Every children’s librarian, parent, or educator will undoubtedly confirm: one of the most frequently asked questions about children’s literature is, “My child absolutely loves Dog Man. What other graphic novels and books can they read that offer a similar experience?” The quest for the next captivating series after a beloved one like Dog Man is a common but delightful challenge. For young readers eagerly searching for their next adventure, finding books that resonate with the same humor, excitement, and emotional depth can be the key to fostering a lifelong passion for reading. If you’re wondering what Dog Man To Read next or what books share its unique charm, you’ve come to the right place. We understand the unique appeal of Dav Pilkey’s wildly popular series and are here to guide you through a selection of equally engaging titles. Looking for more insights on what makes these stories so compelling? You can explore our collection of dog man books that you can read right here on Dog Care Story.
The Dog Man series, aimed at ages 6-10, has captured the hearts of millions, and its success is no mystery. These graphic novels are masterfully crafted with an irresistible blend of silliness, thrilling adventures, and surprisingly profound character development. Whether it’s the laugh-out-loud slapstick, the high-stakes battles, or the heartwarming relationships between characters like Dog Man and Lil Petey, there’s an element for every child to embrace. For reluctant readers especially, Dog Man serves as a perfect gateway, transforming hesitant page-turners into avid bookworms.
When a child asks for a “readalike,” simply listing popular books isn’t always the most effective strategy. As experts in children’s literature, our approach is always to delve deeper, to understand why they love Dog Man. Was it the endless jokes, the thrilling plots, the imaginative characters, or perhaps the underlying themes of friendship and growth? By identifying the core appeal, we can recommend books that truly hit home, ensuring the reading journey continues seamlessly. This comprehensive guide, compiled by our expert team, offers a curated list of graphic novels and highly illustrated chapter books, categorized by the most common reasons kids adore Dog Man. All these recommendations blend humor, excitement, and emotion, mirroring the magic of the series your child loves to read.
Understanding What Makes Dog Man So Special
Before diving into specific recommendations, it’s helpful to dissect the elements that make Dog Man a phenomenal success. Dav Pilkey’s creation excels in several key areas that resonate deeply with young audiences:
- Irreverent Humor: From potty jokes to exaggerated slapstick, the humor is accessible and genuinely funny for kids. It makes reading feel less like a chore and more like an entertaining experience.
- Dynamic Action & Adventure: Dog Man’s world is full of villains, epic battles, and dramatic rescues. The fast-paced plots keep readers on the edge of their seats, eager to see what happens next.
- Strong Character Development: Despite the silliness, characters like Dog Man, Lil Petey, and Chief Petey exhibit growth, learn about friendship, forgiveness, and the importance of being good. This emotional depth makes the characters relatable and memorable.
- Engaging Visuals: As a graphic novel, the illustrations are central to the storytelling. The vibrant, cartoony art style, combined with speech bubbles and panel layouts, makes the books incredibly easy to follow and visually stimulating.
- Accessibility for Reluctant Readers: The combination of simple text, engaging pictures, and compelling stories makes Dog Man incredibly appealing to children who might otherwise struggle with traditional chapter books. It builds confidence and shows them that reading can be fun.
By understanding these core appeals, we can better match young readers with their next literary obsession, ensuring their love for books continues to grow.
Funny cartoon character laughing, representing the humorous aspect of graphic novels like Dog Man that young readers enjoy to read.
“It’s Funny!” — Hilarious Books for Dog Man Fans
This is by far the most common answer from kids, and it’s easy to see why! Dog Man’s humor is often laugh-out-loud hilarious, ranging from slapstick to toilet humor, and always wonderfully over the top. For young readers who are primarily drawn to the comedic antics, these comparable books are sure to keep them giggling.
- The Bad Guys by Aaron Blabey: This wildly popular Australian series about a group of notoriously criminal animals attempting to turn over a new leaf and become “good” is an absolute riot. Kids consistently report that these highly illustrated chapter books (often mistaken for comics due to their heavy illustration) make them laugh out loud with their absurd scenarios and witty dialogue. It’s an ideal follow-up for those who appreciate Dog Man’s unique brand of humor.
