Any children’s librarian will tell you, one of the most frequent questions they receive is, “My child absolutely loved Dog Man. What other dog man books can you recommend for them to read next?” This popular graphic novel series, beloved by children aged 6 to 10, is a phenomenon for good reason. It’s packed with hilarious antics, thrilling adventures, and meaningful character development. These three core elements – humor, excitement, and emotion – ensure that almost every young reader finds something captivating. Even reluctant readers often discover a lifelong love of reading through the engaging world of Dog Man.
When asked for read-alike suggestions, the most effective approach isn’t just to list great books, but to understand why a child connects with Dog Man. This crucial step helps tailor recommendations to their specific interests, transforming a simple request into a gateway to a broader literary journey. Librarians often employ this reader’s advisory technique, leveraging their expertise to foster genuine engagement with books. Below is a curated list of titles similar to Dog Man, categorized by the most common reasons kids express their love for the series. All recommendations are either graphic novels or highly illustrated chapter books, sharing a blend of humor, excitement, and emotion.
If They Love the Laughs: “It’s Funny!”
Humor is often the number one reason kids adore Dog Man, and it’s easy to see why! The series is known for its laugh-out-loud moments, ranging from slapstick to toilet humor, often delightfully over the top. If your child is constantly giggling while reading, these comparable books, driven by their comedic appeal, are perfect.
Bad Guys by Aaron Blabey
This silly Australian series, featuring a group of criminal animals attempting to turn “good,” likely shares the most crossover appeal with Dog Man. Kids consistently rave about how much it makes them laugh. Presented as a highly illustrated chapter book, many young readers refer to it as a comic, making it an easy transition from Dog Man.
Captain Underpants by Dav Pilkey
It almost goes without saying, but it’s essential to mention that many Dog Man fans will also enjoy the author’s other iconic series, Captain Underpants. This series serves as an excellent bridge from graphic novels to chapter books, especially given the character crossovers that add an extra layer of familiarity and fun.
Lunch Lady by Jarrett J. Krosoczka
This series of humorous graphic novels uncovers the secret life of an elementary school lunch lady who doubles as a secret agent. Reviews frequently describe these books as “laugh out loud funny,” a sentiment echoed by the joyful reactions of children reading them.
The Yeti Files by Kevin Sherry
A cute and funny series of illustrated chapter books, The Yeti Files follows a Yeti on a mission to study all other humanoid creatures. These quick reads captivate young readers with their imaginative illustrations and engaging plots.
Stick Dog by Tom Watson
An easy-to-read chapter book, Stick Dog is perfect for children hesitant to dive into a full novel. It’s filled with charming sketches of Stick Dog as he embarks on a quest to find the perfect hamburger.
A collection of illustrated humorous children's books covers, featuring funny characters and vibrant designs
Binky the Space Cat by Ashley Spires
Binky’s adventure into space is complicated by his concern for his owners, who he believes need protection from an alien invasion! Children adore the humor in this series, often derived from the exaggerated perspective of a house cat. With very silly, fun illustrations, it’s an excellent choice for younger Dog Man fans (ages 7-8).
Hilo by Judd Winick
“Hi Lo” stands for high interest, low reading level, a category Dog Man often falls into, and the Hilo graphic novel series fits perfectly. Hilo is a superhero kid who mysteriously appears on Earth with no memory of his origins. The series has garnered praise from literary figures like Dav Pilkey, Neil Gaiman, Seth Meyers, and Lincoln Pierce.
CatStronauts by Drew Brockington
This action-packed and incredibly silly series follows the four best catstronauts on Earth as they explore space in the name of science! Every character is a cat, leading to numerous clever jokes and delightful situations. This series is a personal favorite for its sheer entertainment value. You might also enjoy [stan the hot dog man](https://dogcarestory.com/stan-the-hot-dog-man/) for more unique character adventures.
For the Thrill Seekers: “It’s Exciting!”
Readers who are drawn to the epic battles and high-stakes scenarios found in Dog Man books will likely enjoy action-adventure graphic novels. This is a vast genre, so these recommendations focus on titles that are highly popular, share a similar style to Dog Man, or both!
