Shutterstock.com (background); Universal Pictures/DreamWorks Animation (Dog Man)

Dog Man Returns

It’s been an exciting few months for Dog Man fans! The 13th book in the series was released in December. It’s called Big Jim Begins. And the first Dog Man movie will hit theaters in January. Author and illustrator Dav Pilkey spoke to Scholastic News about the beloved character. 

Scholastic News: How did you come up with Dog Man? 

Scholastic Inc. 

Dav Pilkey

Dav Pilkey: When I was in second grade, I found out that I had dyslexia and ADHD. I often got in trouble in class. My teachers sent me out in the hallway. That’s where I started writing my own stories and drawing Captain Underpants and Dog Man. I shared my comics with my classmates. They always laughed. I have been writing and drawing ever since.  

SN: How many more Dog Man books do you plan to write?

Scholastic Inc. 

DP: I had only planned on writing two Dog Man books. But the ideas kept coming to me. Right now, I am working on the 14th Dog Man book. I hope to make many more. 

SN: What is it like seeing your characters on the big screen?

DP: It’s exciting. I am a huge fan of the work that other people have done bringing these characters to the screen.


Note: The interview has been edited and condensed.

  1. Why does the article say it has been “an exciting few months for Dog Man fans”?
  2. Based on the article, how did Dav Pilkey’s plans for the Dog Man series change over time?
  3. What might be another good title for the article? Explain. 
videos (2)
videos (2)
Skills Sheets (2)
Skills Sheets (2)
Games (1)
TEACHER SUPPORT (1)
Text-to-Speech