- Captain Underpants by Dav Pilkey: It almost goes without saying, but many children who adore Dog Man will naturally gravitate towards his creator’s other iconic series. Captain Underpants offers a fantastic bridge from graphic novels to more traditional chapter books, especially with the crossover characters and shared comedic sensibility. The imaginative flip-o-rama sections add to the interactive fun.
- Lunch Lady by Jarrett J. Krosoczka: In this delightful graphic novel series, the mysterious lunch lady at an elementary school leads a secret life as an undercover agent, tackling various school-related mysteries and villains. Reviews frequently praise these books as “laugh-out-loud funny,” a sentiment echoed by countless children immersed in their pages. The combination of everyday school life with secret agent shenanigans is a huge hit.
- The Yeti Files by Kevin Sherry: This cute and humorous illustrated chapter book series follows a Yeti whose mission is to study other humanoid creatures around the world. These are quick reads, perfect for holding the attention of young readers with imaginative illustrations and funny observations from the Yeti’s unique perspective.
- Stick Dog by Tom Watson: An easy-to-read chapter book series, Stick Dog is excellent for children who are reluctant to delve into a full novel. It’s packed with simple sketches of Stick Dog and his friends as they embark on quests, often centered around finding the perfect food, like a delicious hamburger. Its straightforward humor and appealing illustrations make it very accessible.
- Binky the Space Cat by Ashley Spires: Binky, a house cat, believes he’s a “space cat” on a mission to protect his human “fixtures” from alien invasions (which, to him, are everyday household pests). The humor in this series often stems from the exaggerated and self-important perspective of Binky. It’s very silly, features fun illustrations, and is particularly good for younger Dog Man fans (ages 7-8).
- Hilo by Judd Winick: Often categorized with Dog Man for its “high interest, low reading level” appeal, the Hilo graphic novel series is about a superhero boy who crash-lands on Earth with no memory of his origins. The series is packed with humor, action, and heartfelt moments, so much so that Dav Pilkey himself has blurbed it, alongside other notable authors like Neil Gaiman.
- CatStronauts by Drew Brockington: In this highly silly and action-packed series, an elite team of four “catstronauts” blasts off into space to explore the universe in the name of science. The entire world is populated by cats, leading to many feline-themed jokes and puns that add to the lighthearted fun. This series is personally adored by many for its quirky humor and charming illustrations.
Cartoon character depicted in an adventurous pose, symbolizing the exciting and action-packed stories in graphic novels that children love to read after Dog Man.
“It’s Exciting!” — Action-Packed Adventures and High Stakes
Readers who are drawn to the thrilling battles, dramatic rescues, and high-stakes plots in Dog Man books will likely revel in action-adventure graphic novels. This is a vast genre, so we’ve focused on titles that are either immensely popular, stylistically similar to Dog Man, or both! If your child enjoys the adrenaline-pumping narratives and wants more dog man stories to read that deliver excitement, these are perfect choices.
- Mighty Jack by Ben Hatke: Jack is an ordinary kid whose life takes an extraordinary turn when he’s pulled into a fantastical world through a magical portal. He encounters wondrous creatures and becomes entangled in epic wars. Like Dog Man, this series is very cartoony, includes several silly moments, and is genuinely exciting. It also explores themes of family and courage. Don’t miss the crossover graphic novels, Mighty Jack and Zita the Spacegirl, for even more adventure.
- Kung Pow Chicken by Cyndi Marko: The title alone often gets a laugh from kids! This highly illustrated early chapter book is designed for younger and reluctant readers. Its plot is incredibly fast-paced, revolving around a superhero chicken who fights crime. The premise itself is reminiscent of our beloved superhero dog, making it a natural fit for fans.
