If the hilarious, over-the-top adventures of George and Harold have your young reader hooked, you've probably heard the question: "What can I read next?" The world of illustrated chapter books is bursting with silly stories, wacky characters, and laugh-out-loud humor perfect for fans of Dav Pilkey. Finding the right books similar to Captain Underpants means looking for that magic mix of zany plots, comic-style art, and pure, unapologetic fun.
But where do you actually find these gems? This guide is your ultimate roadmap. We'll explore the best websites and platforms to discover, borrow, or buy your next favorite funny series. From major online bookstores to library apps and secondhand marketplaces, we have you covered. Each recommendation includes direct links and key details to make your book hunt simple and successful.
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1. Setterfrens 'Our Books' Showcase
For families searching for books similar to Captain Underpants that deliver big laughs with a puppy-powered twist, the Setterfrens 'Our Books' Showcase is a premier destination. This platform isn't just a catalog; it's a vibrant, humor-first brand experience designed to captivate young, developing readers. The showcase presents a collection of short, jokey, and heavily illustrated chapter books that perfectly match the silly, accessible spirit that Dav Pilkey's fans adore.
What truly sets this showcase apart is its integrated brand ecosystem. It brilliantly frames each story as part of a larger, interactive world. Beyond the books, fans can engage with plushies, coloring books, activity sheets, and video trailers, transforming reading from a solitary activity into a multi-faceted hobby. This approach is ideal for parents and educators looking to nurture a lasting love for reading in children who thrive on creativity and play.
Why It's a Top Pick for 'Captain Underpants' Fans
The Setterfrens collection excels at delivering the core elements that make Captain Underpants a hit:
- Humor-Led Storytelling: The books are packed with jokes, silly scenarios, and relatable kid-focused humor, with the added charm of lovable dog protagonists.
- Accessible Format: Short chapters combined with dynamic illustrations make the books approachable for emerging and reluctant readers, building their confidence.
- Engaging Brand World: The supportive materials, from plushies to a fan club, offer endless opportunities for off-the-page engagement, much like the "Flip-O-Rama" and extra comics in Pilkey's series.
The site is authored with a friendly "Author, Creator, Dog Mom" voice, which fosters a direct and personal connection with the creator. This approachable tone, combined with active social channels (@setterfrens on TikTok and Instagram) and the Puppicino Club newsletter, creates a warm community. This makes it easy for families to follow new releases, access exclusive content, and feel like part of the "pack."
For educators and librarians, the themed activities and creator-led community provide excellent resources for classroom and library programming. You can find detailed information on each title by exploring the Setterfrens book collection directly on their website.
2. Barnes & Noble
When you need to find books similar to Captain Underpants right now, Barnes & Noble is a fantastic resource. As a major US retailer with both a robust online store and physical locations, it excels at stocking the exact kind of laugh-out-loud, highly illustrated chapter books and graphic novels that fans of George and Harold adore. Their deep inventory means popular series like Dog Man, Big Nate, and Diary of a Wimpy Kid are almost always on hand.
This blend of online convenience and in-person access makes B&N uniquely useful. You can browse online, confirm a book is in stock at your local store, and use their "Buy Online, Pick Up In Store" option for same-day gratification. This is perfect for last-minute gifts or when a young reader is desperate for the next book in a series.
Why It's Great for Finding Read-Alikes
The website is specifically designed to help you discover new favorites. Their series pages are a standout feature, clearly listing all books in a series, including pre-orders and related spin-offs. This makes it easy to track down every adventure without missing a single volume.
Here's how to make the most of the site:
- Use the Filters: After searching, use the filters on the left-hand side to narrow results by "Age Range" (e.g., 6-8 years) and "Format" (e.g., Hardcover, Paperback, Boxed Set).
- Check Series Pages: When you find a book you like, click on the series name (e.g., "The Bad Guys Series") to see every related title in one place.
- Look for Box Sets: B&N often bundles the first few books of a series into a box set, which makes for a perfect, high-impact gift for a budding reader.
Pro Tip: While their prices are often at the manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP), their Member Program offers discounts and free shipping perks that can make purchases more affordable.
Website: https://www.barnesandnoble.com
3. Scholastic (Store & Scholastic Parents)
When looking for books similar to Captain Underpants, going straight to the source is a brilliant strategy. Scholastic, the publisher of Dav Pilkey's iconic series, offers a treasure trove of recommendations on its website, which combines a direct-to-consumer store with invaluable resources for parents and educators. This platform is expertly designed to guide you to books that capture the same silly, kid-friendly humor because they know the audience better than anyone.
