Best Children's Mystery & Detective Comics & Graphic Novels of 2025

The Dog Man: The Epic Collection is a three-book set by Dav Pilkey, the creator of Captain Underpants. This series follows Dog Man, a half-dog, half-man hero who fights crime. The books are filled with action-oriented cartoons and explore positive themes such as empathy, kindness, and persistence. Dav Pilkey's unique style of storytelling and illustrations make this series a must-read for all ages. From the witty humor to the lovable characters, these books are a riotously funny and original addition to any bookshelf.

InvestiGators: Agents of S.U.I.T. is a fun and quirky graphic novel that follows Cilantro the Chameleon on her first field assignment. As she investigates a sheep-led worker's rights revolt, an alien invasion conspiracy, and a spooky haunting, Cilantro becomes a valued member of the S.U.I.T. team. The bold and bright artwork, combined with plenty of humor and action, will keep readers, ages 8-12, engaged. This book is a spinoff of the popular InvestiGators series, but readers can enjoy it without reading the previous books. Overall, Agents of S.U.I.T. is a unique addition to the children's animal comics and graphic novels category.

The Enola Holmes graphic novel adaptation is a delightful and beautifully illustrated collection of three thrilling mysteries. The series follows the brilliant and strong-willed younger sister of Sherlock Holmes, Enola, as she solves complex cases and defies societal norms. The stories are based on Nancy Springer's bestselling mystery series and are perfect for readers who enjoy graphic novels and mystery novels. The lush watercolor illustrations add to the charm of the book, making it a must-read for children and adults alike. Overall, Enola Holmes: The Graphic Novels is a unique and captivating addition to the mystery genre.

InvestiGators: Heist and Seek is the sixth volume in John Patrick Green's popular series, following the adventures of the sewer surfing super-sleuths Mango & Brash. In this installment, the duo goes undercover as internationally renowned painters to recover missing rare paintings and expose a crook who has mastered the art of crime. The action-packed illustrated fun is perfect for children who love animal comics and graphic novels. John Patrick Green is a talented author who creates engaging stories with relatable characters that keep readers coming back for more. InvestiGators: Heist and Seek is a must-read for fans of the series and a great introduction for new readers looking for a fun and exciting story.

InvestiGators: Ants in Our P.A.N.T.S. is the latest hilarious adventure in the series from John Patrick Green. In this chapter, the sewer-loving secret agents Mango and RoboBrash are on a mission to stop giant ants that are rampaging in the city. With a villain team-up, mega-size ants, and an uncannily mature dream sequence, this book is full of major developments. The exuberant, bright art and punny sense of humor will grab readers' attention. The racially diverse cast of humans and animal characters adds to the appeal of the story. Overall, this is a fun and engaging read for fans of Dog Man and other children's animal comics and graphic novels.

The second book in the New York Times bestselling Spy School series, Spy Camp the Graphic Novel, follows Ben Ripley, a middle schooler who has spent the last year training to be a top-level spy. Ben is now sent to a rustic wilderness camp for required spy survival training, where enemy spy organization SPYDER has infiltrated the ranks. Ben must root out the enemy before it takes him out for good. This action-packed children's comic book is perfect for young readers who love adventure and suspense.

The InvestiGators are back in action in their latest adventure, Braver and Boulder by John Patrick Green. This hilarious graphic novel follows our favorite sewer-loving secret agents as they navigate a new challenge - keeping a low profile while investigating the latest fad, Boulder Buddies. With their trademark humor and wit, Green delivers a stone-cold dangerous mission that is sure to delight readers of all ages. As always, the author's unique ability to anthropomorphize animals and give them human jobs is on full display. Overall, Braver and Boulder is a fun and exciting addition to the InvestiGators series that is not to be missed.

InvestiGators is a goofy and fun graphic novel series, perfect for young readers. The story follows the adventures of two alligator agents, Mango and Brash, as they solve mysteries and fight supervillains in the sewers. The book is packed with surreal alligator action, wordplay gags, and plenty of slapstick humor. The author, John Patrick Green, is known for his animal-themed books, and he doesn't disappoint with this one. InvestiGators is a fast-paced, inventive, and silly read that both kids and adults will enjoy.

InvestiGators: Take the Plunge, the second installment in John Patrick Green's graphic novel series, follows secret agents Mango and Brash as they go undercover as city sewer workers to unclog a sticky situation. However, their mission goes awry, and they are blamed for the city's backed-up toilets. The duo must clear their names and capture the real culprit before the whole city is submerged. Green's humorous and action-packed adventure is perfect for children who love animals with human jobs. The book's unique concept and engaging storyline make it a must-read for young readers.

InvestiGators: Off the Hook is the third installment in the hilarious adventure series from John Patrick Green. The book follows the alligator spies Mango and Brash as they fight for the GATOR good against their arch-nemesis, Crackerdile, and his team of supervillains. The narrative is dialogue-heavy, but the colorful and cartoony artwork, wordplay, and comical misunderstandings make it an enjoyable read for kids. John Patrick Green’s unique style of creating books about animals with human jobs is showcased in this children's animal comic and graphic novel. Overall, InvestiGators: Off the Hook is a zany and fun addition to the series that will leave readers eager for more.