- Graphic Novels
- Ages 7–10
- Comedy
Alan, King of the Universe: Cats Rule, Dogs Drool!
Book 3 of 2 in Alan, King of the UniverseView the full series
The third helping of chaotic two-colour comic mischief starring Alan, the thumb-blessed cat convinced he was born to rule the universe, and his devoted dog Fido. More world-domination schemes for newly independent readers who love silly graphic novels.
- Best for7–10
- FormatGraphic
The vibe
What it’s like.
Style
- Comedic
- Conversational
Tone
- Funny
- Silly
- Absurdist
- Irreverent
- Warm
Themes
Experience meters
What’s it about?
The story.
Alan the cat is still absolutely certain he was born to rule - and still has his big, slobbery, endlessly loyal dog Fido along for every doomed scheme. In this third instalment of Tom McLaughlin's two-colour graphic novel series, the megalomaniac feline plots fresh routes to universal domination, all of which somehow have to fit neatly around teatime. As with the earlier books, the appeal is in the format as much as the jokes: clean, big-panelled, two-colour artwork and joke-per-page energy make it an easy, confidence-building read for children stepping up from picture books. Fans of Dog Man, Bunny vs Monkey and Investigators will feel right at home with this catnip-fuelled would-be tyrant and his good-natured hound.
Fit check
Right for your child?
Where it lands by age
Aimed at 7-10s reading independently, with joke-per-page comedy that works read aloud from about 6. Very low peril and no scary content make it an easy comic pick for younger or reluctant readers.
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- Best fit · 7–10
- Read aloud · 6–9
- Independent · 7–10
Prose load
Light
Visual support
Very high
Reluctant-reader friendly
Very
Read-aloud quality
Workable
Works well for
- Reluctant readers
Nothing in the book is likely to concern most parents. Safe to recommend without preview.
Bedtime suitability
3 / 5 · Workable
Sensitive-child
5 / 5 · Good fit
Graphic intensity
1 / 5 · None
Best for
- Reluctant readers
- Funny animals
- First graphic novel
- Laugh out loud
Avoid if
- Prefers realistic stories
- Wants gentle bedtime
Particularly good for children who are…
- Reluctant reader
- Struggling with reading
Why it lands
Why they love it.
Why kids love it
Alan is back with even bigger plans to rule the universe, and Fido is still up for anything. The schemes are huge, the disasters are guaranteed, and the two-colour comic panels keep every silly moment fast and easy to read.
- Trickery and cleverness
- Breaking the rules safely
- Revenge on adults
- Friendship and belonging
Why parents love it
A dependable, low-peril two-colour graphic novel for newly independent readers - short, silly and warm. The cat-and-dog double act is easy to love, and it sits comfortably alongside Dog Man for children who race through comics.
- Shared humour
- Quick to read
In the series
Alan, King of the Universe.
2 books · open the series →
About the author & illustrator
Tom McLaughlin.
If you liked this
Three ways out of this book.
If you liked this, try…
Lateral matches. Same shelf, different texture.
Come into this from…
Easier or preparing reads — perfect lead-ins.
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