15 Books Like Captain Underpants
Ever wished your grumpy teacher could be transformed into a wedgie-loving superhero?
Buckle up, then, because we’re diving headfirst into the wacky, wonderful world of Captain Underpants!
This series, created by the ingenious Dav Pilkey, is packed with humor, mischief, and enough silly shenanigans to keep you giggling for days.
So, grab your imaginary cape and prepare to embark on a fifteen-book adventure filled with talking toilets, cafeteria lady aliens, and, of course, the one and only Captain Underpants himself!
Books Like Captain Underpants
1. “Diary of a Wimpy Kid” by Jeff Kinney
This series, starting with “Diary of a Wimpy Kid,” follows the adventures and misadventures of Greg Heffley as he navigates middle school life.
Told through a combination of text and comic-style illustrations, it captures the humor and awkwardness of growing up. Greg’s attempts to fit in and become popular often backfire, leading to hilarious consequences.
Major Similarities:
Like “Captain Underpants,” “Diary of a Wimpy Kid” combines humor with illustrations to engage young readers. Both series feature a young male protagonist dealing with the challenges of school life and use a comic relief approach to tackle themes of friendship, family, and the trials of growing up.
2. “The Adventures of Super Diaper Baby” by Dav Pilkey
Created by the same author, “The Adventures of Super Diaper Baby” is a spin-off of the Captain Underpants series. It tells the story of a baby superhero, born with superpowers, who fights crime in his diaper. The book is presented in a unique comic book style, filled with humor and action.
Major Similarities:
This book shares the same author and illustrative style as “Captain Underpants,” making it familiar to fans of the series.
The humor, superhero theme, and creative presentation through comic strips are key similarities, appealing to readers who enjoy the blend of visual and textual storytelling.
3. “Dog Man” by Dav Pilkey
Also by Dav Pilkey, “Dog Man” is a graphic novel series about a canine superhero. Born from the parts of a police dog and a policeman, Dog Man fights crime with his unique abilities.
The series is known for its humor, heart, and creative flip-o-rama sections that allow readers to animate certain parts of the story.
Major Similarities:
“Dog Man” shares the same creator as “Captain Underpants,” which means it has a similar sense of humor and artistic style. Both series appeal to readers who love stories that are both visually engaging and filled with comedic elements.
The superhero theme and the emphasis on the power of friendship and perseverance are also common threads.
4. “Big Nate” by Lincoln Peirce
“Big Nate” follows the life of Nate Wright, a precocious and confident sixth-grader, and his friends as they navigate the trials and tribulations of middle school.
The series is known for its witty humor, expressive drawings, and the protagonist’s daydreams of grandeur. Nate’s misadventures are often a result of his own overconfidence but are always humorous.
Major Similarities:
Similar to “Captain Underpants,” “Big Nate” uses a combination of text and illustrations to tell the story, making it accessible and engaging for young readers.
Both series explore themes of school life, friendship, and the imaginative ways children deal with challenges. The humor and relatable characters provide a common ground for fans of both series.
5. “The Bad Guys” by Aaron Blabey
“The Bad Guys” series introduces a group of stereotypical villains – including a wolf, shark, snake, and piranha – who decide to turn good and prove they aren’t bad after all.
The books are filled with humor, action, and moral lessons about redemption and the power of changing one’s narrative. The story is told through a blend of text and comic-style illustrations.
Major Similarities:
Like “Captain Underpants,” “The Bad Guys” features a unique blend of humor and adventure, presented in a visually appealing format that combines traditional text with comic illustrations.
Both series play with the idea of unconventional heroes and the importance of friendship and good intentions, appealing to readers looking for fun and engaging stories with a positive message.
6. “Frankie Pickle” by Eric Wight
The “Frankie Pickle” series explores the life of young Frankie, who has a vivid imagination that turns his everyday experiences into wild adventures.
Through a mix of prose and graphic novel panels, readers are taken on imaginative journeys that blend real-life situations with fantastical elements. Frankie’s creative problem-solving and adventures echo the humor and inventiveness found in childhood.
Major Similarities: Similar to “Captain Underpants,” the “Frankie Pickle” series combines engaging storytelling with visual elements, appealing to readers who enjoy a dynamic reading experience.
The emphasis on imagination, humor, and the seamless blend of text with illustrations cater to fans of stories that celebrate creativity and adventure in everyday life.
7. “Stick Dog” by Tom Watson
“Stick Dog” follows the humorous exploits of a stray dog and his group of friends as they embark on quests, usually in the pursuit of delicious food. The story is told through simple, stick-figure illustrations and text, making it accessible and entertaining.
The characters’ schemes and adventures are filled with humor and the occasional lesson about friendship and perseverance.
Major Similarities:
Like “Captain Underpants,” “Stick Dog” appeals to readers with its blend of humor, simple yet expressive illustrations, and an adventurous narrative.
Both series showcase the value of teamwork and the comedic potential in everyday situations, making them a hit with young readers who appreciate lighthearted and visually engaging stories.
8. “The Dumb Bunnies” by Dav Pilkey
“The Dumb Bunnies” series, another creation by Dav Pilkey, presents the hilariously absurd adventures of a bunny family. The humor is intentionally silly and over-the-top, appealing directly to a sense of fun and the ridiculous.
