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
Nine-year-old Phoebe accidentally hits a unicorn with a skipped rock, freeing the mythical beast from her own reflection. In return, the vain but delightful unicorn, Marigold Heavenly Nostrils, grants Phoebe a wish—to become best friends. Encourages young readers to reflect on belonging and being a good friend.
- 2
Ages 9–13
Malgudi Adventures: Classic Tales for Children
by R. K. Narayan
Set in the bustling, fictional South Indian town of Malgudi, this collection brings together charming tales of everyday childhood, curious animals, and gentle misadventures. Young readers meet unforgettable characters like Swami and his mischievous school friends as they navigate classroom troubles, family dynamics, and unexpected encounters, including a memorable tiger on the loose. Keeps curiosity alive and invites readers to imagine what comes next.
- 3
Ages 6–11
Cat Kid Comic Club
by Dav Pilkey
Li'l Petey, Flippy, and Molly host an art class for twenty-one energetic baby frogs to teach them how to make their own comic books. Using a variety of mediums like photography, clay, and haiku, the young frogs learn to express their creativity while navigating self-doubt, failure, and teamwork. Invites children to imagine, create, and share ideas of their own.
- 4
Ages 6–8
Ivy + Bean
by Annie Barrows
Seven-year-old Bean is convinced she will never be friends with Ivy, the quiet girl across the street who sits on her porch reading big books. But when Bean needs a quick escape after playing a trick on her older sister, Ivy comes to the rescue with a surprisingly wild imagination. Encourages young readers to reflect on belonging and being a good friend.
- 5
Ages 6–8
The Adventures of Sophie Mouse
by Poppy Green
Join Sophie Mouse as she explores the charming woodland of Silverlake Forest alongside her animal friends. In these gentle early chapter book adventures, Sophie navigates relatable childhood experiences like starting school, making new friends, and helping out neighbors in need. Invites readers to look more closely at the natural world.
- 6
Ages 6–11
Geronimo Stilton (series)
by Geronimo Stilton (created by Elisabetta Dami)
Geronimo Stilton is a quiet, nervous mouse who runs a newspaper on New Mouse City, but his eccentric family members constantly drag him into wild adventures across the globe. From solving curious mysteries to surviving treacherous journeys, Geronimo bumbles through danger with plenty of comic mishaps. Brings a little silliness to reading time and invites shared smiles.
- 7
Ages 9–11
A Wolf Called Wander
by Rosanne Parry
Swift is a young wolf pup living happily with his pack in the mountains until a rival pack attacks, scattering his family and leaving him alone. Forced to flee, he embarks on an epic, perilous journey across a thousand miles of wilderness to find a new home. Encourages gentle, guided conversations about challenging feelings and experiences.
- 8
Ages 6–8
The Bad Guys
by Aaron Blabey
Mr. Wolf is tired of being seen as a scary villain, so he rounds up a crew of other misunderstood predators—including Mr. Snake, Mr. Piranha, and Mr. Shark—to do good deeds. A lighthearted choice for sparking laughter and lively conversation.
- 9
Ages 9–11
The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane
by Kate DiCamillo
Edward Tulane is an exquisitely made china rabbit who is vain, selfish, and deeply cherished by a little girl. When he is accidentally thrown overboard during an ocean voyage, Edward begins a long, unexpected odyssey across the country. Offers space for thoughtful conversations about empathy and difficult choices.
- 10
Ages 8–12
Malgudi Schooldays: The Adventures of Swami and His Friends
by R. K. Narayan
Ten-year-old Swami navigates life in the fictional South Indian town of Malgudi during the colonial era. Alongside his loyal circle of friends, Swami faces strict schoolteachers, dreads homework, dreams of cricket matches, and occasionally finds himself swept into the larger world of local strikes and protests. A warm way to explore friendship, kindness, and seeing other perspectives.
- 11
Ages 6–11
Pippi Longstocking
by Astrid Lindgren
Nine-year-old Pippi Longstocking lives entirely on her own in Villa Villekulla, accompanied by her pet monkey and a horse on the porch. With mismatched stockings, super strength, and a bag full of gold coins, she cheerfully turns sensible rules upside down. Brings a little silliness to reading time and invites shared smiles.
- 12
Ages 6–11
The Gopi Diaries
by Sudha Murty
Told entirely from the innocent, curious perspective of a Golden Retriever pup named Gopi, this heartwarming story follows his arrival into a loving Indian household. As Gopi explores his new surroundings, he learns about human habits, bonds with family members, and gets into gentle mischief. A relatable way to explore family bonds and everyday experiences.
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