The best books by Dav Pilkey, Captain Underpants creator

Dav Pilkey is one of the most famous American cartoonists, writers, and illustrators. Throughout his life, he has written dozens of humorous graphic novels and books for children. Dav Pilkey books are especially popular among the younger generations, as they evoke happiness and laughter.

This American writer has an extensive catalogue of literature masterpieces behind him, and he’s created one of the most iconic characters.

Dav Pilkey is best known for being the creator of Captain Underpants and Dog Man. In this article, we’ll go through some his best works, and why he’s such an inspiration to young generations worldwide.

Who is Dav Pilkey?

David Murray Pilkey Jr., later known as Dav Pilkey, was born on March 4th, 1966, in Cleveland, Ohio. He was raised a Christian, and he went to Christian schools all his life. Also known by the pen name Sue Denim, Dav is a famous American writer, illustrator, and cartoonist. He is a big name in children’s literature.

As a young boy, Pilkey was diagnosed with ADHD and dyslexia. He was always misbehaving in class, so he would spend most of his time in the hallway. Recalling his days in school, Dav said that he felt alone at the time, but now, he considers his conditions a superpower.

Before he became a children’s book author, he worked at a Pizza Hut, where they spelled his name wrong. They omitted the “e” in his name (then going by the nickname Dave), and from then on, the name Dav just stuck with him.

Dav said that the inspiration for most of his works came from kids he met during his writing career, their unique stories and drawings.

Some of Dav’s most note-worthy accomplishments include:

• An upcoming DreamWorks Animation film for Dog Man
• His first book, Dog Man, was sold in more than 40 million copies and printed into 42 foreign languages.
• Dav was named one of Fast Company magazines “Most Productive People” in 2019.
• Dav won the Caldecott Honor in 1997 for The Paperboy.

Dav Pilkey’s best books

Here are some of Dav’s best picture books, and why you should check them out:

The Adventures of Captain Underpants

The series called The Adventures of Captain Underpants focus on two fourth-graders, Harold Hutchins and George Beard, and of course, the main character, Captain Underpants, who is one of the boy’s superhero from a comic book.

The Ricky Ricotta’s Mighty Robots series

The story follows Ricky, a small mouse, that is constantly being bullied at school. One day, Ricky the mouse rescues a powerful robot from his evil creator, and gains a loyal protector. In this story, Ricky and his new friend go on a mission to save the town from the evil Dr. Stinky.

A fan-favorite book in this series is Ricky Ricotta’s Mighty Robots vs. The Jurassic Jackrabbits.

Dog Man: Grime and Punishment

The story in Dog Man: Grime and Punishment begins when officer Knight, and his loyal fellow police dog Greg end up injured by a vicious explosion caused by the evil Petey the Cat. In an attempt to save them, doctors sew Greg’s and Knight’s body, creating Dog Man—half dog, half human superhero.

The Adventures of Ook and Gluk, Kung-Fu Caveman from the Future

The story follows the lives of two cavemen, Ook and Gluk, who travel time. They entered a time-portal that pulled them from the pre-historic 500,001 B.C., and dropped the two cavemen in the distant 2222.

In this new era, Ook and Gluk learn kung fu so that they can go back and defend their hometown.

Captain Underpants and the Wrath of the Wicked Wedgie Woman

It’s a normal week for George and Harold at school. One day, however, the two fourth-graders decide to create a vicious monster with super-powers. The monster in question is the Wicked Weggie Woman, and she’s unstoppable.

She’s on a mission to take over the world, and anyone who tries to stand in her way will get a whooping wedgie.

Dog Man: A Tale of Two Kitties

Dog Man is half dog, half human, and one of his biggest problems is dealing with the evil mastermind, Petey the Cat. Dog Man’s unique nature gets him in trouble. And when the two characters come together, it’s a recipe for disaster.

Captain Underpants and the Invasion of the Incredibly Naughty Cafeteria Ladies From Outer Space

In this third book by Dav Pilkey, the plot follows our two familiar fourth-graders, Harold and George, and their mean principal, Mr. Krupp. who can turn into Captain Underpants. The story begins when their school is invaded by mean cafeteria ladies, who plan to take over the world.

