For any children’s librarian, the question “My kid loved Dog Man. What else can they read?” is incredibly common. The “Dog Man” series by Dav Pilkey has captured the hearts of countless young readers aged 6-10 with its unique blend of silliness, adventure, and heartwarming character development. These graphic novels are a perfect gateway to a lifelong love of reading, especially for reluctant readers. When seeking new books with dog in the title that resonate with young Dog Man enthusiasts, the key is not just to list titles, but to understand why a child loves the series. This approach, rooted in the principles of a reader’s advisory interview, helps uncover the specific elements that most appeal to them.
This article categorizes excellent read-alike options based on the most frequent answers children give when asked what makes Dog Man so special. All the recommendations are either graphic novels or highly illustrated chapter books, ensuring they maintain the accessible and engaging style that Dog Man fans adore. Let’s explore these categories to help your young reader discover their next favorite book.
“It’s Funny!” – Books for Kids Who Love Humor
The humor in Dog Man is often laugh-out-loud funny, ranging from slapstick to toilet-based jokes, usually delivered in an over-the-top style. For kids who prioritize a good giggle, these comparable books are driven by hilarious plots and characters.
- Bad Guys by Aaron Blabey: This Australian series features a group of criminal animals attempting to be “good.” Its silly premise and highly illustrated format often make kids refer to them as comics, and the humor is consistently a hit, making it a natural crossover for Dog Man fans.
- Captain Underpants by Dav Pilkey: It goes without saying that fans of Dav Pilkey’s Dog Man will likely enjoy his other iconic series, Captain Underpants. With character crossovers, it serves as an excellent bridge from graphic novels to chapter books.
- Lunch Lady by Jarrett J. Krosoczka: Follow the mysterious lunch lady at an elementary school who secretly moonlights as a secret agent. These graphic novels are consistently praised for their “laugh out loud funny” moments by both kids and reviewers.
- The Yeti Files by Kevin Sherry: A cute and funny series of illustrated chapter books about a Yeti on a mission to study all other humanoid creatures. They are quick reads, captivating young readers with imaginative illustrations and whimsical plots.
- Stick Dog by Tom Watson: An easy-reading chapter book ideal for children hesitant to try a full novel. It’s filled with charming sketches of Stick Dog and his friends as they embark on a quest to find the perfect hamburger, delivering natural and lighthearted humor.
- Binky the Space Cat by Ashley Spires: Binky, a house cat, believes he’s a space adventurer tasked with protecting his owners from alien invasions. The humor in this series often stems from the exaggerated feline perspective, making it very silly and fun, particularly suitable for younger Dog Man fans (ages 7-8).
- Hilo by Judd Winick: Often categorized as “high interest, low reading level” like Dog Man, the Hilo graphic novel series features a superhero kid who mysteriously appears on Earth with no memory of his past. The blend of adventure and humor is endorsed by Dav Pilkey himself, alongside other notable authors.
- CatStronauts by Drew Brockington: In this action-packed and very silly series, the four best “catstronauts” on Earth explore space in the name of science. The all-cat cast provides a wealth of unique jokes and situations that will entertain any young reader.
A collection of humorous children's graphic novels and chapter books
“It’s Exciting!” – Action-Packed Adventures
Readers who are drawn to the battles, high stakes, and thrilling plots in Dog Man books will undoubtedly enjoy action and adventure graphic novels. This is a vast genre, so here are some titles that are highly popular or stylistically similar to Dog Man.
- Mighty Jack by Ben Hatke: Jack is a normal kid who finds himself pulled into a fantasy world through a magical portal, encountering mythical creatures and becoming embroiled in their conflicts. Like Dog Man, it’s very cartoony, full of silly moments, and genuinely exciting. Also look for the Mighty Jack and Zita the Spacegirl crossover graphic novels for even more adventure.
- Kung Pow Chicken by Cyndi Marko: The title alone is often enough to get a laugh! This highly illustrated early chapter book is perfect for younger, reluctant readers. The fast-paced plot centers around a superhero chicken, reminiscent of a certain beloved superhero dog.
- Amulet by Kazu Kibuishi: One of the most popular graphic novel series for kids, Amulet reads like a cinematic adventure. Emily discovers a magical amulet and must harness its powers to save her family and, ultimately, the world. It’s a fantasy story packed with high-stakes adventure and profound character development.
- The Sand Warrior by Mark Siegel, Alexis Siegel, and Xanthe Bouma: Slightly lighter and more cartoony than Amulet, but with a similar premise. This graphic novel series brings together three unlikely kids to save their worlds from an intergalactic war, featuring magic, adventure, battles, and slapstick comedy.