- Amulet by Kazu Kibuishi: One of the most beloved graphic novel series for children, Amulet reads like a cinematic experience. Emily, a young girl, discovers a magical amulet and must learn to harness its immense powers to save her family and, ultimately, the world. It’s a rich fantasy story brimming with high-stakes adventure, complex world-building, and profound character development that will keep readers hooked.
- The Sand Warrior by Mark Siegel, Alexis Siegel, and Xanthe Bouma: Slightly lighter in tone and more cartoony than Amulet, this graphic novel series shares a similar premise. Three unlikely children are brought together to help save their worlds from a looming space war. It features a fantastic mix of magic, adventure, thrilling battles, and perfectly timed slapstick comedy, appealing to a broad range of readers.
- Cleopatra in Space by Mike Maihack: Imagine the historical Cleopatra from ancient Egypt being whisked into the distant future to fight a galactic tyrant, all while fulfilling an ancient prophecy using her impressive combat skills. This series is action-packed, surprisingly funny, and full of unexpected twists, making it a truly unique and engaging read.
- Three Thieves series by Scott Chandler: This adventure-filled graphic novel series follows three circus performers who embark on various missions, often involving daring escapes and clever plans. These books are not only packed with gripping mysteries and thrilling sequences but also possess a lot of heart, exploring themes of loyalty and teamwork. They are a great recommendation for older Dog Man fans who crave deeper adventure narratives.
- Percy Jackson graphic novel series by Rick Riordan: When mythological creatures start interfering with Percy Jackson’s otherwise normal life, he discovers he’s a demigod and is thrust into the role of a hero. This leads to him angering the gods and getting swept up in epic adventures inspired by Greek mythology. This graphic novel adaptation is an excellent entry point for younger readers interested in starting the popular Percy Jackson saga.
- Minecraft graphic novel series by Sfé R. Monster and Sarah Graley: If a child loves both Minecraft and Dog Man, simply showing them the cover of these books is often enough to spark immediate interest. This diverse series follows three friends who connect through their shared love of playing Minecraft. It’s perfect for older Dog Man readers ready for more complex storylines and social dynamics. Additionally, there are numerous official and unofficial chapter books based on Minecraft characters that appeal to younger readers.
- DC Superhero Girls by Shay Fontana and Yancey Labat: Featuring iconic characters like Batgirl, Harley Quinn, Wonder Woman, and Supergirl, this series sees these awesome superheroes not only fighting evil villains but also navigating the complexities of friendship and high school life. These stories are entertaining and broadly appealing, combining action with relatable everyday challenges.
- Avatar: The Last Airbender by Gene Luen Yang, Bryan Konietzko, Michael Dante DiMartino: While perhaps more “fun” than outright “funny,” the Avatar graphic novel series (and its accompanying TV show) has a remarkable ability to hook readers and become an instant obsession. This fantasy series features multiple magical worlds, elemental bending, and a host of brave heroes on an epic quest, making it a compelling choice for adventure lovers.
- The Nameless City by Faith Erin Hicks: This series leans more heavily on adventure and character relationships than on humor, making it a good transition for older readers seeking “meatier” stories. Known for its superb world-building and satisfying character arcs, while still maintaining a cartoony art style, The Nameless City is an excellent choice if a Dog Man reader is open to a slightly more serious, yet equally engaging, narrative.
Friendly cartoon robot character, illustrating the imaginative and fantastical elements like robots and aliens that appeal to young readers in books similar to Dog Man.
“I Love the Imaginative Characters!” — Fantastical Worlds and Robots
Many children cite the imaginative characters—especially the robots—as a secondary reason they love Dog Man. They are receptive to stories with fantastical elements, bizarre creatures, and cool technology. If your young reader enjoys diving into unique worlds, these recommendations will surely spark their interest. Perhaps they’ll even discover a story that features the dog that stole football plays in a fantastical setting!
