Age rating and parents' guide:Dog Man
by Dav Pilkey
Ages 6–11
Dog Man by Dav Pilkey is best for children aged 6–11. It has mild violence, nothing scary, no romance and mild language. Worth knowing: Potty humor (mild).
When a police officer and his loyal police dog are injured on the job, a life-saving surgery creates Dog Man—part dog, part policeman, and wholly dedicated to justice. While struggling with doggy habits like chasing balls, he must protect the city from the scheming villain Petey the Cat. Its playful humor makes reading aloud and sharing a laugh enjoyable.
Content ratings
How much of each a parent can expect, from none to strong.
- Violence
- Mild
- Scary moments
- None
- Romance
- None
- Bad language
- Mild
Worth knowing: Potty humor (mild)
Content checked by Dhiraj Bodade, co-founder of Bookstaken, on .
At a glance
- Graphic novel
- Part of the Dog Man series
- Easy to get into from the first page
- Pictures on almost every page
- Emotionally light
- A good pick for reluctant readers
Great for kids who like
- Action & Adventure
- Humor & Comedy
- Animals
Reading mood
- Funny
- Warm & gentle
- Adventurous
Good to talk about
- Emotions & empathy
- Action & Adventure
Books like Dog Man
Similar stories for the same ages, none more intense than this one should be for its youngest readers.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
On these book lists
A good book is the start. A mentor makes it stick.
In a free 1:1 session, a trained Bookstaken mentor reads with your child, asks what they think and helps the reading habit last.