As any parent or educator knows, finding books that genuinely captivate young readers can be a challenge. But then there’s Dog Man. This wildly popular graphic novel series has become a phenomenon, drawing in countless children aged 6 to 10 with its unique blend of silliness, adventure, and heartwarming character development. For many reluctant readers, Dog Man serves as the perfect gateway, igniting a lifelong passion for reading. Its success lies in its ability to offer something for every child, whether it’s laugh-out-loud humor, thrilling escapades, or relatable emotional arcs.
At Dog Care Story, we understand that nurturing a love for reading is just as important as caring for our beloved pets. Just as we help you find the best dog care tips, we want to help you discover the next great read for the dog-loving kids in your life. The common question we hear is, “My child loved Dog Man. What else can they read?” To answer this, we’ve compiled a comprehensive Dog Man list of books, diving deep into what makes the series so appealing and suggesting titles that capture those same elements. Whether your child is drawn to the outrageous humor, the thrilling plots, or the imaginative characters, this guide will help you find their next favorite book. For more inspiring stories, consider exploring Andre Alexis Fifteen Dogs, another tale that delves into the fascinating world of canine narratives.
Instead of just listing books, we’ve organized our recommendations based on the core elements that most resonate with young Dog Man fans. All the books on this list share a combination of humor, excitement, and emotion, and are presented in either graphic novel format or as highly illustrated chapter books, making them accessible and engaging for this age group.
It’s Hilarious! Books for Kids Who Love to Laugh
“It’s funny!” is undoubtedly the most frequent answer when kids are asked why they adore Dog Man. Dav Pilkey’s humor is often laugh-out-loud-worthy, ranging from slapstick to toilet humor, and almost always over-the-top. If your child is constantly giggling while reading Dog Man, these comparable books, driven by pure humor, are sure to be a hit. They embrace the same playful spirit and deliver plenty of comedic moments that young readers cherish.
A cartoon illustration of a happy, goofy dog with large eyes and a wide smile, representing the humor category.
The Bad Guys by Aaron Blabey
This incredibly silly Australian series, featuring criminal animals attempting to be “good,” likely has the most crossover appeal with Dog Man. Kids consistently report that these highly illustrated chapter books make them laugh out loud. Many children even refer to them as comics, highlighting their engaging visual style. The characters’ clumsy attempts at heroism provide endless entertainment.
Captain Underpants by Dav Pilkey
It almost goes without saying, but it must be mentioned: many children who enjoy Dog Man will naturally love Dav Pilkey’s other iconic series, Captain Underpants. This series serves as an excellent bridge from graphic novels to more traditional chapter books, especially given the shared universe and character crossovers that fans will appreciate.
Lunch Lady by Jarrett J. Krosoczka
In this series of delightful graphic novels, a mysterious lunch lady at an elementary school is secretly a secret agent. Reviews often describe these books as “laugh out loud funny,” a sentiment frequently echoed by kids reading them. The blend of everyday school life with thrilling spy adventures creates a uniquely humorous experience.
The Yeti Files by Kevin Sherry
This cute and funny series of illustrated chapter books follows a Yeti whose mission is to study all other humanoid creatures. These books are quick reads, perfect for holding young readers’ attention with their imaginative illustrations and whimsical plots. The unique premise and charming characters ensure a steady stream of laughs.
Stick Dog by Tom Watson
An easy-to-read chapter book, Stick Dog is ideal for children who are hesitant to try a full novel. It’s filled with humorous sketches of Stick Dog as he embarks on an epic quest to find the perfect hamburger. The simple yet engaging narrative, combined with charming illustrations, makes it a highly enjoyable read for young animal lovers.
Binky the Space Cat by Ashley Spires
Binky is a house cat determined to become a space cat, but he faces a dilemma: who will protect his owners from an alien invasion while he’s gone? Kids adore the humor in this series, which often stems from the exaggerated, cat-centric perspective. Very silly, with fun illustrations, these books are perfect for younger Dog Man fans, typically ages 7-8. The quirky adventures and Binky’s steadfast dedication to his “mission” are endlessly entertaining.