- Zita the Spacegirl by Ben Hatke: Over the years, this graphic novel has been recommended to countless readers. It follows a girl who is accidentally sucked into a portal and must find her way back home from a strange alien planet. Like Dog Man, it appeals on many levels, but one of the main draws is the plethora of cool robots and alien creatures that populate its pages.
- Jedi Academy by Jeffry Brown: Easy to read and filled with charming cartoon representations of iconic Star Wars characters, this series is a safe bet for kids who appreciate imaginative figures and enjoy Dog Man. It offers a slice-of-life perspective on attending a Jedi school, blending humor with familiar sci-fi elements.
- Plants vs. Zombies by Paul Tobin: Based on the popular video game, this graphic novel series brings the killer plants and hungry zombies to life on the page. It’s incredibly easy to get into, particularly for readers who are excited by the bizarre and diverse plant characters and their ongoing battle against the undead.
- Phoebe and Her Unicorn series by Dana Simpson: If the reader has any interest in unicorns, this series is an effortless sell. It’s cartoony and irreverent, much like Dog Man, with a short-burst comic strip style that evokes pure joy. The delightful dynamic between a girl and her sassy unicorn best friend is wonderfully imaginative and heartwarming.
Also try exploring these series for more imaginative characters and fantastical worlds:
- Artemis Fowl: The Graphic Novel by Eoin Colfer (for older readers who enjoy a blend of fantasy and tech)
- Laser Moose and Rabbit Boy by Doug Savage (absurd humor with unique animal characters)
- Hilda and the Troll by Luke Pearson (whimsical adventures in a world filled with Scandinavian folklore creatures)
- Aquicorn Cove by Katie O’Neill (beautifully illustrated, gentle fantasy with sea creatures)
- Ghost Hog by Joey Weiser (a charming ghost pig solves mysteries in a forest populated by animal spirits)
“I Connect with Dog Man and Lil Petey!” — Stories of Relationships and Growth
While “it’s funny” and “it’s exciting” are common, sometimes readers express a deeper connection, specifically with characters like Dog Man and Lil Petey. Dog Man books do an impressive job of weaving character development and emotional arcs into their action-packed narratives. Readers who appreciate this aspect might enjoy stories that focus on relationships, personal growth, and everyday challenges. Perhaps these stories will remind them of their own “lucky dog” moments, similar to you lucky dog julia london themes of connection.
- Big Nate by Lincoln Peirce: Big Nate offers both novel and graphic novel series, primarily set in a lively sixth-grade classroom. The stories revolve around Nate Wright, a rebellious prankster and aspiring drummer, and his interactions with his family and friends. While packed with silly moments and laugh-out-loud scenarios, the series also delves into real relationship dynamics, school challenges, and the ups and downs of growing up.
- Ivy and Bean by Annie Barrows and Sophie Blackall: This delightful series follows two girls, Ivy and Bean, who are complete opposites but become the best of friends, embarking on various adventures together—often with a touch of magic. These are short chapter books with many engaging illustrations, making them a perfect choice for younger Dog Man fans who enjoy stories about friendship and imaginative play.
- The Sisters series by Christophe Cazenove and William Maury: This very cartoony and easy-to-read graphic novel series, popular initially in the UK before gaining traction in North America, beautifully captures the often dramatic yet always loving relationship between two sisters. It’s relatable, humorous, and offers a warm perspective on sibling bonds.
- Smile by Raina Telgemeier: For readers who appreciate Dog Man and are ready for more character-driven relationship stories, there’s a high probability they’ve already encountered Smile, Sisters, and Guts. But just in case: this mega-popular graphic novel series tells incredibly relatable stories about navigating anxiety, bullying, and family dynamics. Telgemeier’s work resonates deeply with pre-teen readers, offering comfort and understanding. 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. These all explore similar themes of friendship and self-discovery.
- Baby-Sitters Club Graphic Novels by Ann M. Martin and Gale Galligan: With a popular Netflix show and an immensely successful graphic novel reboot, The Baby-Sitters Club is experiencing a cultural moment. Kids who enjoy cartoony relationship stories that are lighthearted yet explore themes of responsibility, entrepreneurship, and friendship will love these. For even younger readers, the Baby-Sitters Little Sisters series offers a simpler entry point.
