Introduction
If your child loves graphic novels bursting with humor, action, and heart, the Dog Man series by Dav Pilkey is likely already a household favorite. This wildly popular series follows the adventures of a half-dog, half-human crime fighter who tackles villains with a mix of courage and canine antics. With millions of copies sold worldwide, Dog Man has become a go-to for parents, educators, and young readers aged 7 and up. Whether you’re new to the series or a longtime fan, this guide provides the complete Dog Man books in order, ensuring you and your young reader can follow every paw-some adventure. From the first book to the latest releases in 2025, we’ve got you covered with the full Dog Man book list, plus tips to make reading a fun and educational experience.
What is the Dog Man Series?
The Dog Man series, created by bestselling author and illustrator Dav Pilkey, is a comedic graphic novel series that’s perfect for kids who love superheroes, silly humor, and vibrant illustrations. The story centers on Dog Man, a unique hero with the head of a dog and the body of a human, formed after a life-saving surgery merges a police officer and his loyal dog. As a crime-fighting canine, Dog Man teams up with friends like Li’l Petey (a curious kitten) and 80-HD (a creative robot) to battle villains like Petey the Cat.
A spin-off from Pilkey’s Captain Underpants series, Dog Man shares the same irreverent humor and kid-friendly storytelling. The series, which began in 2016, appeals to readers aged 7+ with its fast-paced plots, colorful artwork, and themes of friendship, bravery, empathy, and persistence. The Dog Man series order is ideal for following the growth of characters and their hilarious escapades, making it a must-read for young fans of graphic novels. With its universal appeal, it’s no wonder Dav Pilkey Dog Man books are a staple in classrooms and libraries worldwide.
Dog Man Books in Order: The Complete Guide to Dav Pilkey’s Hilarious Series
Below is the complete Dog Man book list in publication order, including all titles released as of July 2025. Each book features a standalone adventure but builds on character arcs and recurring villains, making the Dog Man reading order a rewarding experience. Here’s the full list with release dates and brief descriptions:
- Dog Man (September 2016)
Dog Man, a new breed of hero, is born when a police dog and his human cop are fused together. He must stop Petey the Cat’s evil schemes while resisting his doggy urges. - Dog Man Unleashed (December 2016)
Dog Man faces new challenges as Petey escapes jail, unleashing chaos in the city. This adventure introduces more of Dog Man’s quirky crime-fighting style. - Dog Man: A Tale of Two Kitties (August 2017)
Petey’s plans are disrupted by a cute kitten clone, forcing Dog Man to work twice as hard to save the day. The story explores themes of rivalry and teamwork. - Dog Man and Cat Kid (December 2017)
Dog Man teams up with Cat Kid (Li’l Petey) on a movie set filled with action and mystery. Their partnership strengthens as they face new villains. - Dog Man: Lord of the Fleas (August 2018)
Dog Man and his Supa Buddies battle a new threat as Petey’s schemes escalate. This book dives into themes of loyalty and courage. - Dog Man: Brawl of the Wild (December 2018)
Dog Man is framed for a crime he didn’t commit, leading to a wild adventure to clear his name. The story emphasizes standing up for what’s right. - Dog Man: For Whom the Ball Rolls (August 2019)
Dog Man struggles with his instincts as Petey tries to reform. This book explores redemption and self-improvement with plenty of laughs. - Dog Man: Fetch-22 (December 2019)
A new villain, Fair Fairy, causes chaos, and Dog Man must team up with his friends to save the city. Humor and teamwork shine in this installment. - Dog Man: Grime and Punishment (September 2020)
Dog Man faces his toughest challenge yet as he battles a new enemy and learns about forgiveness. The story tackles complex emotions with humor. - Dog Man: Mothering Heights (March 2021)
Dog Man and his friends face Petey’s diabolical plot involving a giant robot. This book highlights creativity and problem-solving. - Dog Man: Twenty Thousand Fleas Under the Sea (March 2023)
Piggy returns with a devious plan, and Dog Man must dive into action to stop him. The adventure is packed with underwater antics and humor. - Dog Man: The Scarlet Shedder (March 2024)
After a skunk spray leaves Dog Man red, he faces exile and a new AI robot villain. This book humorously explores social media and acceptance. - Dog Man: Big Jim Begins (December 2024)
This origin story dives into the backstory of Dog Man and Big Jim, a playful yet misunderstood character. The Supa Buddies unite to save the city from Space Cuties. - Dog Man: Big Jim Believes (November 2025)
Dog Man and his friends face new challenges as Big Jim’s optimism leads to unexpected trouble. This upcoming book promises more humor and heart.
