Dog Man Books in Order: I Tried Reading Them Like an Adult… and Ended Up Laughing Like a Kid

If you’re anything like me, you probably have a soft spot for stories that can make you laugh out loud while still sneaking in a bit of heartwarming wisdom. That’s exactly how I feel every time I flip through a Dog Man book. What started out as a fun spin-off from Dav Pilkey’s wildly popular Captain Underpants series has turned into a worldwide favorite for kids (and, let’s be honest, plenty of adults too).

When I first picked up Dog Man, I thought it would be just another silly children’s comic, but I quickly realized how clever, goofy, and downright addictive this series is. Pilkey manages to blend humor, action, and a whole lot of heart into these books. And if you’re planning to dive into the series, it’s best to read them in order so you can follow along with Dog Man, Petey, Li’l Petey, and the rest of the gang as their adventures evolve.

So, here’s the complete list of Dog Man books in order, no confusion, no skipping around!

Order to Read Dog Man Books

1. Dog Man (2016)
2. Dog Man: Unleashed (2017)
3. Dog Man: A Tale of Two Kitties (2017)
4. Dog Man and Cat Kid (2017)
5. Dog Man: Lord of the Fleas (2018)
6. Dog Man: Brawl of the Wild (2018)
7. Dog Man: For Whom the Ball Rolls (2019)
8. Dog Man: Fetch-22 (2019)
9. Dog Man: Grime and Punishment (2020)
10. Dog Man: Mothering Heights (2021)
11. Dog Man: Twenty Thousand Fleas Under the Sea (2023)

Meet the Mind Behind Dog Man: Dav Pilkey

Dav Pilkey isn’t just a bestselling author, he’s practically a legend in children’s literature. Known first for Captain Underpants, Pilkey has a knack for creating wacky characters who are funny and mischievous but also surprisingly relatable.

What makes Pilkey stand out is how he leans into creativity without worrying about perfection. He’s open about his own struggles with ADHD and dyslexia, and he channels those experiences into making books that are accessible and joyful for kids who might not always connect with traditional reading.

With Dog Man, he’s taken that same magic and given us a hero who is literally half dog, half man, and entirely lovable. His books aren’t just about laughs, they also touch on themes of kindness, friendship, forgiveness, and finding your place in the world.

Why Kids (and Adults) Love Dog Man

There are plenty of reasons this series has become such a phenomenon, but here are a few that stand out to me:

• The Humor: The slapstick comedy, silly wordplay, and over-the-top villains keep readers giggling from start to finish.
• The Illustrations: Pilkey uses a comic-book style that makes the stories fast-paced and super engaging.
• Relatable Themes: Even though the characters are wild and exaggerated, the lessons about love, empathy, and forgiveness feel surprisingly down-to-earth.
• Perfect for Reluctant Readers: With short bursts of text and dynamic illustrations, these books are perfect for kids who might feel intimidated by big blocks of words.

Spin-Off Adventures Worth Checking Out

If you finish the Dog Man series and still want more, you’re in luck. Pilkey has created a spin-off called Cat Kid Comic Club, featuring Li’l Petey and his hilarious crew. While it has its own flavor, it carries the same spirit of humor, creativity, and heart that makes Dog Man such a hit.

FAQs

Q1: Can I read the Dog Man books in any order?
Technically, you could read them out of order, but you’ll definitely enjoy the series more if you follow the publication order. The characters grow, relationships develop, and inside jokes build from book to book.

Q2: Are Dog Man books connected to Captain Underpants?
Yes! Dog Man actually originated from characters George and Harold created in the Captain Underpants books. So in a way, the series is a spin-off, but you don’t need to read Captain Underpants first to enjoy Dog Man.

Q3: Is Dog Man only for kids?
Not at all! While the books are aimed at children, plenty of adults enjoy them too. The humor and creativity really are universal.

The Final Verdict

At the end of the day, Dog Man isn’t just another kids’ series, it’s a brilliant mix of humor, action, and heart. Dav Pilkey has given us a character that manages to be both heroic and downright silly, which is honestly the perfect combination. Whether you’re introducing a young reader to the joy of books or just looking for something lighthearted for yourself, the Dog Man series is absolutely worth the read.