10 books to gift to kids who love Dog Man

We hear all the time from parents whose kids are hooked on the Dog Man or Captain Underpants series by Dav Pilkey, Diary of a Wimpy Kid or Liz Pichon’s Tom Gates series. It’s easy to see why these books are so popular. They are visually engaging and super accessible, combining graphic novel-style illustrations with humorous storylines. But when your child has exhausted a particular series, or is stuck in a bit of a reading rut, or you’re simply looking for a book gift and don’t want to risk duplicating something they’ve already got, where do you go next? Here’s our guide to some of the best new books that are perfect for fans of Dog Man et al:

The Inflatables by Beth Garrod and Jess Hitchman, illustrated by Chris Danger

A funny, sunny, splash-tastic new series of graphic novels that we would recommend for young readers aged 5+. They will laugh out loud and these hugely entertaining stories set in a waterpark, where there’s slides, rides and fried ice cream – and a cast of inflatable pool floats who live in an almost-forgotten pool next to the Lost and Found office. Hilarious and perfect for newly independent or reluctant readers.

Stink by Jenny McLachlan

Don’t miss this hilarious adventure written and illustrated by bestselling author Jenny McLachlan. We are long-time fans of Jenny’s Land of Roar series and are thrilled that she’s turned her hand to illustrated fiction for younger readers. We all know fairies are sweet and sparkly and lovely, right? WRONG! Stink is the rudest, naughtiest fairy there’s ever been and young readers are going to love her!

Press Start! Game On, Super Rabbit Boy! By Thomas Flintham

This is the first in an eye-catching, full colour series packed with humour and action. These lively, fully illustrated graphic novels are short, super accessible, and ideal for kids who love gaming. Can Sunny help Super Rabbit Boy get to Level 6 and rescue Singing Dog and restore joy to Animal Town? Only if he defeats the Robot Army, dodges the Robo-Crabs and Lakes of Lava before battling King Viking himself!

Barry Loser Action Hero! By Jim Smith

You might already be familiar with the Barry Loser series - the books were a game changer for the Parrot Street crew. Now Barry is back in a series of full-colour graphic novels - absolutely perfect for fans of Dog Man and Bunny vs Monkey. This engaging book contains three brand new Barry Loser stories along with ‘how to draw’ sections to help you make your own comic books.

Peanut, Butter & Crackers: Puppy Problems by Paige Braddock

A goofy new puppy turns the lives of two rescue pets upside down in this fun new series of graphic novels for younger readers. The illustrations are absorbing and the story is packed with humour. Anyone who enjoyed The Secret of Life of Pets will love the hilarious characters. Complete the set with two further books in the series, Doggy School and River Rescue.

Monster Bogey by Anna Brooke

Monster Bogey is a monstrously funny and highly illustrated adventure which we would recommend for newly independent readers aged 5+. Prepare for some brilliantly bonkers humour in this weird and wacky book, packed with laugh-out-loud fun and brilliant illustrations throughout. Plus it’s the first in a new comedy series and we can’t wait to see what comes next!

Evil Emperor Penguin: Antics in Antarctica by Laura Ellen Anderson

Join the cutest evil genius ever in this laugh-out-loud graphic novel by bestselling author-illustrator Laura Ellen Anderson. The stories are hilarious and Evil Emperor Pengiun is cute and evil in equal measure – kids just love him! This volume brings together two fantastic stories in a visual comic feast.

Rex Dinosaur in Disguise by Elys Dolan

Newly independent readers will laugh out loud at this comic story by Lollies Prize-winning author Elys Dolan. Rex Dinosaur in Disguise is a brilliantly illustrated funny book for younger readers and was a huge hit with our Parakeet subscribers last year. It’s a comic caper starring the instantly lovable Rex and a cast of unexpected time-travelling heroes – we loved it!

The Beasts of Knobbly Bottom: Attack of the Vampire Sheep by Emily-Jane Clark

If you’re looking for something for slightly older readers aged 8+, this laugh-out-loud, highly illustrated funny book, packed with wacky jokes and puns, is just the ticket. Maggie McKay is NOT happy that her mum has decided to move to Knobbly Bottom (the most BORING village ever invented). But Maggie soon discovers that Knobbly Bottom is also full of SECRETS. The sheep are growing FANGS, their eyes are turning RED, and they're planning to take over the world...

The Underpants of Chaos by Sam Copeland and Jenny Pearson

A hilarious spy mystery for, this bonkers adventure story is highly illustrated and authored by an epic storytelling team in Sam Copeland and Jenny Pearson – both brilliant and bestselling authors in their own right. It’s a bit more text-heavy than some of the books we’ve mentioned so far, but ridiculously funny and perfect for taking that next step in their reading journey. Follow up with the sequel, Attack of the Robot Librarians.

 

From our award-winning monthly book subscriptions to chapter books, letterbox gifts, stocking stuffers and ideas for a Christmas Eve box, we’re here to help you give the gift of reading this Christmas. Head to the dedicated Christmas area on our website for everything you need this festive season!