Welcoming a new furry friend into your home, be it a playful puppy or a curious cat, brings immense joy. But beyond pet care, many of us are also parents looking for engaging content for our children. Any children’s librarian, educator, or even a seasoned parent can attest to one of the most common questions they receive: “My child absolutely adores Dog Man! What other books can they dive into next?” It’s a fantastic problem to have, signaling a child’s blossoming love for reading. At Dog Care Story, we understand that nurturing a child’s imagination is as important as nurturing our pets, and a great book can be just the ticket. If you’re wondering which Dog Man book to read next in the series or looking for thrilling graphic novels that capture the same spirit, you’ve come to the right place.
Dog Man, the wildly popular graphic novel series by Dav Pilkey, has captivated countless young readers aged 6-10. Its universal appeal stems from a brilliant blend of silliness, adventurous plots, and genuine character development. These three core elements—humor, excitement, and emotion—ensure that almost any child finds something to connect with. Even reluctant readers often find Dog Man to be a perfect gateway, sparking a lifelong passion for reading.
Understanding the Dog Man Phenomenon
Before we delve into similar titles, it’s helpful to understand the magic behind Dog Man’s success. Dav Pilkey, also the creator of Captain Underpants, masterfully crafts stories that resonate deeply with elementary school-aged children. The series follows the adventures of Dog Man, a half-dog, half-human police officer, and his clever sidekick, Li’l Petey, a reformed evil cat clone. Their escapades are filled with slapstick comedy, creative villains, and surprisingly heartfelt messages about friendship, empathy, and forgiveness. The vibrant illustrations and fast-paced storytelling make the books highly accessible and engaging.
The Complete List of Dog Man Books in Order
For those eager to ensure their child reads the entire series in sequence or wants to collect them all, here is the definitive List Of Dog Man Books:
- Dog Man (2016)
- Dog Man: Unleashed (2017)
- Dog Man: A Tale of Two Kitties (2017)
- Dog Man and Cat Kid (2018)
- Dog Man: Lord of the Fleas (2018)
- Dog Man: Brawl of the Wild (2019)
- Dog Man: For Whom the Ball Rolls (2019)
- Dog Man: Fetch-22 (2019)
- Dog Man: Grime and Punishment (2020)
- Dog Man: Mothering Heights (2021)
- Dog Man: Twenty Thousand Fleas Under the Sea (2023)
- Dog Man: The Scarlet Shedder (2024)
This comprehensive list of Dog Man books ensures your young fan can follow every exciting twist and turn in Dog Man’s world. Once they’ve devoured these, it’s time to explore new literary adventures!
Finding Your Child’s Next Favorite Book: Why They Love Dog Man
When parents or guardians ask for recommendations, simply listing great books isn’t always the most effective approach. The key lies in understanding why a child loves Dog Man. Is it the laugh-out-loud humor, the thrilling adventures, the quirky characters, or the engaging cartoon style? By pinpointing these preferences, we can guide them to books that truly capture their imagination. The recommendations below are categorized by the most common answers kids give when asked, “Why do you like Dog Man?” These suggestions include both graphic novels and heavily illustrated chapter books, ensuring a smooth transition for young readers.
Illustration of a cartoon character laughing, representing the “funny” aspect of graphic novels.
“It’s Funny!” – Books Bursting with Laughter
This is by far the most frequent response, and it’s no wonder! Dog Man’s humor, often slapstick, occasionally toilet-based, and consistently over-the-top, is genuinely laugh-out-loud funny. If your child is constantly giggling while reading Dog Man, these humor-driven books are excellent choices.
Bad Guys by Aaron Blabey
This Australian series, featuring criminal animals attempting to be “good,” is perhaps the closest in crossover appeal to Dog Man. Kids consistently report that these highly illustrated chapter books make them laugh uncontrollably. They’re often referred to as comics by young readers, blurring the line between graphic novels and traditional chapter books.
Captain Underpants by Dav Pilkey
It goes without saying that many children who enjoy Dog Man will also love Dav Pilkey’s other iconic series, Captain Underpants. With character crossovers and a similar blend of outrageous humor and simple illustrations, it serves as an excellent bridge for young readers moving from graphic novels to more traditional chapter books.
Lunch Lady by Jarrett J. Krosoczka
This delightful graphic novel series introduces a mysterious lunch lady who moonlights as a secret agent at an elementary school. Reviews often praise these books for their laugh-out-loud moments, a sentiment echoed by many children immersed in their pages.