The books are filled with visual gags and nonsensical scenarios that challenge conventional storytelling in a humorous way.
Major Similarities:
Sharing the same author as “Captain Underpants,” “The Dumb Bunnies” exhibits a similar comedic style, blending absurdity with a kind-hearted spirit.
The series’ reliance on visual humor and playful narratives connects with readers who enjoy Pilkey’s unique approach to children’s literature, where the ridiculousness of the situations is a source of joy and laughter.
9. “My Weird School” by Dan Gutman
The “My Weird School” series focuses on a group of elementary school students and their interactions with their eccentric teachers and school staff.
Each book introduces a new, quirky adult character, making school life anything but ordinary for the students. The series is known for its humor, relatable school scenarios, and the creative ways the characters deal with their unusual teachers.
Major Similarities:
Like “Captain Underpants,” “My Weird School” appeals to young readers through its humorous take on school life and the unique characters that make everyday situations entertaining.
The series’ emphasis on the fun and absurdity of school, combined with its accessible writing style, makes it a great choice for those who enjoy stories that make them laugh and look at school in a lighthearted way.
10. “Lunch Lady” by Jarrett J. Krosoczka
“Lunch Lady” is a graphic novel series about a cafeteria worker who leads a double life as a superhero, fighting crime and protecting the school. The books mix mystery, humor, and action, presenting engaging stories that appeal to a wide audience.
The illustrations are lively and add to the fast-paced narrative, making each adventure exciting and visually appealing.
Major Similarities:
“Lunch Lady” shares with “Captain Underpants” a unique blend of school-based humor and superhero action, delivered through a combination of engaging text and dynamic illustrations.
Both series play with the idea of hidden identities and the unexpected heroism found in everyday settings, appealing to readers’ love for adventure and the comic absurdity of life.
11. “EllRay Jakes” by Sally Warner
“EllRay Jakes” is a series about a small but clever and spirited third grader, navigating the complexities of school life, friendships, and family.
Through relatable situations and realistic settings, EllRay’s adventures offer humor, life lessons, and the importance of being oneself. The series is celebrated for its engaging storytelling and relatable character dynamics.
Major Similarities:
Much like “Captain Underpants,” the “EllRay Jakes” series captivates its audience with humor and a keen understanding of elementary school dynamics.
While it doesn’t incorporate superhero antics, it shares the theme of navigating school life with humor and wit, making it appealing to readers who enjoy stories about the triumphs and challenges of childhood.
12. “The Notebook of Doom” by Troy Cummings
“The Notebook of Doom” series combines early chapter book text with comic book-style illustrations to tell the story of Alexander Bopp and his encounters with monsters in his new town.
It’s a unique blend of horror, humor, and action, perfect for young readers who like a little thrill with their laughs. The series is notable for its engaging plots and the creative way it introduces different monsters.
Major Similarities:
Like “Captain Underpants,” “The Notebook of Doom” offers a combination of text and illustrations that engage young readers, particularly those drawn to slightly spooky themes mixed with humor.
Both series are excellent for transitional readers who appreciate a blend of excitement, laughs, and visually driven storytelling.
13. “Ricky Ricotta’s Mighty Robot” by Dav Pilkey
Another creation by Dav Pilkey, “Ricky Ricotta’s Mighty Robot” series features a young mouse, Ricky Ricotta, who befriends a giant robot.
Together, they go on adventures and battle villains threatening their city. The series is packed with action, friendship themes, and Pilkey’s signature flip-o-rama animation pages, making it a dynamic reading experience.
Major Similarities:
Sharing the same author as “Captain Underpants,” this series also blends humor, adventure, and the bond of friendship with an engaging mix of text and illustrations.
Its appeal lies in the imaginative scenarios and the visually engaging action scenes, making it a hit with readers who love stories about unlikely heroes and the power of teamwork.
14. “Ivy + Bean” by Annie Barrows
“Ivy + Bean” is a series about two girls who are very different from each other but become the best of friends.
The stories explore their adventures and misadventures in their neighborhood and school, highlighting themes of friendship, creativity, and the joys of childhood.
The series is known for its humor, warmth, and the relatable way it depicts the challenges and triumphs of growing up.
Major Similarities:
While “Ivy + Bean” does not feature superheroes or comic book elements like “Captain Underpants,” it shares the series’ humor and emphasis on friendship and imagination.
Both series appeal to young readers with their engaging stories about childhood adventures and the ability to see the extraordinary in the ordinary.
15. “Timmy Failure” by Stephan Pastis
“Timmy Failure” follows the hilariously misguided ambitions of Timmy, who believes himself to be the greatest detective in town, despite the many comedic setbacks he faces.
Accompanied by his (imaginary) polar bear partner, Total, Timmy navigates a world of adult expectations and childhood fantasies. The series is a mix of text and illustrations, delivering humor and heart in equal measure.
Major Similarities:
Like “Captain Underpants,” “Timmy Failure” combines engaging narrative with illustrations to tell its story, appealing to readers who love humor and quirky characters.
Both series showcase the imaginative ways children interpret and interact with the world around them, making them perfect for those who enjoy tales of adventure and misadventure with a comedic twist.