Mighty Jack by Ben Hatke
Jack, a normal kid, is pulled into a fantasy world through a magical portal, where he encounters mystical creatures and becomes embroiled in their wars. Like Dog Man, this series is very cartoony, includes several humorous moments, and is genuinely exciting. Don’t miss the Mighty Jack and Zita the Spacegirl crossover graphic novels for even more adventure.
Kung Pow Chicken by Cyndi Marko
Simply mentioning the title of this book is often enough to get a laugh from kids! This highly illustrated early chapter book is designed for younger, reluctant readers. Its 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 children, Amulet unfolds like a blockbuster movie. Emily discovers a magical amulet and must learn to harness its powers to save her family and, ultimately, the world. This fantasy story is rich 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, this series shares a similar premise. Three unlikely children are brought together to rescue their worlds from a cosmic war. It features magic, adventure, thrilling battles, and plenty of slapstick comedy.
Cleopatra in Space by Mike Maihack
Imagine the historical Cleopatra from ancient Egypt being transported into the future to combat a space tyrant, utilizing her formidable combat skills to fulfill an ancient prophecy! This series is action-packed, humorous, and full of unexpected twists.
Three Thieves series by Scott Chandler
An adventure-filled graphic novel series following three circus performers who collaborate on various missions. These books are full of heart, alongside gripping mysteries, making them perfect for older Dog Man fans who enjoy a good adventure.
A collage of action-packed graphic novel covers, featuring diverse characters in dynamic poses and fantastical settings
Percy Jackson graphic novel series by Rick Riordan
When mythological creatures begin appearing in Percy Jackson’s everyday life, he embraces his role as a hero. However, he soon angers the gods, leading him into an epic adventure. This series is ideal for younger kids looking to embark on the Percy Jackson journey.
Minecraft graphic novel series by Sfé R. Monster and Sarah Graley
If a child enjoys both Minecraft and Dog Man, simply showing them the cover of this book will spark their interest. This diverse story centers on three kids who connect through playing Minecraft together, making it suitable for older Dog Man readers. There are also numerous official and unofficial chapter books about Minecraft characters that appeal to younger readers.
DC Superhero Girls by Shay Fontana and Yancey Labat
Batgirl, Harley Quinn, Wonder Woman, Supergirl, Bumble Bee, and other awesome superheroes team up to fight evil villains and cultivate strong friendships. These entertaining and widely appealing stories are sure to be a hit.
Avatar: The Last Airbender by Gene Luen Yang, Bryan Konietzko, Michael Dante DiMartino
While this story emphasizes fun over explicit humor, Avatar quickly hooks readers and often becomes an obsession. This fantasy graphic novel series, along with its accompanying TV show, features multiple magical worlds and a plethora of brave heroes.
The Nameless City by Faith Erin Hicks
More a story of adventure and relationships than humor, The Nameless City can serve as an excellent transition for older readers into more substantial narratives. Known for its superb world-building and satisfying character arcs, and still retaining a cartoony style, it’s a great choice if a Dog Man reader is open to a slightly more serious story.
For Fans of Imagination: “I like the robots!”
It’s common to hear that kids love Dog Man partly because of its imaginative characters, making them more receptive to stories with fantastical elements. If your child enjoys the quirky robots, aliens, and unique creatures in Dog Man, these recommendations will spark their imagination.
Zita the Spacegirl by Ben Hatke
This graphic novel has been a go-to recommendation for countless readers over the years. A young girl is sucked into a portal and must find her way home from an alien planet. Like Dog Man, it’s appealing on many levels, with a major draw being its cool robot and alien creatures.
Jedi Academy by Jeffry Brown
Easy to read and packed with cartoon representations of wild Star Wars characters, this series is a safe bet if kids enjoy imaginative characters and Dog Man. It brings the Star Wars universe to life in a fun, accessible way.
Plants vs. Zombies by Paul Tobin
Killer plants! Hungry zombies! Who will win?! Originally a video game, this graphic novel series is easy to get into, especially for readers excited by its bizarre plant characters.
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 format that simply makes you feel good. You might also find [my dog stupid book](https://dogcarestory.com/my-dog-stupid-book/) an interesting read for its unique premise.
An illustration of a friendly-looking robot dog, with bright eyes and a mechanical body, standing in a whimsical setting
Also try:
- 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
For Character Enthusiasts: “I just like Dog Man and Lil Petey!”