The dual nature of the site is its biggest strength. You can shop for new reads while also exploring the "Scholastic Parents" section, which features editor-curated lists organized by age and humor type. This is perfect for ensuring a new book series is not just funny but also perfectly aligned with a child's reading level and development stage.
Why It's Great for Finding Read-Alikes
Scholastic excels at making official, trustworthy connections between its titles. The official author pages for creators like Dav Pilkey explicitly cross-recommend his other series, such as Dog Man and Cat Kid Comic Club. This direct line from the publisher helps parents and teachers confidently pick the next surefire hit for their young readers.
Here's how to make the most of the site:
- Explore Curated Lists: Navigate to the "Scholastic Parents" section and look for book lists like "Funny Books for Kids Ages 6-7." These are hand-picked by experts to match specific tastes.
- Visit Author Pages: Search for Dav Pilkey to find his dedicated page. It's a hub that links directly to his other beloved series and provides insights into his creative world.
- Check "You Might Also Like": When viewing a book like Captain Underpants, scroll down to see publisher-recommended read-alikes, which are often highly accurate suggestions.
Pro Tip: Scholastic often runs promotions and has a "Books Under $5" section, making it a budget-friendly option. Signing up for their emails can alert you to sales on popular series.
Website: https://www.scholastic.com
4. Bookshop.org
If you want your purchase to make a positive impact, Bookshop.org is a fantastic place to find books similar to Captain Underpants. This online bookstore directly supports independent bookstores across the US, allowing you to get popular kids' titles while championing local businesses. Their catalog is extensive, so you can easily find series like Dog Man, The Bad Guys, and Diary of a Wimpy Kid.
The platform combines the convenience of online shopping with the heart of a neighborhood bookshop. When you make a purchase, the profits are either sent to a specific independent store of your choice or contributed to a shared pool that is evenly distributed among participating stores. It’s a values-aligned choice for families who want to support the literary community.
Why It's Great for Finding Read-Alikes
The standout feature of Bookshop.org is its emphasis on human curation over pure algorithms. You’ll find countless book lists curated by independent booksellers, authors, and publications. These lists are often themed, such as "Hilarious Graphic Novels for Kids" or "First Chapter Books," making it easy to discover new, vetted recommendations from people who truly love children's literature.
Here's how to make the most of the site:
- Explore Curated Lists: Use the "Browse" feature to find lists created by experts. This is the best way to uncover hidden gems and new series that a computer might miss.
- Support a Local Store: Use the map feature to find a specific independent bookstore to support with your purchase. You can make them your default store for all future orders.
- Check Availability: While the selection is vast, some titles may rely on partner inventory. Shipping times can also be slightly longer than major retailers, so plan ahead for gifts.
Pro Tip: Look for lists curated by children's book authors or your favorite local bookstore's staff. Their expert recommendations are often tailored perfectly for fans of specific series, giving you an insider's guide to the best new books.
Website: https://bookshop.org
5. ThriftBooks
For parents, teachers, and librarians looking to build a library of books similar to Captain Underpants on a budget, ThriftBooks is an absolute goldmine. This massive online marketplace for used books excels at providing popular, highly illustrated series at incredibly low prices. It's the perfect place to stock up on multiple volumes of Dog Man, The Bad Guys, or My Weird School without breaking the bank.
The main draw is the cost-effectiveness. You can often find popular titles for just a few dollars, allowing you to sample a new series or buy duplicates for a classroom without a major financial commitment. Their free shipping threshold is also relatively low, making it easy to place an order and get a stack of hilarious books delivered right to your door.
Why It's Great for Finding Read-Alikes
ThriftBooks is uniquely designed for bulk buying and series completion. Their dedicated series pages are a fantastic feature, showing you every book in a particular series along with the price range for different conditions. This makes it incredibly simple to fill gaps in a collection or purchase an entire set at once.
Here's how to make the most of the site:
- Use the Series Hubs: When you find a book you like, click on the series name. This takes you to a hub listing every title, often with options for different conditions from "Acceptable" to "Like New."
- Check Different Conditions: Don't be afraid of "Good" or "Acceptable" copies, especially for classroom libraries. These are the most affordable and perfect for books that will see a lot of love and wear.