- Cleopatra in Space by Mike Maihack: Imagine the historical Cleopatra from ancient Egypt transported into the future to combat a space tyrant, utilizing her impressive combat skills to fulfill a prophecy. This series is action-packed, funny, and full of unexpected twists.
- Three Thieves series by Scott Chandler: An adventure-filled graphic novel series following three circus performers on various missions. These books combine heartwarming stories with gripping mysteries, making them great for older Dog Man fans who appreciate intricate adventures.
- Percy Jackson graphic novel series by Rick Riordan: When mythological creatures begin appearing in Percy Jackson’s ordinary life, he embraces his role as a hero. He soon finds himself caught in an epic adventure, angering gods and facing monumental challenges. This series is an excellent starting point for younger readers interested in the Percy Jackson universe.
- Minecraft graphic novel series by Sfé R. Monster and Sarah Graley: If a child enjoys both Minecraft and Dog Man, the cover alone will pique their interest. This diverse story follows three friends connected through their shared love of Minecraft, appealing to older Dog Man readers. Numerous official and unofficial chapter books about Minecraft characters also exist for younger fans.
- DC Superhero Girls by Shay Fontana and Yancey Labat: Batgirl, Harley Quinn, Wonder Woman, Supergirl, Bumble Bee, and other incredible superheroes unite to fight villains and forge strong friendships. These entertaining graphic novels have broad appeal, combining action with positive themes of camaraderie.
- Avatar: The Last Airbender by Gene Luen Yang, Bryan Konietzko, Michael Dante DiMartino: While more fun than outright funny, Avatar quickly hooks its readers, often becoming an obsession. This fantasy graphic novel series, based on the popular TV show, features multiple magical worlds and a host of brave heroes.
- The Nameless City by Faith Erin Hicks: More focused on adventure and relationships than humor, The Nameless City serves as a good transition for older Dog Man readers to more substantial stories. It’s known for its rich world-building and satisfying character arcs, maintaining a cartoony style that might appeal to those open to a slightly more serious narrative.
Children's books featuring exciting adventures and high-stakes stories
“I Like the Robots!” – For Fans of Imaginative Characters
Often a secondary reason for loving Dog Man, many children are drawn to its imaginative characters and are receptive to fantasy elements in their stories, especially cool robots and unique creatures.
- Zita the Spacegirl by Ben Hatke: This graphic novel has been a hit with countless readers. It follows a girl who is sucked into a portal and must find her way back home from an alien planet. Like Dog Man, it’s appealing on many levels, particularly for its array of cool robot and alien creatures.
- Jedi Academy by Jeffrey Brown: Easy-to-read and packed with cartoon representations of wild Star Wars characters, this series is a safe bet for kids who enjoy imaginative characters and Dog Man. The combination of familiar faces and new adventures makes it highly engaging.
- Plants vs Zombies by Paul Tobin: Based on the popular video game, this graphic novel series is easy to get into, especially for readers who are excited by bizarre plant characters and humorous zombie antics. It brings the interactive fun of the game into a narrative format.
- Phoebe and her Unicorn series by Dana Simpson: If the reader has any interest in unicorns, this series is an easy sell. It’s cartoony and irreverent, much like Dog Man, with a short, comic strip style that leaves readers feeling good. The delightful friendship between a girl and her magical unicorn offers both charm and wit.
Consider these additional titles for fans of imaginative creatures and fantastic worlds:
- Artemis Fowl: The Graphic Novel by Eoin Colfer
- Laser Moose and Rabbit Boy by Doug Savage
- Hilda and the Troll by Luke Pearson
- Aquicorn Cove by Katie O’Neill
- Ghost Hog by Joey Weiser
Imaginative characters like robots and aliens in children's books
“I Just Like Dog Man and Lil Petey!” – Character-Driven Stories
While less common than specific plot elements, some readers are simply drawn to the compelling character development within the action-packed pages of Dog Man. These young fans appreciate the relationships and emotional arcs, and might also enjoy the following best dog stories of all time centered around strong characters. For those who appreciate the unique dynamic between Dog Man and Lil Petey, especially the elements of friendship and transformation, there are many rich narratives to explore. Even literary pieces like charles bukowski love is a dog from hell explore complex relationships, albeit for a very different audience, highlighting the universal appeal of stories centered on canine figures.
- Big Nate by Lincoln Peirce: Available in both novel and graphic novel formats, Big Nate’s stories are primarily set in a sixth-grade classroom. They revolve around Nate, a rebellious prankster and drummer, and his family and friends. While full of silly moments, the series also explores genuine relationship dynamics and character growth.