“It’s Like a Cartoon!” — Visually Driven and Easy-to-Read Comics
For some readers, the primary appeal of Dog Man is its distinct “cartoon” aesthetic. They are looking for other easy-to-read, brightly illustrated, and visually exaggerated books that feel like watching an animated show come to life on the page. This visual appeal is crucial for many emerging and reluctant readers. If they enjoyed reading the quirky adventures of Dog Man, perhaps they would also be intrigued by the curious of the dog in the nighttime style of narrative.
- Adventure Time graphic novels: There’s a wealth of choices here, and it’s as cartoony as it gets! Based on the wildly popular Cartoon Network series for all ages, these graphic novels genuinely capture the feel of watching the show. Readers don’t need to be fans of the TV series to enjoy the books, which are fun, ridiculous, highly imaginative, and incredibly positive.
- Garfield graphic novels: Yes, kids are still reading Garfield! While some enjoy the traditional comic-strip compilations, many are now drawn to the Papercutz series, which adapts stories from the Cartoon Network show. These offer easy, slapstick comedy starring a famous cartoon cat, providing familiar comfort and consistent laughs.
- Snoopy the Beagle of Mars: This comic could be an effortless sell because it features a recognizable and beloved dog character, Snoopy, embarking on an adventure. It’s a classic cartoon style with a similar amount of text to Dog Man, making it an accessible and enjoyable read for fans of canine heroes and space exploration.
- Teen Titans GO! and Tiny Titans: Teen Titans GO! graphic novels are fantastic for fans of the animated show, while Tiny Titans is perfectly suited for the younger set of Dog Man readers. The plots are quick and dynamic, just like a cartoon episode, and the engaging art style is sure to captivate.
- Bravest Warriors: This super sweet, Adventure Time-esque series of graphic novels is set in the distant future. It’s an excellent choice for older Dog Man readers who appreciate cartoons, offering a blend of adventure, wholesome humor, and great character development, all wrapped in a visually appealing package.
Also try these other visually engaging series:
- My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic (colorful adventures focused on friendship)
- Scooby Doo comics (classic mystery and cartoon fun)
- Steven Universe graphic novels (charming, character-driven fantasy)
- Sonic the Hedgehog comics (fast-paced action with iconic video game characters)
- Pokemon Manga (for fans of the popular franchise, easy to follow visually)
- Chi’s Sweet Home (adorable cat adventures, very cute and easy to read)
- Diary of a Wimpy Kid (hybrid illustrated novel, perfect for bridging graphic novels to chapter books)
When You’re Unsure: Go-To Recommendations
Sometimes, the young reader isn’t available for a detailed “interview,” or they simply don’t know why they love Dog Man—they just do! In these situations, having a few reliable, broadly appealing options is incredibly helpful. The books that are most thematically and appealingly similar to Dog Man, and thus serve as excellent “gateway” books, include: Bad Guys, Captain Underpants, Jedi Academy, Lunch Lady, and Big Nate.
When faced with a reader who is hesitant to discuss their preferences, the best approach is to take the pressure off. Offer a small stack of these highly recommended books and encourage them to browse the first few pages of each, only choosing the ones that truly grab their attention. Some children might feel embarrassed, forced, or even overwhelmed by the idea of picking a new book, so creating a relaxed environment where they can freely explore is crucial. Check in with them after a few minutes, ready to celebrate whatever they choose.
Dog Man’s immense success is largely attributable to its broad appeal, making it an exceptional gateway to the wider world of books. The next time a reader or parent asks for Dog Man readalikes, remember to inquire about which “gateway” they’re most interested in walking through—be it humor, adventure, imaginative worlds, character relationships, or simply the vibrant cartoon style. By understanding their specific preferences, you can guide them to their next favorite story and continue to cultivate a lifelong love of reading.
