Graphic Novels for Ages 8-10
ABOUT THE BOOKS
We are thrilled to announce the completion of the first book in our series:
THE BRAINY BOOKS OF WOW: BOOK 1 - Remarkable Adventures with Professor Wow and Buddy the Wonder Cat.
This adventurous and informative 200-page graphic novel is written for ages 8-10. Additional books to come for various audiences including children and young adults.
What if we were taught how to manage our brains from a young age? What if we grew up knowing how to balance our dopamine and breathe for optimal brain function? What if young people had valuable skills for navigating these confusing times? What if children were empowered in their ability to ask questions, wonder, and imagine, seeing these talents as strengths to create real-world change?
Based on D.C. McGuire’s cutting-edge neuroscience research, but wrapped into a fun and adventurous fictional storyline, THE BRAINY BOOKS OF WOW: BOOK 1 guides young readers to understand the power of their brains and minds. Told through the entertaining graphic novel story format, young readers will soar away from the book with not only fundamental knowledge about how their brains work, but also equipped with concrete skills to use their brains in new and creative ways. Some of the brain-skills (A.K.A. Brain Superpowers) the reader will develop include balancing dopamine, coping with difficult emotions, and breathing for optimal brain function.
THE BRAINY BOOKS OF WOW: BOOK 1, much like THE MAGIC SCHOOL BUS and SCIENCE COMICS, is rooted firmly in science. However, our book moves away from only teaching readers facts about their brains. Instead, we focus on showing young readers how to use their brains as tools, to be the people they want to be, and how to apply these skills to real-world issues they will likely encounter throughout their lives.
We have responded to the urgent plea from elementary and middle school teachers, who feel overburdened with the emotional and mental state of their young students today. According to NBC, half a million children are seen in emergency rooms every year throughout our country for emotional, behavioral, and mental conditions, especially feelings of hopelessness.
Written with these turbulent times in mind, our book prepares young people to navigate the stormy and uncertain waters of the world today. These waters often feel uncontrollable, choppy, and overwhelming, especially for children. Even if there is no lighthouse in sight, our readers learn that they don’t need anything outside of themselves to find their way - all they need is their brains, a couple brain-management tools, and an open mind.
Ultimately, the goal of The Brainy Books of Wow, is that readers emerge empowered, aware of the magic of their minds, and prepared to be the leaders of their own lives and the world around them.
PLOT SUMMARY OF BOOK 1
Though the foundation of our book is neuroscience research, the plot is a fictional page-turner, with an engaging and adventurous storyline and many lovable characters.
The brain is filled with astonishing knowledge, valuable gifts, and glorious treasure. At The Wonder Academy, where the top priority is asking questions and, of course, wondering, a group of diverse children embarks on an adventurous field trip through the brain.
Their mission: to gather mysterious pieces of treasure, uncover secret knowledge (that even grown-ups don’t know yet), and master Brain Superpowers (A.K.A. neuroscience-based brain-skills). This team of children, who call themselves, “The Wonder Kidz,” must navigate through the various parts of the brain, and use these newly acquired Brain Superpowers to overcome the many unexpected obstacles that arise.
Equipped with only their brains, maps, and quirky personalities, The Wonder Kidz explore The Reptile Brain, The Mammal Brain, and The Human Brain, where they discover a big secret that helps them understand how much they, how much kids, really matter.
Through the book, The Wonder Kidz, and readers, will grasp the leadership know-how to shape a better world.
Will their new Brain Superpowers and knowledge be enough to help them defeat the confusion of these tumultuous times?
Frequently Asked Questions
Will there be more books to come?
Absolutely! Our first book is an introductory volume and sets the stage for the books to follow. We have many books planned that will build on the concepts, skills, and characters established in the first book.
Our plans not only include sequels to this introductory volume, but we are also crafting books based on the stories of the individual Wonder Kidz.
Lastly, we are creating workbooks and classroom materials to go along with the books.
What will the second book be about?
Book 2 follows the same format as Book 1: neuroscience wrapped into an adventure. However, the second book is fully centered on dopamine and will expand on the concepts of dopamine management set forth in our first book. The idea is to help the reader spot levels of dopamine in themselves, and others, and how to bring it back into a healthy range. This second book takes a global perspective, as the class zips around the world, to understand how dopamine is influencing issues and conflicts, as well as positive situations.
Who is the artist?
Our mock-up images featured on this website were made by Norway-based artist Victoria Haallman Hamre. However, we have no contractual agreement with her to illustrate the whole series. This is because publishers like to decide on the illustrator themselves, so we’ll see who ends up being our permanent artist down the line. We adore Victoria’s images and think they portray the spirit of the books, so we have our fingers crossed that she will be chosen to illustrate the whole series.
Are there additional people involved in creating the series?
Yes! Thanks to D.C. McGuire’s extensive neuroscience career, many big names have jumped to get involved in our project and have offered to promote, endorse, or provide expertise along the way. These folks consist of childhood-development experts, neuroscientists, writers, activists, visionaries, and more.
The complete list of our endorsements will be released soon.
Are the books written for disabled young people?
The books are inspired by today’s severe children’s mental health crisis, and the urgent need for healthy brain management tools. NBC claims that every year, half a million children are seen in emergency rooms for mental, emotional, and behavioral conditions, especially feelings of hopelessness. We aim to confront this. However, our books are not specifically written for disabled or neurodivergent children and young people (but these folks will certainly enjoy our book as well). Our books do address depression, anxiety, and the cognitive issues that arise from too much or too little dopamine.
One of The Wonder Kidz in our story, Max, is a wheelchair user, but he is not neurodivergent.
I have more questions, how can I get in touch?
We would love to hear from you! Please visit our contact page HERE.