- Ivy and Bean by Annie Barrows and Sophie Blackall: Two girls who are complete opposites become the best of friends and embark on various adventures, sometimes involving magic. These short, heavily illustrated chapter books are excellent for younger Dog Man fans who enjoy stories about friendship and discovery.
- The Sisters series by Christophe Cazenove and William Maury: Very cartoony and easy to read, this graphic novel series explores the often dramatic yet always relatable relationship between two sisters. It was popular in the UK before gaining traction in North America, offering charming insights into sibling bonds.
- Smile by Raina Telgemeier: This mega-popular graphic novel series tells relatable stories about anxiety, bullying, and family life. If a reader likes Dog Man and relationship stories, there’s a high chance they’ve already encountered Smile, Sisters, or Guts. These books are praised for their authenticity and emotional depth, appealing to those who connect with characters’ personal journeys.
- Baby-sitter’s Club Graphic Novels by Ann M. Martin and Gale Galligan: With a popular Netflix show and an extremely successful graphic novel reboot, Baby-sitter’s Club is experiencing a resurgence. Kids who enjoy cartoony relationship stories without overly heavy themes will love these. Younger readers can also try the Baby-Sitters Little Sisters series for age-appropriate adventures.
Also consider these popular character-driven narratives:
- Real Friends by Shannon Hale
- Making Friends by Kristen Gudsnuck
- Sunny Side Up by Jennifer L. Holm
- Invisible Emmie by Terri Libenson
- The Derby Daredevils by Kit Rosewater
Diverse group of characters from various popular children's book series
“It’s a Cartoon!” – Visually Engaging Books
For readers who are drawn to the cartoonish aspect of Dog Man, they are often looking for other easy-to-read, bright, exaggerated, and highly illustrated books. These titles deliver vibrant visuals and dynamic storytelling.
- Adventure Time: With plenty to choose from, these graphic novels are as cartoony as it gets, based on the popular Cartoon Network series. They feel exactly like watching the show, and kids don’t need to be existing fans to enjoy them. They are fun, ridiculous, highly imaginative, and maintain a positive tone.
- Garfield: Yes, kids are still reading Garfield! While some enjoy traditional comic-strip compilations, many are captivated by the Papercutz series, adapted from the Cartoon Network show. These books offer easy, slapstick comedy with familiar animal cartoons.
- Snoopy the Beagle of Mars: This comic series is an easy sell due to its recognizable character, the fact that it’s a dog, and its adventurous plot. It’s a classic cartoon with a similar amount of text to Dog Man, making it accessible and entertaining.
- Teen Titans GO! and Tiny Titans: Teen Titans GO! is fantastic for fans of the show, while Tiny Titans is ideal for the younger set of Dog Man enthusiasts. The plots are quick and engaging, much like a cartoon show, and the art style is captivating.
- Bravest Warriors: A super sweet, Adventure Time-esque series of graphic novels set in the distant future. This is a good choice for older Dog Man readers who enjoy cartoons, offering adventure, wholesome humor, and great character development. For readers who enjoy exploring different book-buying experiences, discovering whether a location is a half price books dog friendly store could add another layer of enjoyment to their book hunting.
Also, try these other popular cartoon-style books:
- My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
- Scooby Doo
- Stephen Universe
- Sonic the Hedgehog
- Pokemon Manga
- Chi’s Sweet Home
- Diary of a Wimpy Kid
“I Don’t Know!” – General Recommendations for Reluctant Readers
Sometimes, a young reader might not be available for an “interview,” or they simply can’t articulate why they love Dog Man. In such cases, having a few go-to suggestions that broadly capture Dog Man’s appeal is helpful. The books most thematically and appealingly similar to Dog Man across various categories include: big jim dog man
- Bad Guys
- Captain Underpants
- Jedi Academy
- Lunch Lady
- Big Nate
For kids who are not interested in discussing their preferences, it’s often best to provide a stack of these books and encourage them to read the first couple of pages, taking only what genuinely interests them. Some children may feel embarrassed, forced, or even overwhelmed by reading choices, so taking the pressure off can make a significant difference. Allow them to browse independently and check in after a few minutes to see what has caught their eye.
The widespread success of Dog Man is largely attributable to its broad array of appeal factors, making it an excellent gateway to numerous other books. The next time a reader or parent asks for more Dog Man Books To Read, try to identify which “gateway” element—be it humor, excitement, unique characters, relatable relationships, or cartoon style—they are most eager to explore. This personalized approach ensures a more rewarding reading journey for every young fan.