While not as common as “it’s funny” or “it’s exciting,” answers like this do surface from time to time. Dog Man books impressively weave significant character development into their action-packed pages. Readers who appreciate this aspect might also enjoy these titles, which focus on relationships and personal growth.
Big Nate by Lincoln Peirce
Big Nate offers both a novel and a graphic novel series, primarily set in a sixth-grade classroom. The stories revolve around Nate (a rebellious prankster and drummer) and his family and friends. While there are plenty of silly moments, the series also explores genuine relationship dynamics.
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 together. Oh, and they can do magic! These short chapter books, filled with illustrations, are great for younger Dog Man fans.
The Sisters series by Christophe Cazenove and William Maury
Very cartoony and easy to read, this graphic novel series gained popularity in the UK before reaching North America. It humorously follows the often dramatic relationship between two sisters.
Smile by Raina Telegemeier
If a reader knows Dog Man and enjoys relationship stories, there’s a high probability they’ve already encountered Sisters, Smile, and Guts. But just in case: this mega-popular graphic novel series tells relatable stories about anxiety, bullying, and family. Also consider: Real Friends by Shannon Hale, Making Friends by Kristen Gudsnuck, Sunny Side Up by Jennifer L. Holm, Invisible Emmie by Terri Libenson, and the illustrated chapter book series The Derby Daredevils by Kit Rosewater. Check out [the dog stars by peter heller](https://dogcarestory.com/the-dog-stars-by-peter-heller/) for another story with strong character bonds.
If They Love the Art Style: “It’s a Cartoon!”
Readers who appreciate the “cartoon” aspect of Dog Man are typically looking for other easy-to-read, bright, exaggerated, and highly illustrated books. These recommendations capture that distinct visual appeal.
Adventure Time
With a vast selection available, this series is as cartoony as it gets. Based on the popular Cartoon Network series for all ages, these graphic novels genuinely feel like you’re watching the show. Kids don’t need to be fans of the TV series to enjoy the books, which are fun, ridiculous, highly imaginative, and positive.
Garfield
Yes, kids are still reading Garfield! Some are interested in the traditional comic-strip compilations, but more are drawn to the Papercutz series, adapted from the Cartoon Network show. It offers easy, slapstick comedy featuring beloved animal cartoons.
Snoopy the Beagle of Mars
This comic can be an easy sell due to its recognizable character, the fact that it stars a dog, and its adventurous plot. It’s a classic cartoon with a text density similar to Dog Man. For more dog-centric reads, consider [dr seuss book go dog go](https://dogcarestory.com/dr-seuss-book-go-dog-go/).
Teen Titans GO! and Tiny Titans
Teen Titans GO! is excellent for fans of the show, while Tiny Titans is perfect for younger Dog Man enthusiasts. The plots are quick-paced, just like a cartoon show, and the art style is captivating.
Bravest Warriors
A super sweet, Adventure-Time-esque graphic novel series 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 more books that are like Dog Man, you can find a comprehensive list of [dog man books to read](https://dogcarestory.com/dog-man-books-to-read/) on our site.
A vibrant, stylized illustration showing a variety of popular cartoon characters, including a superhero dog, a cat, and other whimsical figures, in an action-packed scene
Also Try:
- My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
- Scooby Doo
- Stephen Universe
- Sonic the Hedgehog
- Pokemon Manga
- Chi’s Sweet Home
- Diary of a Wimpy Kid
When the Reason is Unclear: “I don’t know!”
Sometimes a reader isn’t available for an “interview,” or they simply can’t articulate why they love Dog Man. In such situations, it’s best to try a few of the suggestions above. The books most thematically and appealingly similar to Dog Man include: Bad Guys, Captain Underpants, Jedi Academy, Lunch Lady, and Big Nate. When a child isn’t keen on discussing their preferences, a helpful strategy is to provide a stack of these books and encourage them to read the first few pages, taking only what genuinely interests them. This approach helps alleviate any pressure a child might feel, whether due to embarrassment, feeling forced, or difficulty with reading. Allow them to browse freely, and check in after a few minutes to see what has captured their attention.
Dog Man’s immense success is partly due to its broad appeal, making it an excellent gateway to other books. The next time a reader or parent asks for Dog Man read-alikes, try to identify which “gateway” resonates most with the child to guide them toward their next favorite story.