- Look for Box Sets: The site frequently lists complete or partial box sets, which can be the most economical way to acquire the first several books in a popular series like The Treehouse Storey.
Pro Tip: Sign up for their ReadingRewards program. You earn points on every purchase that convert into free books, making an already great deal even better.
Website: https://www.thriftbooks.com
6. Libby by OverDrive
For a completely free way to discover tons of books similar to Captain Underpants, Libby by OverDrive is an essential tool. This brilliant app connects directly to your local public library's digital collection, allowing you to borrow ebooks and audiobooks without spending a dime. It's a fantastic, risk-free way to let your young reader "try out" different highly illustrated series like The Bad Guys or Lunch Lady before committing to a purchase.
All you need is a valid library card from a participating library. The app itself is incredibly user-friendly, with a clean interface that syncs your reading progress across all your devices. This makes it perfect for families and educators who want to explore a wide range of graphic novels and silly chapter books to see what sticks.
Why It's Great for Finding Read-Alikes
Libby excels at discovery and accessibility. Since libraries curate their collections for their communities, their digital shelves are often packed with popular and award-winning kids' titles. The platform makes finding them simple with curated categories and kid-friendly browsing modes.
Here's how to make the most of the app:
- Explore Kids' Guides: Look for your library's curated shelves like "Kids," "Comics & Graphic Novels," and "Just for Laughs" to find hand-picked recommendations.
- Place Holds: If a popular book like Dog Man is checked out, place a hold on it. Libby will notify you when it's your turn and automatically check it out for you.
- Sample Books: Use the "Read a Sample" feature to preview the first few pages. This is a great way to check if the humor and illustration style will appeal to your reader.
Pro Tip: Set up your "Reading Preferences" in the app to filter by audience (e.g., "Juvenile") and format (e.g., "ebooks") to automatically hide results that aren't relevant to your search.
Website: https://www.libbyapp.com
7. eBay
For building a collection of books similar to Captain Underpants on a budget, eBay is an unbeatable marketplace. This massive online auction and sales site is perfect for finding discounted single volumes, first printings, and, most importantly, large multi-book lots. If your young reader is tearing through series like Dog Man or Big Nate and you need to stock up, eBay sellers often bundle entire collections for a fraction of the retail cost.
What makes eBay unique is its treasure-hunt-like nature. You can find everything from brand-new copies to gently used books at a significant discount. It's an excellent way to fill gaps in a series, replace a well-loved but damaged book, or discover out-of-print or earlier editions that are no longer available in traditional stores. The seller-based system means the selection is vast and always changing.
Why It's Great for Finding Read-Alikes
eBay’s strength lies in its powerful search and filtering tools, which let you target exactly what you need. Whether you're bidding in an auction or using the "Buy It Now" feature, you can quickly assemble a mini-library of hilarious, illustrated chapter books without breaking the bank. The buyer protection system also provides a safety net for your purchases.
Here's how to make the most of the site:
- Search for Lots: Use terms like "Dog Man book lot" or "Captain Underpants collection" to find sellers offering multiple books in one listing for a single shipping cost.
- Filter by Condition: Narrow your search to "Brand New" or "Very Good" condition to ensure you receive quality copies. You can also look for "Acceptable" if you just need a cheap reading copy.
- Save Your Searches: If you're hunting for a specific book, save your search. eBay will notify you when a new listing matching your criteria is posted.
Pro Tip: Always check a seller's feedback and read their item descriptions carefully. Pay attention to photos and shipping costs to understand exactly what you're buying and how much it will cost to get to you.