Spin-Off: Cat Kid Comic Club
Dav Pilkey’s Cat Kid Comic Club series, starting with Cat Kid Comic Club (2020), is a spin-off featuring Li’l Petey and his comic-making adventures. While not part of the main Dog Man series order, it’s a great addition for fans wanting more from the Dav Pilkey Dog Man books universe.
| Book Number | Title | Release Date | Key Themes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Dog Man | Sep 2016 | Heroism, Humor |
| 2 | Dog Man Unleashed | Dec 2016 | Teamwork, Mischief |
| 3 | A Tale of Two Kitties | Aug 2017 | Rivalry, Friendship |
| 4 | Dog Man and Cat Kid | Dec 2017 | Partnership, Adventure |
| 5 | Lord of the Fleas | Aug 2018 | Loyalty, Courage |
| 6 | Brawl of the Wild | Dec 2018 | Justice, Redemption |
| 7 | For Whom the Ball Rolls | Aug 2019 | Self-Improvement, Humor |
| 8 | Fetch-22 | Dec 2019 | Teamwork, Creativity |
| 9 | Grime and Punishment | Sep 2020 | Forgiveness, Emotion |
| 10 | Mothering Heights | Mar 2021 | Problem-Solving, Creativity |
| 11 | Twenty Thousand Fleas Under the Sea | Mar 2023 | Adventure, Humor |
| 12 | The Scarlet Shedder | Mar 2024 | Acceptance, Technology |
| 13 | Big Jim Begins | Dec 2024 | Origin Story, Teamwork |
| 14 | Big Jim Believes | Nov 2025 | Optimism, Friendship |
This is the complete Dog Man books in order as of July 2025, ensuring you have the full Dog Man book list to guide your reading journey.
Why Read Dog Man Books in Order?
Reading the Dog Man books in order enhances the experience by allowing readers to follow the development of characters like Dog Man, Li’l Petey, and Petey. Each book builds on previous adventures, with recurring villains and evolving relationships that add depth to the series. For example, Petey’s journey from evil cat to reluctant ally unfolds gradually, making the Dog Man reading order key to understanding his arc.
For parents and educators, the Dog Man series order is especially beneficial for reluctant readers. The graphic novel format, with its vibrant illustrations and short text bursts, makes reading accessible and engaging. The series’ humor and positive themes—like empathy and persistence—keep kids hooked while subtly teaching valuable lessons. Starting with the first book ensures young readers stay immersed in the story’s progression, making each adventure more rewarding.
Tips for Parents and Educators
The Dav Pilkey Dog Man books are a fantastic tool for encouraging reading among kids aged 7–10. Here are some tips to maximize their educational and entertainment value:
- Read Together: Share reading sessions with your child to discuss funny moments or themes like kindness and teamwork. This fosters bonding and comprehension.
- Encourage Creativity: The series inspires kids to create their own comics, as seen with George and Harold. Provide paper or digital tools for them to draw their own stories.
- Discuss Themes: Use Dog Man’s adventures to talk about empathy, forgiveness, or perseverance. For example, ask how Dog Man’s actions show bravery.
- Age Appropriateness: The series is ideal for ages 7+, with mild potty humor that kids love but remains parent-friendly.
- Explore Spin-Offs: After finishing the Dog Man book list, try the Cat Kid Comic Club series for more creative fun.
Check out the Dog Man book list to start your child’s reading adventure today! For more resources, visit Dav Pilkey’s official site or Scholastic’s Dog Man page.
FAQ
What is the first Dog Man book?
The first book is Dog Man, released in September 2016, introducing the crime-fighting canine hero.
Are there Dog Man spin-offs?.
Yes, the Cat Kid Comic Club series, starting in 2020, is a spin-off featuring Li’l Petey and his comic-making adventures.
How many Dog Man books are there in 2025?
As of July 2025, there are 13 published books, with Dog Man: Big Jim Believes set for release in November 2025, making 14 total.
What age is Dog Man suitable for?
The series is recommended for ages 7+, perfect for early and reluctant readers due to its graphic novel format.
Conclusion
Knowing the Dog Man books in order is the key to unlocking the full hilarity and heart of Dav Pilkey’s beloved series. From Dog Man’s crime-fighting antics to the growth of characters like Li’l Petey and Petey, each book offers a unique blend of humor, action, and life lessons that captivate young readers. Whether you’re a parent, educator, or librarian, this Dog Man book list ensures you can guide kids through the series with ease. Bookmark this Dog Man reading order for quick reference, and share the joy of these graphic novels with the young readers in your life. Ready to dive in? Grab the first book and let the adventures begin! Don’t forget to follow Scholastic for updates on new releases and fun activities.
