Books like Dog Man
If your child loved Dog Man, try Phoebe and Her Unicorn, Malgudi Adventures: Classic Tales for Children and Cat Kid Comic Club. Each is a funny, picture-packed read for kids who would rather read comics than chapters.
12 books, checked for age-appropriate content. Updated .
Content checked by Dhiraj Bodade, co-founder of Bookstaken.
- 1

Ages 6–11
Phoebe and Her Unicorn
by Dana Simpson
Daydreaming Phoebe befriends vain unicorn Marigold Heavenly Nostrils, creating a funny partnership across school and magical adventures.
- 2

Ages 9–13
Malgudi Adventures: Classic Tales for Children
by R. K. Narayan
Classic children's adventures in the fictional South Indian town of Malgudi, full of humor, animals and local color.
- 3

Ages 6–11
Cat Kid Comic Club
by Dav Pilkey
Li’l Petey, Molly, and their friends create comics, test ideas, and learn to collaborate in an energetic art class.
- 4

Ages 6–8
Ivy + Bean
by Annie Barrows
Opposites Ivy and Bean become unexpected best friends, turning neighborhood schemes and childhood disagreements into funny adventures.
- 5

Ages 6–8
The Adventures of Sophie Mouse
by Poppy Green
Sophie Mouse explores Silverlake Forest, solving everyday problems and sharing gentle adventures with her animal friends.
- 6

Ages 6–11
Geronimo Stilton (series)
by Geronimo Stilton (created by Elisabetta Dami)
Mouse journalist Geronimo Stilton reluctantly travels into dangerous mysteries and comic adventures while trying to meet publishing deadlines.
- 7

Ages 6–8
The Bad Guys
by Aaron Blabey
A graphic novel exploring themes of redemption, friendship, teamwork, and humor. The visual format supports reluctant or visual readers and adds emotional depth through illustration, panel pacing, and visual storytelling.
- 8

Ages 9–11
The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane
by Kate DiCamillo
Proud china rabbit Edward is lost and passed between owners, gradually learning empathy, grief, and love.
- 9

Ages 8–12
Malgudi Schooldays: The Adventures of Swami and His Friends
by R. K. Narayan
Swami's school adventures, friendships and mischief open a window onto everyday South Indian life.
- 10

Ages 6–11
Pippi Longstocking
by Astrid Lindgren
Fearless, super-strong Pippi lives independently with a horse and monkey, turning ordinary days into outrageous adventures.
- 11

Ages 6–11
The Gopi Diaries
by Sudha Murty
Sudha Murty recounts the mischievous puppy Gopi’s family life and adventures from the dog’s innocent perspective.
- 12

Ages 6–10
The Gopi Diaries: Coming Home
by Sudha Murty
Gopi the dog narrates his move into a loving Indian family and the everyday adventures of settling in.
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