Thrilling Tales: For Those Who Crave Excitement
Readers who are captivated by the battles, high stakes, and fast-paced action in Dog Man books will undoubtedly enjoy action/adventure graphic novels. This is a vast category, but we’ve selected titles that are either immensely popular or share a similar style to Dog Man, or both. These books are packed with suspense, heroic quests, and imaginative worlds that will keep young readers on the edge of their seats, mirroring the thrilling experience of a Dog Man adventure.
A dynamic cartoon illustration of various superheroes, including a masked dog, leaping into action, conveying the excitement and adventure of the category.
Mighty Jack by Ben Hatke
Jack, an ordinary kid, is pulled into a fantastical world through a magical portal. He soon discovers magical creatures and finds himself embroiled in their epic wars. Much like Dog Man, this graphic novel series features cartoony art, several silly moments, and genuinely exciting plotlines. Readers will also enjoy 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 make kids laugh! This highly illustrated early chapter book is designed for younger readers and is perfect for those who are reluctant to pick up a book. The plot is incredibly fast-paced, revolving around a superhero chicken. It’s impossible not to draw parallels to a certain superhero dog we all know and love.
Amulet by Kazu Kibuishi
One of the most beloved graphic novel series for children, Amulet reads like a blockbuster movie. Emily discovers a magical amulet and must master its powers to save her family and, ultimately, the world. This fantasy story is rich with high-stakes adventure and profound character development, making it a truly immersive experience.
The Sand Warrior by Mark Siegel, Alexis Siegel, and Xanthe Bouma
Slightly lighter and more cartoony than Amulet, but with a similar compelling premise, this graphic novel series brings together three unlikely kids to help save their worlds from a cosmic war. It’s packed with magic, adventure, thrilling battles, and a healthy dose of slapstick comedy, appealing to the adventurous spirit.
Cleopatra in Space by Mike Maihack
Imagine Cleopatra from ancient Egypt being whisked into the future to fight a space tyrant, using her incredible combat skills to fulfill a prophecy! This series is action-packed, surprisingly funny, and utterly unexpected. It offers a fresh take on history and sci-fi that Dog Man fans will find captivating.
Percy Jackson Graphic Novel Series by Rick Riordan
When mythological creatures infiltrate Percy Jackson’s ordinary life, he is thrust into the role of a hero. However, he accidentally angers the gods and becomes entangled in an epic adventure. This graphic novel adaptation is an excellent entry point for younger readers looking to experience the magic of Percy Jackson’s world.
Fantastic Creations: When Robots and Imagination Reign
“I like the robots!” is a common secondary reason kids give for loving Dog Man. This indicates an appreciation for imaginative characters and a receptiveness to fantasy elements in their stories. These recommendations cater to children who delight in mechanical marvels, alien creatures, and whimsical worlds where anything is possible, just like in Dog Man‘s universe.
A cartoon illustration of a friendly robot with large eyes and antennae, symbolizing the imaginative and futuristic elements of the category.
Zita the Spacegirl by Ben Hatke
Over the years, this graphic novel has been a favorite recommendation for 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, with one of the main draws being its cool robots and alien creatures that spark imagination.
Jedi Academy by Jeffrey Brown
Easy-to-read and brimming with charming cartoon representations of wild Star Wars characters, Jedi Academy is a safe bet if kids enjoy imaginative characters and Dog Man. The blend of humor, relatable school experiences, and the beloved Star Wars universe makes it an instant hit for young fans.
Plants vs Zombies by Paul Tobin
Killer plants! Hungry zombies! Who will emerge victorious? Originally a popular video game, this graphic novel series is incredibly easy to get into, especially for readers who are excited by the bizarre and unique plant characters. The action-packed battles and humorous premise provide endless entertainment.
Phoebe and Her Unicorn Series by Dana Simpson
If your reader has even the slightest interest in unicorns, this series is an easy sell. It’s cartoony and irreverent, much like Dog Man, with a comic strip-like style that leaves readers feeling good. The delightful adventures of a girl and her sassy unicorn are both heartwarming and genuinely funny.
Character-Driven Stories: For Fans of Dog Man and Lil Petey’s Bond
While not as common as “it’s funny” or “it’s exciting,” answers like “I just like Dog Man and Lil Petey!” highlight the impressive character development woven into Dog Man‘s action-packed pages. Readers who enjoy this aspect, the heartfelt relationships, and emotional arcs, will likely appreciate these character-driven stories. These books prioritize friendships, family dynamics, and personal growth, offering a deeper connection with the characters.
