InvestiGators is a graphic novel series by John Patrick Green that follows the adventures of Mango and Brash—two alligator detectives who work for the secret Special Undercover Investigation Teams (S.U.I.T.) agency. Think buddy cop movies meets Dog Man energy, with plenty of puns, visual gags, and crime-solving action.
The series launched in 2020 and has quickly become a staple on elementary and middle school bookshelves. There are currently nine books in the main series, plus spin-offs like InvestiGators: Agents of S.U.I.T.. Each book is around 200 pages of full-color comic panels that blend humor, mystery, and surprisingly clever storytelling.
If your kid is bringing these home from the school library or begging for the next installment at the book fair, you're not alone—this series has serious momentum with the 7-11 age group.
It's genuinely funny. The humor works on multiple levels. Younger readers laugh at the slapstick and silly character names (looking at you, General Inspector), while older kids catch the wordplay and pop culture references. The puns are relentless—which either delights or tortures parents during read-aloud time, depending on your tolerance.
The graphic novel format is accessible. For reluctant readers or kids who find dense text intimidating, graphic novels like InvestiGators provide an entry point. The visual storytelling helps with comprehension, and the shorter text blocks feel less overwhelming than traditional chapter books. Many teachers actively recommend this series as a bridge between early readers and longer novels.
The characters have personality. Mango is the enthusiastic, slightly chaotic partner, while Brash is the by-the-book, serious one. Their dynamic is classic buddy comedy, and kids genuinely connect with their friendship. The supporting cast—including the villainous Crackerdile and scientist Houdini—adds depth without overwhelming the core story.
Each book is self-contained but builds on the last. Kids can pick up any book and follow along, but there's enough continuity that reading in order feels rewarding. This is perfect for the age group that's learning to follow longer narratives.
Ages 6-8: The books are officially recommended for ages 7+, but confident readers in first grade can handle them with some support. The vocabulary is accessible, and the pictures provide context clues. Some of the jokes might go over younger kids' heads, but they'll still enjoy the action and silliness.
Ages 9-11: This is the sweet spot. Third through fifth graders are the core audience, and the humor, pacing, and complexity match their developmental stage perfectly. Kids in this age range often devour the entire series in weeks.
Ages 12+: Some middle schoolers still enjoy InvestiGators, especially if they're Dog Man or Captain Underpants fans who've aged up. The series doesn't try to be edgy or mature, so it's a comfortable choice for kids who want something lighthearted.
Content-wise, this is squeaky clean. There's cartoon violence (punching, chasing, comedic explosions), but nothing graphic or scary. No language concerns, no inappropriate content. The villains are bumbling and non-threatening. If you're comfortable with Paw Patrol or Wild Kratts, InvestiGators is fine.
It's actually well-written. Some kids' series feel like they're phoning it in, but John Patrick Green clearly cares about craft. The panel layouts are creative, the pacing is tight, and there are running gags that reward close reading. As a bonus, the books include "how to draw" sections in the back, which many kids love.
This series encourages reading stamina. Because kids genuinely want to know what happens next, they'll push through longer reading sessions. If you're trying to build a reading habit, InvestiGators is a solid choice—it's engaging enough to compete with screens.
The book fair factor is real. These books show up at every Scholastic Book Fair, and kids see their friends reading them. There's a social component to being "in" on the series. If budget is a concern, check your local library—they almost certainly have copies, though you might need to place a hold.
Reading level vs. interest level. InvestiGators has a relatively low reading level (around 2nd-3rd grade) but appeals to older kids. This is actually great for struggling readers who need confidence-building material that doesn't feel babyish. If your 10-year-old is reading below grade level but embarrassed by "easy" books, this series threads that needle well.
InvestiGators is one of those rare finds: a series that kids actually want to read, parents feel good about, and teachers actively recommend. It's funny, age-appropriate, and genuinely well-crafted. If your kid is in that 7-11 range and looking for something new, this is a safe bet.
The graphic novel format might feel unfamiliar if you grew up on traditional chapter books, but it's worth embracing. Comics and graphic novels are legitimate literature, and they're particularly effective at building visual literacy and narrative comprehension.
If your kid hasn't discovered InvestiGators yet: Check your library or grab the first book, InvestiGators. See if it clicks. If they love it, you've got eight more books (and counting) to keep them busy.
If they've already read the whole series: Try Dog Man, The Bad Guys, or Hilo for similar vibes. For kids ready to level up, Amulet or Wings of Fire graphic novels offer more complex storytelling in the same format.
If you want to encourage the creative side: The "how to draw" sections in the back of each InvestiGators book are great springboards. Grab some paper and let your kid create their own comic characters. Curious about other ways to channel creative energy?
And hey—if you're reading this because your kid won't stop making alligator puns at dinner, solidarity. At least they're reading.