1. Dog Man (2016)
Why We Love It:
- It’s the story that started it all and is full of action and heart.
- It explores universally positive themes, including empathy, kindness, persistence, and the importance of being true to yourself.
- It’s perfect for introducing kids to graphic novels with its easy-to-follow format and silly illustrations.
Meet Dog Man, the crime-fighting hero who’s half dog, half human, and all awesome! Born from a wild surgery that fused a brave police officer and his loyal dog, this half-and-half hero is here to sniff out crime, chase bad guys, and maybe a few squirrels. Will he be able to resist the call of the wild to answer the call of duty?
The clever writing of Dav Pilkey accompanied by illustrations make for a story full of laughs, silliness, and a good measure of life lessons. It’s a tail-wagging triumph for readers of all ages.
2. Dog Man: Unleashed (2017)
Why We Love It:
- Kids will giggle non-stop at all the jokes, doggy puns, and stupidness.
- It teaches children about the importance of perseverance and standing up for what’s right.
Evil arch nemesis Petey the Cat is causing chaos in the second Dog Man adventure! While Dog Man is still learning the ropes of being a top police officer, Petey’s criminal antics are spiralling out of control. With a mysterious new villain, a wave of crime, and a mountaintop showdown (yep, it’s as wild as it sounds!) can our hero save the day before it’s too late?
3. Dog Man: A Tale of Two Kitties (2017)
Why We Love It:
- Lil’ Petey steals the show with his adorable antics.
- It’s a great story about redemption and the power of kindness.
Petey the Cat is up to no good again, and this time, he’s cloned himself! But instead of a fully grown twin, Petey gets a baby kitten. This is Lil’ Petey, the sweetest, most lovable clone you’ll ever meet, with zero inclinations toward evil - the horror!
In the third Dog Man instalment, Dog Man has to work twice as hard to keep these furballs in line and remain top dog. Chaos (and hilarity) ensues!
4. Dog Man and Cat Kid (2018)
Why We Love It:
- The dynamic duo of Dog Man and Cat Kid is pure gold.
- It’s a fun lesson in teamwork and friendship.
In the fourth Dog Man book, Dog Man teams up with Lil’ Petey (now known as Cat Kid) to take on a new wave of villains. When a new kitty sitter arrives in town and a glamorous movie starlet goes missing, it's up to Dog Man and Cat Kid to save the day! But can they work together, or will they end up barking up the wrong tree?
5. Dog Man: Lord of the Fleas (2018)
Why We Love It:
- The puns are on point (Lord of the Fleas? Brilliant.)
- It’s packed with action and a few "aww" moments, managing to mix irreverent charm and wholesome messages into a sickeningly funny adventure that will keep kids hooked from start to finish.
Dog Man faces off against a host of new foes, including the tiny but troublesome Lord of the Fleas. As the new wave of baddies is wreaking havoc, Dog Man leaps into action with a kitten, a robot, and even Petey, the World’s Most Evil Cat, by his side! Can this unlikely team save the day, or will Petey’s villainous ways ruin everything? It’s a flea-nomenal adventure!
6. Dog Man: Brawl of the Wild (2019)
Why We Love It:
- The courtroom drama adds a fun new twist to the series.
- It’s a great reminder that everyone deserves a second chance.
Our heroic hound is sent to jail in the sixth Dog Man book by worldwide bestselling author and artist Dav Pilkey. Is Dog Man a hero… or a menace? This book puts our favourite canine crime fighter on trial, with plenty of twists and turns along the way.
7. Dog Man: For Whom the Ball Rolls (2019)
Why We Love It:
- It’s a heartfelt story about overcoming fears and facing challenges head-on.
- The humour and action are as strong as ever.
The Supa Buddies are helping Dog Man tackle his bad habits, but when his fears take over, a new supervillain emerges to challenge him! Meanwhile, Petey the Cat is out of jail and starting fresh, but a new character shows up to force Petey to confront his past. Can he learn the difference between being good and doing good?
8. Dog Man: Fetch-22 (2020)
Why We Love It:
- The story is fast-paced and full of surprises.
- It’s a great example of how to handle tough situations with humour and grace.
Dog Man and his pals are back, and this time they’re dealing with a brand new villain and a whole lot of chaos. Li’l Petey gets caught in family drama as Petey the Cat reevaluates life after jail, but finding the good in the world isn’t easy. Petey and Dog Man need to learn to stop fighting like cats and dogs long enough to put their paws together and work as a team.
9. Dog Man: Grime and Punishment (2020)
Why We Love It:
- The emotional story about forgiveness and second chances adds a new layer to the series.
- It’ll have your little ones snorting and snickering alongside some high-brow literary references and drawing tips.
The mayor’s had it with Dog Man’s antics, and our hero is officially out of a job - badge handed in, desk cleared out. But Dog Man’s not giving up yet! With his friends by his side, can he dig himself out of this mess and claw his way back to justice?
10. Dog Man: Mothering Heights (2021)
Why We Love It:
- The themes of family, love, and hope are surprisingly moving.
- You don’t lose any of Pilkey’s trademark humour, which is as sharp and silly as ever.
Dog Man and Petey face their toughest challenges yet! Dog Man’s down on his luck, Petey confronts his past, and Grampa’s stirring up trouble. With new villains causing chaos, the world feels dark and out of control. But not all hope is lost! The incredible power of love might just save the day.
11. Dog Man: Twenty Thousand Fleas Under the Sea (2023)
Why We Love It:
- The underwater setting adds a fresh twist to the series.
- It’s swimming in action, humour, and heart - everything we love about Dog Man!
This time, Piggy is back with his most diabolical plan yet, and villains are swarming the city. Guess who steps up to save the day? Packed with friendship, heroism, and hilarity, the eleventh book in the series delivers epic adventures, a monstrous Mighty Mite, and even a brand-new song!
12. Dog Man: The Scarlet Shedder (2024)
Why We Love It:
- It touches on subjects like social media and the increase in artificial intelligence, and the accompanying art is, as always, phenomenal.
- It teaches kids about courage, teamwork, and not judging others too quickly.
Dog Man gets sprayed by skunk stink and has a tomato juice bath to get rid of the stench. But, the tomato juice leaves him stained scarlet! His odd appearance leads to him being exiled by the very citizens he’s sworn to protect, right when a never-before-seen villain unleashes an army of A.I. robots! Reluctantly, Petey gets pulled back into a life of crime to help Dog Man to save the day, proving that even an outcast can be a hero!
13. Dog Man: Big Jim Begins (2024)
Why We Love It:
- It gives a backstory to a previously minor character that’s both funny and moving.
- The flip-o-ramas will have you in stitches!
“Big Jim Begins” is the thirteenth book in Dav Pilkey’s wildly popular series. This thrilling story explores the origins of Big Jim and other beloved Dog Man characters as they team up to stop the Space Cuties from destroying the city. With themes of bravery, belief, and the power of teamwork, the story asks: can the past shape the future, and will goodness prevail?
Dog-Eared Favourites
Now you’ve got the complete Dog Man series in order! Whether you’re just a pup looking to start your Dog Man adventures or trying to complete your collection, these books are guaranteed to bring smiles, snickers, and even a few life lessons along the way. Whatever you choose, Dav Pilkey’s stories will have you sitting, staying, and reading all night!
So, grab a copy from our collection of Dog Man and Cat Kid books, curl up with your little reader, and get ready for some un-fur-gettable adventures! And, stay tuned for the next release in the series, “Dog Man: Big Jim Believes!”
If your little ones are already hunting down their next read, check out our posts for more children’s books for cool kids and the best children’s books to read - it’s the leash you can do!
.png)