A group of diverse cartoon characters standing together, smiling, representing the emphasis on character relationships and development.
Big Nate by Lincoln Peirce
Big Nate offers both novel and graphic novel series, primarily set in a sixth-grade classroom. The stories revolve around Nate, a rebellious prankster and drummer, and his interactions with his family and friends. While packed with silly moments, the series also explores genuine relationship dynamics and the ups and downs of growing up.
Ivy and Bean by Annie Barrows and Sophie Blackall
Two girls who are complete opposites unexpectedly become best friends and embark on various adventures together, even discovering they can do magic. These short chapter books, featuring numerous illustrations, are excellent for younger Dog Man fans who enjoy stories about budding friendships and playful antics.
The Sisters series by Christophe Cazenove and William Maury
Very cartoony and easy to read, this graphic novel series became popular in the UK before finding its way to North America. It follows the often dramatic yet humorous relationship between two sisters, capturing the relatable squabbles and affection that define sibling bonds.
Smile by Raina Telgemeier
If a reader knows Dog Man and enjoys relationship-driven stories, there’s a high chance they’ve already encountered Smile, Sisters, and Guts. However, for those who haven’t, this mega-popular graphic novel series tells incredibly relatable stories about anxiety, bullying, and family. It’s known for its honest portrayal of middle school experiences, making it deeply resonant for young readers. Also consider Real Friends by Shannon Hale, Making Friends by Kristen Gudsnuck, Sunny Side Up by Jennifer L. Holm, and Invisible Emmie by Terri Libenson.
Cartoon Chaos: For Lovers of Visually Driven Stories
“It’s a cartoon!” is another common reason kids cite for their love of Dog Man. These readers are seeking other easy-to-read, bright, exaggerated, and highly illustrated books that feel like watching their favorite animated shows come to life. These recommendations emphasize dynamic visuals and vibrant storytelling, much like the animated world.
A colorful collage of various cartoon characters, including a dog, showcasing the bright, exaggerated, and fun aesthetic of cartoons.
Adventure Time
There’s a wealth of options here, and it’s as cartoony as it gets. Based on the beloved all-ages Cartoon Network series, these graphic novels truly feel like an extension of the show. Kids don’t need to be fans of the TV series to enjoy the books, which are fun, ridiculous, highly imaginative, and incredibly positive.
Garfield
Yes, kids are still reading Garfield! Some are drawn to the traditional comic-strip compilations, but many more are interested in the Papercutz series, adapted from the Cartoon Network show. These books offer easy, slapstick comedy featuring iconic animal cartoons, providing familiar comfort and plenty of laughs.
Snoopy the Beagle of Mars
This comic is an easy sell due to its recognizable character, the fact that it features a dog, and its adventurous plot. It’s a classic cartoon with a text-to-image ratio similar to Dog Man, making it a comforting yet exciting read for young fans. Snoopy’s space escapades are both humorous and thrilling.
Teen Titans GO! and Tiny Titans
Teen Titans GO! is fantastic for fans of the popular show, while Tiny Titans is perfect for the younger cohort of Dog Man enthusiasts. The plots are quick and engaging, much like a cartoon episode, and the vibrant, expressive art style is incredibly gripping.
When You Just Don’t Know: General Dog Man Readalikes
Sometimes, the young reader isn’t available for an “interview,” or they simply can’t articulate why they love Dog Man. In such cases, a general approach is best. The books that are most thematically and appealingly similar to Dog Man in their broad appeal would include: The Bad Guys, Captain Underpants, Jedi Academy, Lunch Lady, and Big Nate.
When faced with a child who is reluctant to discuss their preferences, the best strategy is often to offer a stack of these highly recommended books. Encourage them to read the first couple of pages of each and only choose the ones that capture their interest. Some children may feel embarrassed, pressured, or even unable to read, so it’s crucial to alleviate any pressure. Allow them to browse freely and check in after a few minutes to see what has caught their eye.
Dog Man‘s immense success is partly due to its wide array of appeal factors, making it an excellent “gateway” to other books and a lifelong love of reading. Next time a reader or parent asks for Dog Man readalikes, try finding out which “gateway” they want to go through, whether it’s the humor, the adventure, or the rich characters. We hope this ultimate Dog Man list of books helps you discover the perfect next adventure for the young dog lovers in your life!
