I wouldn’t be a writer today, if I was not a reader: Dav Pilkey

Time and again, authors are subject to numerous attempts of stereotyping. But how does one gauge an author who’s managed to make parents read his stories to children, with excitement that runs parallel to their kid’s? Maybe, that’s how one can draw the definitive boundary around Dav Pilkey. The author is known for his highly successful Captain Underpants series. In an interview, the author opens up about his work and India.

When did you decide to become an author?

I never saw myself as a writer until one of my professors in college encouraged me to become one after reading one of my papers. She asked if I’d ever thought about becoming a children’s book author — something that had never occurred to me. It took just that one person to believe in me and that started off things. I started writing my first book that week.

Have you been to India before? How was the experience?

This was my first time in India and it certainly will not be my last. It’s been an amazing experience. The kids, who attended, were all so enthusiastic and I was moved by the experience. It’s also thrilling to see so many parents and educators coming together for literacy. Even though I was here for a very limited time, Mumbai was the perfect place to culminate my Do Good tour, which started in August spanning multiple states in the U.S., then through Shanghai, Singapore and finally, India. It’s been an incredible experience and I’m humbled and honoured to visit Mumbai.

Have you been through any Indian comic works? What did you make of the scene in general?

I have to say I’m not familiar with comic works of Indian artists, but since this visit, I’m eager to learn more. What’s been amazing about this trip to India is discovering all its many treasures in the arts – including all the many authors and artists.

Your works, although called children’s favourite, finds takers of all age groups. How does that make you feel?

It feels like a surreal experience and a dream come true for me. I was rejected for many years before my first book was published, and to be in a position to meet so many kids around the world as an author and illustrator is the biggest honour.

Do you think the media wants to label you as a children’s author when your works have varied fans? Why do you think there’s always this confinement involved?

I feel very grateful that there are adults who are also readers of my books. The best compliment is when I hear that parents and their kids read my books together as a family.

In the world of social media, how does one inspire young children to take up writing? How does one interest them in the first place?

I would tell young children to start by reading what they love. I wouldn’t be a writer today if I was not a reader. I remember not thinking of myself as a reader as a kid. I thought I hated reading. I credit the support and love from my parents, especially my mom, who encouraged me as a kid and took me to the library to pick the books that I wanted to read. It didn’t matter if it was below my reading level, or if it was something that I’ve read over and over. What mattered was that I was reading. Reading without judgment is what turned me into a reader and this was life-changing.

The best compliment is when I hear that parents and their kids read my books together as a family.

DAV PILKEY, AUTHOR