Below is the complete list of Dog Man books in order of publication, which is the recommended reading order for the series by Dav Pilkey....
Read All the Dog Man Books in Order
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Read Dog Man Books in Publication Order
- Dog Man (2016)
Buy on Amazon - Dog Man Unleashed (2017)
Buy on Amazon - Dog Man: A Tale of Two Kitties (2017)
Buy on Amazon - Dog Man and Cat Kid (2018)
Buy on Amazon - Dog Man: Lord of the Fleas (2018)
Buy on Amazon - Dog Man: Brawl of the Wild (2019)
Buy on Amazon - Dog Man: For Whom the Ball Rolls (2019)
Buy on Amazon - Dog Man: Fetch-22 (2019)
Buy on Amazon - Dog Man: Grime and Punishment (2020)
Buy on Amazon - Dog Man: Mothering Heights (2021)
Buy on Amazon - Dog Man: Twenty Thousand Fleas Under the Sea (2023)
Buy on Amazon - Dog Man: The Scarlet Shedder (2024)
Buy on Amazon - Dog Man: Big Jim Begins (2024)
Buy on Amazon - Dog Man: Big Jim Believes (Nov 2025)
Buy on Amazon
Dog Man Series by Dav Pilkey
The Dog Man series is one of the most popular children’s book series of the past decade—and for good reason. Created by the same author behind Captain Underpants, Dog Man combines laugh-out-loud humor, comic-book storytelling, and surprisingly heartfelt messages about kindness, growth, and second chances.
At its core, Dog Man is about a hero who is part dog, part man, and all cop. After a brave police officer and his loyal dog are injured on the job, doctors make an unusual decision that creates Dog Man. With the head of a dog and the body of a human, Dog Man has the best qualities of both: a strong sense of justice, a big heart, and a nose for trouble—literally.
The series is written in a comic-book format, making it highly appealing to young readers, especially those who may struggle with traditional novels. But while the books are aimed at kids ages 6 and up, many adults enjoy them too. Parents, teachers, and librarians often praise Dog Man for encouraging reluctant readers to fall in love with books.
What Makes Dog Man So Popular?
One of the biggest reasons Dog Man stands out is its accessible storytelling. The language is simple, the pages are fast-paced, and the illustrations do much of the storytelling work. This makes the series ideal for early readers, but it never talks down to them.
Dav Pilkey also understands how kids think. The humor is silly, sometimes absurd, and often visual—exactly the kind of comedy that resonates with young readers. From exaggerated facial expressions to playful sound effects and flip-o-ramas, the books feel interactive rather than static.
Beyond the humor, the series quietly explores deeper themes:
- Doing the right thing, even when it’s hard
- Learning from mistakes
- Forgiveness and empathy
- Friendship and teamwork
- Self-control and personal growth
These messages are never heavy or preachy. Instead, they are woven naturally into the story, allowing kids to absorb them without realizing they are learning something meaningful.
Main Characters in the Dog Man Series
Dog Man
The hero of the series is brave, loyal, and well-meaning. He doesn’t speak in full sentences like humans, but his actions show his strong moral compass. His dog instincts sometimes get him into trouble, but they also make him uniquely qualified to stop crime.
Petey the Cat
Petey begins the series as Dog Man’s main enemy. He is clever, sarcastic, and constantly hatching new schemes. Over time, Petey becomes one of the most complex characters in the series, showing growth that surprises both readers and himself.
Li’l Petey
Li’l Petey is a clone of Petey and one of the most beloved characters in the series. He is kind, optimistic, and thoughtful, often acting as the emotional heart of the books. His relationship with Petey adds depth and emotional weight to the story.
Cat Kid
Cat Kid starts as a side character but becomes more important as the series progresses. He eventually teams up with Dog Man, showing how former enemies can become allies.
Reading Level and Age Recommendation
The Dog Man books are generally recommended for:
- Reading level: Grades 1–3 (U.S.)
- Age range: 6–9 years (but enjoyed by older readers too)
Because the books rely heavily on illustrations and short dialogue, they are especially helpful for:
- Reluctant readers
- Kids transitioning from picture books to chapter books
- Visual learners
- English language learners
The comic format allows children to follow the story even if they don’t understand every word, which builds confidence and motivation to keep reading.
Can the Dog Man Books Be Read in Any Order?
Yes—the Dog Man books can technically be read in any order. Each book has its own self-contained story, and new readers can jump in at almost any point without feeling lost.
That said, reading the series in order gives the best experience. Characters evolve over time, relationships change, and ongoing storylines—especially involving Petey and Li’l Petey—are more rewarding when read sequentially. Later books build on emotional moments from earlier ones, making the overall journey richer.
Dog Man Books in Order
Here is the complete Dog Man series in recommended reading order:
- Dog Man
- Dog Man Unleashed
- Dog Man: A Tale of Two Kitties
- Dog Man and Cat Kid
- Dog Man: Lord of the Fleas
- Dog Man: Brawl of the Wild
- Dog Man: For Whom the Ball Rolls
- Dog Man: Fetch-22
- Dog Man: Grime and Punishment
- Dog Man: Mothering Heights
- Dog Man: Twenty Thousand Fleas Under the Sea
- Dog Man: The Scarlet Shedder
- Dog Man: Big Jim Begins
- Dog Man: Big Jim Believes
With each new release, the series continues to grow in both humor and emotional depth, keeping longtime fans excited while still welcoming new readers.
Big Jim and the Expansion of the Dog Man Universe
In later books, Dav Pilkey expands the Dog Man world by focusing more on side characters—especially Big Jim. These stories add variety to the series while still keeping the same tone and style that readers love.
Big Jim Begins and Big Jim Believes explore Big Jim’s backstory and motivations, offering a fresh perspective without straying from the core themes of the series. This expansion keeps the franchise feeling new and prevents it from becoming repetitive.
Educational Value and Creativity
Dog Man is not just entertaining—it’s also highly creative and educational in subtle ways.
Many books include:
- Flip-o-ramas that encourage interaction
- “How to draw” pages that inspire creativity
- Visual jokes that improve comprehension skills
- Repetition that reinforces early reading confidence
Dav Pilkey has openly discussed his own struggles with ADHD and dyslexia as a child, and that experience clearly shapes how he writes. The Dog Man books celebrate creativity, imagination, and different learning styles, making them especially welcoming for kids who don’t fit into a traditional academic mold.
Extra Resources for Dog Man Fans
For readers who want more than just the books, the official author website offers a wide range of fun extras, including:
- Dog Man coloring pages
- Printable activities
- Games
- Step-by-step drawing tutorials for Dog Man and Cat Kid
These resources are great for parents and teachers looking to extend reading time into creative play.
Final Thoughts
The Dog Man series is more than just a set of funny comic books. It’s a gateway into reading for countless children around the world. With its simple language, expressive artwork, and genuine heart, Dog Man proves that books don’t need to be complicated to be meaningful.
Whether your child is just starting to read, loves comics, or already enjoys superhero stories, Dog Man is a series that grows with its readers. And with new titles still being released, it’s a world kids can return to again and again—laughing, learning, and turning pages the whole way through.