Dog Man and Cat Kid

The Dog Man and Cat Kid story follows its villain, Petey the Cat, who decided to disguise himself as a baby sitter in order to gain full control over Little Petey. Over the course of the story, Petey the Cat is trying to convince Little Petey that his destiny is to become an evil mastermind like himself.

Dragon’s Halloween

Dragon is the ultimate Halloween fan. He buys six pumpkins that he’s excited about, but his friends tell him that he’ll never be scary. Now, Dragon has to come up with a creative way to make Halloween scary and perfect this year.

The Hallo-Wiener

The story of The Hallo-Weiner revolves around Oscar, a small dog with a huge problem. Oscar is getting more tricks than treats, and that’s a big problem. However, one brave act from Oscar this Halloween will make this wiener a winner.

Honorable mentions

Here are Dav Pilkey’s books that didn’t make the first cut, but are definitely worth checking out:

• Super Diaper Baby 2: The Invasion of the Potty Snatchers  
• Captain Underpants and the Attack of the Talking Toilets: Color Edition
• God Bless the Gargoyles
• Captain Underpants and the Tyrannical Retaliation of the Turbo Toilet 2000
• Bad Battle of the Bionic Booger Boy Part 1: The Night of the Nasty Nostril Nuggets
• Captain Underpants and the Big Bad Battle of the Bionic Booger Boy, Part 1: Night of the Nasty Nostril
• The All New Captain Underpants Extra-Crunchy Book O’ Fun 2
• The Dumb Bunnies’ Easter
• Dog Man Unleashed
• Captain Underpants and the Sensational Saga of Sir Stinks-A-Lot: Color Edition
• The Adventures of Ook and Gluk: Kung Fu Cavemen from the Future

• Captain Underpants and the Terrifying Return of Tippy Tinkletrousers
• Captain Underpants and the Preposterous Plight of the Purple Potty People (Color Edition)
• Captain Underpants and the Revolting Revenge of the Radioactive Robo-Boxers
• Lord of the Fleas (Dog Man Series #5)
• Dog Man: Brawl of the Wild (Dog Man, #6)
• The Adventures of Super Diaper Baby (Captain Underpants Series)
• Mutant Mosquitoes from Mercury
• Captain Underpants and the Perilous Plot of Professor Poopypants (Color Edition)
• For Whom the Ball Rolls (Dog Man Series #7)
• Mothering Heights (Dog Man #10)
• A Friend for Dragon (Dragon Tales)
• Kat Kong
• Dog Breath! The Horrible Trouble with Hally Tosis

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FAQ

What is Dav Pilkey’s best selling book?

Dav Pilkey’s Dog Man Grime and Punishment is his #1 best-selling book in the United States and Canada. His Cat Kid Comic Club book is also on the top-25 list.

What grade level of reading is Dog Man?

The reading level of Dog Man is P to Q, depending on the series you focus on. This comic book is recommended second grade and up.

What else should I read if I like Dog Man?

If you’re a true fan of the Captain Underpants book and other comic books by this author, here are some additional reading recommendations for you:

1. Lunch Lady Series by Jarret J. Krosoczka
2. Max and the Midknights Series by Lincoln Peirce
3. Hilo Series by Jud Winnick
4. Dragonbreath Series by Ursula Vernon
5. Comics Squad Series by Various Authors and Illustrators
6. Max Meow Series by John Gallagher

What is the name of Dav Pilkey’s best known series?

Dog Man Series is the title of his best known series. He is also popular for other graphic novel series, such as Captain Underpants, Dog Breath, and Hallo-Wiener.

What is the title of Dav Pilkey’s newest book?

The title of Dav Pilkey’s newest book is Captain Underpants Band 9, and it’s expected to be released on June 16, 2023.

When was Dog Man published?

Dog Man is officially the first written and illustrated book by Dav Pilkey, and it was published on August 30, 2016.