Ah, these darn kids keep growing up, and with that, their tastes in books keeps evolving as well.
As a parent, you’ve probably witnessed your child’s love for DogMan books grow and evolve over time. Those colorful, hilarious, and downright crazy adventures have been a staple of bedtime reading and lazy Sunday afternoons. But now, it seems your child’s tastes are changing, and they’re ready for something new. Don’t worry; there’s a whole world of graphic novels waiting to capture their imagination and keep the reading magic alive. In this post, we’ll introduce you to a lineup of fantastic graphic novels that offer the same color, excitement, and craziness as DogMan but with deeper storylines and adventures. These books are perfect for elementary-aged kids whose reading appetites are growing but aren’t quite ready for middle school complexity.
Age recommendations: 6+
Barb the Berzerker by Dan Abdo and Jason Patterson:
- Enter the wild and wacky world of Barb, a tough but lovable barbarian. With slapstick humor, epic battles, and a dash of heart, Barb the Berzerker is an adventure-packed series that will have your kids laughing out loud while they root for the underdog.
Bunnicula by Deborah Howe and James Howe (Graphic Novel Adaptation):
- If your child loves animals and a touch of the supernatural, Bunnicula is the perfect choice. Join Harold the dog and Chester the cat as they uncover mysteries surrounding their new pet rabbit, Bunnicula, who might just be a vampire!
Ham Helsing: Vampire Hunter by Rich Moyer:
- Ham Helsing, a descendant of the famous Van Helsings, takes on a different kind of adventure—hunting vampires in a world full of goofy monsters. It’s a hilarious, action-packed series that will keep kids entertained and rooting for Ham.
Hilo series by Judd Winick:
- Hilo is an otherworldly character who crash-lands on Earth, bringing with him a series of out-of-this-world adventures. With a mix of humor, science fiction, and heartwarming moments, Hilo is perfect for kids who enjoy a bit of everything in their stories.
Big Nate – the colored graphic novel series by Lincoln Peirce:
- Follow the misadventures of Nate Wright, a self-proclaimed genius, and sixth-grader. Big Nate offers humor and relatable situations that older elementary kids can appreciate, making it an excellent choice for transitioning readers.
Garlic and the Vampire by Bree Paulsen:
- A quirky, garlic-loving vampire teams up with a fearless girl in this offbeat graphic novel. It’s a story filled with humor and a dose of mystery, making it an ideal choice for kids who enjoy unique characters and unexpected friendships.
Prunella and the Cursed Skull Ring by Tamra Bonvillain and Jennifer L. Meyer:
- Prunella and her friends embark on a magical adventure when they discover a cursed skull ring. This graphic novel offers a blend of humor and fantasy that will captivate young readers and keep them turning pages.
As your child’s reading tastes evolve, it’s essential to introduce them to a variety of books that cater to their growing interests. While DogMan will always hold a special place on the bookshelf, these graphic novels offer a mix of craziness, deeper storylines, and adventure that will keep young readers engaged and excited about reading. Whether it’s following the antics of Barb the Berzerker, solving mysteries with Bunnicula, or joining Hilo on his intergalactic escapades, these books are perfect for kids who are ready to take the next step in their reading journey. So, open the pages of these colorful and captivating graphic novels and watch as your child’s love for reading continues to flourish.
