Pearson, this series follows a blue-haired girl who navigates a world where Nordic folklore—trolls, giants, and tiny hidden elves—is just a part of everyday life. It’s cozy, adventurous, and deeply empathetic. It’s perfect for kids aged 6-12 who love Gravity Falls but want something with a bit more of a Studio Ghibli "quiet magic" vibe.
Quick Links:
- The original series: Hilda (Graphic Novels)
- The animated adaptation: Hilda (Netflix Show)
- Similar vibes: Amulet or The Wild Robot
Before it was a hit Netflix show, Hilda was a series of oversized, beautifully illustrated graphic novels. The story starts in the wilderness, where Hilda lives in a lonely cabin with her mother and her "deer-fox" companion, Twig.
The world isn't our world, but it feels familiar. It’s a place where you have to be careful not to step on an invisible elf's house and where a rock might actually be a troll waiting for the sun to go down. Eventually, the story moves to the walled city of Trolberg, and that’s where the series really shines—exploring how a "nature kid" adapts to urban life without losing her sense of wonder or her compass for kindness.
Ask our chatbot for a reading order of the Hilda books
We see a lot of media that relies on "mean humor" or constant sarcasm to keep kids engaged. Hilda doesn't do that. It treats its audience with respect.
Kids love it because Hilda has an incredible amount of autonomy. She wanders the woods, she explores the city, and she makes mistakes. She’s not a "perfect" hero; she can be stubborn and occasionally dismissive of her mom’s worries, which makes her feel like a real person rather than a cartoon trope.
Parents love it because the art is genuinely top-tier. The color palettes (lots of burnt oranges, deep blues, and mustard yellows) are sophisticated and calming. It’s the kind of book you don't mind reading with them for the tenth time because there’s always a tiny detail in the background—like a Vitra-style chair in a giant’s house—that you didn’t notice before.
If you’re starting your collection, here is how the primary books break down:
This is the "pilot." It introduces the basic rules of the world. Hilda encounters a troll, tries to befriend it, and learns that things aren't always as they seem. It’s a short, sweet introduction to the aesthetic.
This is where the emotional stakes ramp up. Hilda deals with the "Invisible People" (tiny elves who want her family to move out) and a massive, lonely giant waiting for a friend. It’s a masterclass in teaching kids about perspective and the idea that we might be the "monsters" in someone else's story.
Hilda moves to the city of Trolberg. If your kid has ever felt like a fish out of water or struggled with a big move, this is the one. It captures the overwhelming feeling of a new city perfectly.
This book introduces the Sparrow Scouts (Hilda's version of the Scouts) and a mysterious beast stalking the city. It explores themes of fear, rumor, and the importance of looking past the surface.
This is a high-adventure entry. Hilda and her mom get trapped in the land of trolls. It’s one of the best "parent-child" stories in modern graphic novels, showing their friction but also their deep bond.
The epic conclusion to the main arc. Without spoiling it, this book tackles the "us vs. them" mentality that leads to conflict. It’s a beautiful plea for diplomacy and empathy over walls and weapons.
Check out our guide to the best graphic novels for middle grade readers
In a world of Roblox "obby" videos and 15-second TikTok trends, the Hilda books offer sustained engagement. Graphic novels are often the "gateway drug" to literacy for reluctant readers, but Hilda is high-protein content.
The vocabulary is smart, the plots are layered, and the emotional intelligence is off the charts. It teaches kids that:
- Curiosity is a superpower.
- Conflict can often be resolved through conversation.
- Nature and urban spaces both have their own kind of magic.
Recommended Ages: 6 to 12
While the series is generally very safe, there are a few things to keep in mind:
- The "Scare" Factor: Some of the creatures (the Black Hound, the Woodman, certain trolls) can be a bit spooky for very sensitive 5-year-olds. However, the art style keeps it from being nightmare fuel.
- Emotional Complexity: By the later books, Hilda and her mom have some real arguments. It’s healthy modeling, but it’s more "real" than the typical sunshine-and-rainbows parent-child dynamic in kids' media.
- Independence: Hilda wanders off a lot. If you have a child who tends to take "independent exploration" a little too literally in the real world, you might want to frame these stories as fantasy!
Ask our chatbot about age-appropriate graphic novels for sensitive kids
Hilda is a "conversation starter" series. Here are a few prompts for the car ride or bedtime:
- On Empathy: "Why do you think the elves were so upset with Hilda’s house? Were they being mean, or were they just protecting their own space?"
- On Rules: "Trolberg has a huge wall to keep trolls out. Do you think the wall makes people safer, or does it just make them more afraid of things they don't understand?"
- On Bravery: "Hilda is brave, but she also gets scared. What’s the difference between being 'fearless' and being 'brave'?"
The Hilda graphic novels are a rare find: they are "cool" enough for older elementary kids, accessible enough for early readers, and artistic enough for parents to genuinely enjoy.
If your kid is already a fan of the Netflix show, the books are a must-read—they offer a slightly different, more atmospheric take on the characters. If they haven't discovered Hilda yet, start with Hilda and the Troll. It’s a low-risk entry point into a world that will likely become a household favorite.
- Grab the first book: See if the art style clicks with your kid.
- Watch the show together: It’s one of the few "all-ages" shows that actually means it.
- Explore the genre: If they love Hilda, they might also like The Wingfeather Saga or Lightfall.