This is the first Dog Man book I have read – intrigued by young reader’s attraction to them. It is fast moving, funny and bright and I can definitely see the appeal as I chuckled during the story.

There are many characters throughout and several storylines running concurrently, which connect later in the novel. For readers new to this incredibly popular series, there is a Meet the Cast section at the front of the book.

Beginning with an awkward date between two characters, this story quickly becomes a fight, a view inside a prison where Dog Man‘s villain and his henchman are, and then into the story of chaos, mayhem and laughs.

Subtle themes of fake news, persistence, and acceptance that people can change their behaviors are woven through the story, along with pie throwing, shrinking machines, a flying submarine and silly songs, making this a funny read.

Something else Dog Man books are famous for is the Flip-O-Rama sections where the reader is given instructions on how to use them and ‘action’ comes alive by flicking the pages. There are several in this episode.

There is a Notes and Fun Facts page at the back about Jules Verne’s classic 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, and other inspirations for this episode.

I might just go back and read some more Dog Man episodes…..

Author / Illustrator – Dav Pilkey

Age – 6+

Graphic Novel

(2023, Scholastic, Humour, Funny, Laughs, Silly, Series, Police, Dog, Cats, Pig, Tadpole, Animals, Villains, Pumpkin Pies, Fake News, Submarines, Working Together, Persistence, Don’t Give Up, Friendship, Song, Graphic Novel)