Website: https://www.ebay.com
7-Store Comparison: Books Similar to Captain Underpants
| Item | 🔄 Implementation complexity | ⚡ Resource requirements | ⭐ Expected outcomes | 💡 Ideal use cases | 📊 Key advantages |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Setterfrens "Our Books" Showcase | 🔄 Low — simple site navigation and links | ⚡ Low — web access; optional newsletter/social follow | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ — high engagement for target audience; niche breadth | 💡 Gift shoppers, parents, young dog‑loving readers, classroom picks | 📊 Integrated brand ecosystem (plushies, activity sheets, trailers); humor‑led, creator voice |
| Barnes & Noble | 🔄 Low — clear filters and in‑store browsing | ⚡ Medium — purchase cost; shipping or store pickup | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ — wide selection, fast fulfillment | 💡 Immediate purchase, gift buying, in‑person discovery | 📊 Large in‑stock selection, robust series pages, box‑set availability |
| Scholastic (Store & Scholastic Parents) | 🔄 Low — curated publisher pages and lists | ⚡ Low–Medium — direct purchases, teacher/school ordering | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ — age‑aligned, reliable recommendations | 💡 Classroom selection, age‑appropriate discovery, parent guidance | 📊 Editor‑curated lists, official author read‑alikes, school alignment |
| Bookshop.org | 🔄 Low — browse curated store/creator lists | ⚡ Medium — purchase cost; benefits local indies | ⭐⭐⭐ — strong curated discovery; variable availability | 💡 Values‑aligned purchases, curated recommendations | 📊 Supports independent bookstores; human curation over pure algorithms |
| ThriftBooks | 🔄 Low — marketplace browsing | ⚡ Low — used pricing, promos; variable shipping | ⭐⭐⭐ — cost‑effective collection building; condition varies | 💡 Assembling classroom/home libraries on a budget, duplicates | 📊 Lowest total cost, deep inventory of older volumes and box sets |
| Libby by OverDrive | 🔄 Medium — requires library card, holds and renewals | ⚡ Very Low — free with participating library and app | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ — zero‑cost access; waitlists possible | 💡 Trialing titles before purchase, educator/librarian recommendations | 📊 Free borrowing, device sync, accessibility/read‑aloud features |
| eBay | 🔄 Medium — auctions, seller vetting, variable processes | ⚡ Low–Medium — potential bargains, shipping varies by seller | ⭐⭐⭐ — good for rare finds and bundles; condition risk | 💡 Hunting out‑of‑print editions, assembling cheap bundles, collectors | 📊 Wide marketplace, auctions/Buy It Now, access to rare/earlier editions |
Keep the Adventure Going with SetterFrens
Finding the next big read after finishing a series as beloved as Captain Underpants can feel like a daunting quest. But as we've explored, the world is filled with incredible tools and resources, each offering a unique pathway to discovering more books similar to Captain Underpants. The real secret isn't finding a single perfect replacement; it's about embracing the journey and knowing exactly where to look for stories that spark that same mischievous joy and laugh-out-loud humor.
From the curated shelves of Barnes & Noble to the community-driven mission of Bookshop.org, and the budget-friendly treasures waiting at ThriftBooks, you have a wealth of options at your fingertips. Each platform serves a different need, whether you're a parent seeking expert guidance from Scholastic, a digital native borrowing from Libby, or a collector hunting for a specific edition on eBay. The key takeaway is that your book-finding strategy can be as creative and resourceful as George and Harold themselves.
Choosing Your Next Book-Hunting Tool
So, how do you decide where to start your search? The best approach is to match the tool to your family's specific needs and reading habits.
- For Instant Gratification and Digital Access: Libby by OverDrive is your go-to. It's free, immediate, and perfect for testing out a new series without any financial commitment.
- For Supporting Local and Independent Bookstores: Bookshop.org allows you to channel your purchase towards a local shop, combining the convenience of online shopping with community support.
- For Building a Home Library on a Budget: ThriftBooks and eBay are fantastic resources for finding pre-loved books at a fraction of the cost, making it easier to say "yes" to a whole new series.
- For a Classic Browsing Experience and New Releases: Barnes & Noble offers the timeless joy of walking through the aisles, discovering staff picks, and seeing the latest hilarious reads in person.
Remember, the goal is to keep the momentum going. When a child finishes a book they love, having the next one ready is crucial for cementing their identity as a reader. By using these tools, you can ensure the laughter and page-turning excitement never have to stop. The adventure that started with "Tra-La-Laaaa!" can continue with wacky inventors, hilarious animal sidekicks, and underdog heroes for years to come.
Ultimately, the best books are the ones that get read. Whether you borrow, buy new, or find a secondhand gem, you are giving a young reader the priceless gift of humor, imagination, and a lifelong love for stories. Keep exploring, stay curious, and get ready to discover your next favorite series.
Ready for a new adventure that blends silly humor with heartwarming tales of friendship? Explore the world of Setterfrens LLC, where our own collection of illustrated children's books offers the perfect next step for fans looking for books similar to Captain Underpants, but with a furry, four-legged twist. Visit Setterfrens LLC to meet our pack and find a story that will have your whole family laughing.