The Yeti Files by Kevin Sherry
A cute and humorous series of illustrated chapter books about a Yeti on a mission to study other humanoid creatures. These are quick, engaging reads, with imaginative illustrations that keep young readers captivated.
Stick Dog by Tom Watson
This easy-to-read chapter book is perfect for kids reluctant to try a full novel. It’s filled with simple, charming sketches of Stick Dog as he embarks on an epic quest to find the perfect hamburger. The simple narrative and engaging illustrations provide a light and fun reading experience.
Binky the Space Cat by Ashley Spires
Binky, a house cat, believes he’s a certified space cat tasked with protecting his human “wards” from alien invaders. Kids adore the humor in this series, which often springs from the exaggerated cat perspective. With silly, fun illustrations, it’s a great pick 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 is a fantastic option. Hilo is a superhero child who mysteriously appears on Earth with no memory of his origins. The series has received blurbs from esteemed authors like Dav Pilkey and Neil Gaiman, underscoring its quality and appeal.
CatStronauts by Drew Brockington
In this very silly and action-packed series, the Earth’s four best catstronauts blast off to explore space, all in the name of science! With every character being a cat, the series provides numerous amusing jokes and adventures. Many readers, including adults, find this series highly enjoyable.
Dynamic illustration depicting action and adventure, symbolizing exciting graphic novel recommendations.
“It’s Exciting!” – Adventure-Packed Graphic Novels
For readers who are drawn to the epic battles, daring escapades, and high stakes prevalent in the Dog Man books, action-adventure graphic novels are a natural next step. This is a vast category, but these titles are either widely popular or share a similar style and spirit with Dog Man. You might also enjoy reading about a pigeon finds a hot dog in an unexpected adventure.
Mighty Jack by Ben Hatke
Jack, a seemingly normal kid, is pulled into a fantastical world through a magical portal. He discovers magical creatures and becomes entangled in their ancient wars. Like Dog Man, this series is very cartoony, includes several silly moments, and is genuinely thrilling. Also explore the Mighty Jack and Zita the Spacegirl crossover graphic novels for even more adventure.
Kung Pow Chicken by Cyndi Marko
The title alone often elicits laughs from kids! This highly illustrated early chapter book is perfect for younger, reluctant readers. With a fast-paced plot about a superhero chicken, it shares a certain charm with our beloved superhero dog. It’s a great example of books like Dog Man that combine humor with a strong narrative.
Amulet by Kazu Kibuishi
One of the most popular graphic novel series for kids, Amulet reads like an epic movie. Emily discovers a magical amulet and must harness its powers to save her family and, ultimately, the world. This fantasy story is packed with high-stakes adventure and features impressive character development.
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 who must save their worlds from a looming space war. It blends magic, adventure, battles, and a healthy dose of slapstick comedy.
Cleopatra in Space by Mike Maihack
Imagine if the historical Cleopatra of ancient Egypt was transported to the future to battle a tyrannical space overlord, using her formidable combat skills to fulfill a 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 as they undertake various missions. These books are rich in heart and feature gripping mysteries, making them excellent for older Dog Man fans who crave adventure.
Percy Jackson graphic novel series by Rick Riordan
When mythological creatures invade Percy Jackson’s ordinary life, he embraces his role as a hero. However, he soon angers the gods and finds himself swept into an epic adventure. 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, 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 a great choice for 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 evil villains and forge strong friendships. These entertaining and widely appealing graphic novels offer positive messages about teamwork and empowerment.
Avatar: The Last Airbender by Gene Luen Yang, Bryan Konietzko, Michael Dante DiMartino
While more fun than strictly funny, Avatar can quickly become an obsession for its readers. This fantasy graphic novel series (and its accompanying TV show) explores multiple magical worlds and features a wealth of brave heroes.
The Nameless City by Faith Erin Hicks
More focused on adventure and relationships than humor, The Nameless City serves as an excellent transition for older readers seeking more substantive stories. Known for its superb world-building and satisfying character arcs, while still maintaining a cartoony style, it’s worth a try if a Dog Man reader is open to a slightly more serious narrative. For more animal-centric stories, consider the best books about dogs fiction.
Cartoon drawing of a friendly robot, highlighting books with imaginative characters and sci-fi elements for kids.
“I Like the Robots!” – Imaginative Worlds
Many children cite the imaginative characters, including various robots and fantastical creatures, as a secondary reason for their love of Dog Man. These readers are often receptive to strong fantasy or sci-fi elements in their stories.
Zita the Spacegirl by Ben Hatke
Over the years, this graphic novel has been recommended to countless readers. It tells the story of a girl who 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 cool robots and alien creatures being a major draw.
