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Dog Man Graphic Novel Book Series Makes its Movie Debut at Number One!


Cartoon characters, including a dog in a police uniform, are in a colorful, action-packed city scene. Text: Dog Man, January 31. Energetic mood.
Barkbuster! Dog Man movie rakes in $36 million on debut weekend.

Dog Man took the number one spot at the box office over the weekend, fetching an impressive $36 million during its opening. But what makes this half-dog, half-human police officer such a hit with kids (and grown-ups) everywhere?


There’s something magical about a book that gets kids excited to read, and Dav Pilkey’s Dog Man series does exactly that. Bursting with humor, action, and a whole lot of heart, these books are a favorite at The Little Book Place—and for good reason!


Dog Man is a graphic novel book series that tells the hilarious adventures of a police officer who fights crime while navigating friendship, loyalty, and being a hero in his own unique way. Written in a comic-book style with laugh-out-loud moments on every page, the series appeals to both reluctant readers and bookworms alike.


And now, with the Dog Man movie playing in theaters, there’s an opportunity to see these beloved characters leap off the page and onto the big screen. Whether you’re a longtime fan or just discovering the series, this movie is a perfect opportunity to join in on the excitement.


 

The Value of Graphic Novels


Some parents wonder if graphic novels, like Dog Man, "count" as reading or worry that they aren’t “real books.” Let us reassure you: graphic novels are not only real books—they are fantastic tools for building a love of reading!


Graphic novels combine visual storytelling with text, engaging kids who might struggle with traditional books. They often feature rich vocabulary, complex plots, and emotional depth. The illustrations provide visual context that can enhance comprehension, making them especially valuable for emerging or reluctant readers.


Books like Dog Man also encourage creativity and critical thinking. The comic-book format introduces kids to new ways of telling stories, often inspiring them to create their own comics or stories. Plus, the humor and relatable characters keep kids coming back for more, helping to build strong reading habits.


In short, graphic novels are an excellent way to foster a love of reading and open the door to a lifelong appreciation of books. So yes, graphic novels absolutely count—and we think Dav Pilkey’s Dog Man series is one of the best places to start!


 

Cartoon dog in blue police uniform with crown emblems, smiling confidently. White background, playful and cheerful mood.

Q&A: What Kids Think About Dog Man Graphic Novel Book Series


We reached out to some young readers to hear their thoughts on Dog Man. Here are their answers to our questions:



Who is your favorite character in the Dog Man series, and why?

  • Lilli (10) - Lil Petey and Molly because they are kids like us and they know how to draw very good.

  • Wyatt(8) - Big Jim because he tells a story to Papa.

  • Henry (10) - The cop because he gets mad at Dog Man.

  • Andrew (12) - My favorite character is Little Jim because he is funny and irresponsible.


What’s the funniest thing that happens in the books?

  • Lilli - When Lil Petey tells a joke that makes no sense and his dad tells him that the joke makes no sense. Then Lil Petey keeps saying why over and over again. 

  • Wyatt - When Dog Man gets sprayed by a skunk and has to take a bath in tomato juice. He then turns scarlet red.

  • Henry - When Dog Man keeps bringing back the paper.

  • Andrew - The funniest thing is when dog man was sleeping on the job in scarlet shedder pg 157.


If you could create a new character for the series, who would it be?

  • Lilli - I would create a talking piano character that helps them make their costumes.

  • Wyatt- I would create a tiger or an army character.

  • Henry - I would make a hippo. He would be a villain.

  • Andrew - If I could create a new character his name would be ManDog and would be Dog Man but with a human head and dog body and is evil.


What do you think makes Dog Man so fun to read?

  • Lilli - They're funny and you can read them quickly.

  • Wyatt - They're good books to read because they are easy to read and the characters are funny. 

  • Henry - Because Dog Man is stubborn.

  • Andrew - I think Dog Man is so fun to read because they hop right into the good parts of the books right away.


What’s your favorite book in the series so far?

  • Lilli - Dog Man 20,000 Fleas Under the Sea

  • Wyatt - Dog Man Big Jim Begins and Dog Man The Scarlet Shedder

  • Henry - Dog Man Big Jim Begins

  • Andrew - My favorite book is Fetch22


How does Dog Man inspire you to be creative or kind?

  • Lilli - It inspires me to be kind because in the story the friends help Dog Man even when it's against the law.

  • Wyatt - It shows me how to draw some of the characters in the back of the book.

  • Henry - It shows you can be kind and funny.

  • Andrew - It inspires me to be creative because of all the cool How-to-Draw things on the back of the book.


 What are you most excited to see in the Dog Man movie?

  • Lilli - I am excited to see what bad guy they fight.

  • Wyatt - I am excited to see Dog Man and hopefully the Big Jim character.

  • Henry - Him getting stitched back together.

  • Andrew - I am most excited to see Dog Man fight Petey in the Dog Man Movie.


If you could recommend Dog Man to a friend, what would you say to convince them?

  • Lilli - I would say it's a funny, comic book that has lots of fun adventures.

  • Wyatt - If you’re not the best reader it's still easy to read.

  • Henry - I would say this is one of my favorite series.

  • Andrew - I would say if you want to read a very cool, funny and irresponsible book then Dog Man would be perfect.


Hearing directly from kids makes it clear why Dog Man is such a beloved series. Whether they love the humor, the action, or the creativity they inspire, these books (and now the movie!) are getting kids excited about reading—and that’s something to celebrate.


"Dog Man" book stack on a red heart-patterned tablecloth in a bookstore. Background shelves filled with various books. Energetic mood.
Available in-store!

If you haven’t yet experienced the adventures of Dog Man, we highly recommend picking up a copy at our shop, or catching the movie right around the corner at the Dietrich Theater.


And if your child is a Dog Man superfan, we’d love to hear their thoughts, too! Stop by The Little Book Place and join in on the fun—because any book that gets kids laughing, thinking, and turning the pages is a win in our book.


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