Dog Man series

Dog Man series

book

2021, Children's Books, Animals

WISE
89%

WISE Score

4.8

Amazon

Half dog, half cop, all hero—and 100% potty humor that actually gets kids reading.

Amazon4.8
Common Sense Media

Where to Read

Amazon
Amazon
Barnes & Noble
Barnes & Noble
Libby
Libby

Our reviews and ratings are 100% unbiased, but as an Amazon Associate, Screenwise earns an affiliate fee if you buy a book or game by clicking one of our links. We don't get any credit if you just Google it instead :)

Screenwise Verdict

Dog Man is what happens when you let a kid's sense of humor drive a book series—and it works brilliantly. Yes, there are butt jokes. Yes, it's chaotic. Yes, your kid will probably say 'poop' more often. But here's the thing: it gets kids reading.

Pilkey understands that for many kids (especially boys), the path to loving books runs straight through silly, gross humor and comic-style storytelling. Dog Man delivers that in spades while sneaking in genuinely positive themes about friendship, creativity, redemption, and being true to yourself. The Flip-O-Rama sections are interactive and teach basic animation concepts. Kids finish these books and immediately want to make their own comics.

The 4.8 Amazon rating isn't a fluke—this series is beloved by millions of elementary schoolers. It's not Newbery material, but it doesn't need to be. It's a gateway drug to reading, wrapped in a dog-headed cop costume. If your kid is struggling with reading or just needs something fun, Dog Man delivers.

Age Fit

Perfect for ages 6-10, especially reluctant readers and kids who love Captain Underpants. The comic format and humor hit the sweet spot for early elementary. Most kids age out by middle school, though some nostalgic 12-year-olds still enjoy them.

WISE Breakdown
Wholesome
88

Models positive themes of empathy, kindness, persistence, and self-acceptance through a genuinely funny lens. The humor is potty-joke adjacent (it's Dav Pilkey after all) but never mean-spirited. George and Harold's friendship and creativity drive the stories, showing collaboration and problem-solving. The tone is goofy and chaotic in the best way—fast-paced but not overstimulating, with heart underneath the silliness.

Imaginative
92

Pilkey's signature Flip-O-Rama animation style and comic book format invite kids to create their own stories. The premise itself—a dog-headed cop created by two kid comic makers—is wonderfully absurd and sparks creative thinking. The meta-narrative of George and Harold as authors within the story celebrates kid creativity and DIY storytelling. Kids frequently make their own Dog Man comics after reading, which is the gold standard for imaginative impact.

Safe
95

Extremely safe. Mild cartoon violence (Dog Man tackles bad guys), potty humor, and slapstick comedy that's all age-appropriate. No scary content, no surprise trauma, no inappropriate themes. The 'worst' you get is butt jokes and the word 'poop.' For a book series, this is as safe as it gets while still being genuinely entertaining.

Enriching
82

More enriching than it appears on the surface. Gets reluctant readers—especially boys—excited about books through humor and comics. The Flip-O-Rama sections build fine motor skills and understanding of animation. Themes of redemption (Petey the cat's arc), friendship, and doing the right thing are woven throughout. Not literary fiction, but genuinely builds reading confidence and explores emotional growth. The 4.8 Amazon rating reflects its massive kid appeal.

Parent Info
✓

Why It Might Be Great

  • Turns reluctant readers into book devourers through comics, humor, and Flip-O-Rama animation
  • Genuinely funny for kids (and parents can tolerate it) with heart underneath the butt jokes
  • Models creativity, friendship, empathy, and redemption through absurdist storytelling
  • Interactive format invites kids to make their own comics and stories
  • Dav Pilkey (Captain Underpants) knows exactly how to hit the elementary school sweet spot
⚠

What to Watch For

  • Potty humor is constant—expect 'poop,' fart jokes, and butt references on most pages
  • Fast-paced comic format might not appeal to kids who prefer traditional chapter books
  • Some parents find the chaos and silliness grating, but kids absolutely love it
  • The humor is silly enough that some kids might imitate the goofiness at inappropriate times

Conversation Starters

  • "If you could create a superhero by combining two animals, what would you make?"
  • "George and Harold love making comics together—what kind of story would you want to create?"
  • "Petey the cat keeps trying to be bad but sometimes does good things. Why do you think that happens?"
  • "What's your favorite Flip-O-Rama scene? Want to try making your own animation?"

Ask Anything

Get a personalized guide on any topic

Writing about Dog Man series? Put this WISE score on your site