Jedi Academy by Jeffrey Brown
Easy-to-read and filled with cartoon representations of beloved Star Wars characters, Jedi Academy is a pretty safe bet if kids enjoy imaginative characters and Dog Man. It offers a fun, lighthearted take on the Star Wars universe.
Plants vs Zombies by Paul Tobin
Killer plants! Hungry zombies! Who will prevail?! Originally a video game, this graphic novel series is easy to get into, especially for readers who are thrilled by the bizarre plant characters and their quirky personalities.
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. It’s a delightful choice for those who love fantastical elements and gentle humor.
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
“I Just Like Dog Man and Li’l Petey!” – Character-Driven Stories
While not as common as preferences for humor or excitement, some children are primarily drawn to Dog Man due to the impressive character development within its action-packed pages, particularly the bond between Dog Man and Li’l Petey. Readers who enjoy this aspect of Dog Man might also appreciate stories with strong characters and relationships.
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 follow Nate, a rebellious prankster and drummer, along with his family and friends. While packed with silly moments, these books also explore genuine relational dynamics and everyday school life.
Ivy and Bean by Annie Barrows and Sophie Blackall
Two girls who are complete opposites become best friends and embark on various adventures together, often involving a touch of magic. These short, heavily illustrated chapter books are ideal for younger Dog Man fans, offering engaging stories with relatable characters.
The Sisters series by Christophe Cazenove and William Maury
This very cartoony and easy-to-read graphic novel series, popular in the UK before reaching North America, chronicles the often dramatic but always amusing relationship between two sisters. It’s a great choice for kids who enjoy observing everyday family dynamics.
Smile by Raina Telgemeier
If a reader knows Dog Man and likes relationship stories, there’s a very high chance they’ve already encountered “Sisters,” “Smile,” and “Guts.” However, just in case: this mega-popular graphic novel series tells relatable stories about anxiety, bullying, and family. Also explore: 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.
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, the Baby-sitter’s Club is enjoying a renewed moment in the spotlight. Kids who enjoy cartoony relationship stories without overly heavy themes will find these highly engaging. Younger readers can also try the Baby-Sitters Little Sisters series.
Vibrant cartoon-style artwork, indicating graphic novels with a strong visual and animated appeal for young readers.
“It’s a Cartoon!” – Visually Engaging Reads
Readers who are drawn to the distinct cartoon style of Dog Man are typically looking for other easy-to-read, bright, exaggerated, and highly illustrated books. These titles deliver on visual appeal and engaging storytelling.
Adventure Time
There’s a wealth of options here, and it’s as cartoony as it gets. Based on the popular all-ages Cartoon Network series, these graphic novels truly feel like watching the show. Kids don’t need to be existing fans to enjoy the books, which are fun, ridiculous, highly imaginative, and positive.
Garfield
Yes, kids are still reading Garfield! While some are interested in the traditional comic-strip compilations, many more are drawn to 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 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-illustration ratio similar to Dog Man, making it very accessible.
Teen Titans GO! and Tiny Titans
Teen Titans GO! is perfect for fans of the show, while Tiny Titans caters to the younger segment of Dog Man fans. The plots are quick and dynamic, much like a cartoon show, and the vibrant art style is instantly gripping. If you’re looking for dog man to read next, these could be excellent bridge stories.
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 appreciate cartoons. It combines adventure, wholesome humor, and strong character development.
Also Try:
- My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
- Scooby Doo
- Steven Universe
- Sonic the Hedgehog
- Pokemon Manga
- Chi’s Sweet Home
- Diary of a Wimpy Kid
When You’re Not Sure: General Recommendations
Sometimes, the child isn’t available for an “interview,” or they simply can’t articulate why they love Dog Man. In such cases, trying any of the suggestions above is a good starting point. However, the books that are most thematically and appealingly similar to Dog Man, offering a broad appeal, would have to be: Bad Guys, Captain Underpants, Jedi Academy, Lunch Lady, and Big Nate.
When faced with a child who is hesitant or unsure about their preferences, the best approach is often to offer a stack of these highly recommended books. Encourage them to browse the first few pages of each and only choose what genuinely captures their interest. Some children might feel embarrassed, pressured, or even overwhelmed by the idea of reading, so it’s crucial to remove any perceived pressure. Allowing them to peruse at their own pace and checking in after a few minutes can make a world of difference.
Dog Man’s immense success is partly due to its wide range of appeal factors, making it an exceptional gateway to a broader world of books. The next time a child or parent asks for more books like Dog Man, consider delving deeper to uncover which “gateway” resonates most with the young reader. Happy reading!
