Dog helped with author’s dyslexia

WHO fights crime and chews chairs? Dog Man, the heroic hound in Dav (pronounced “Dave”) Pilkey’s new graphic novel, Dog Man: A Tale of Two Kitties.

Dog Man is half pup and half police officer, said Pilkey, who came up with the brave-but-wacky character when he was in second grade. Back then, Pilkey got into so much trouble, his teacher moved his desk to the hall. That’s when he began making up stories about and drawing two funny characters, Dog Man and Captain Underpants. When he became an adult, he liked these goofy characters so much he wanted to create more tales about them.

This is the third book in the series. But the character first appeared in Pilkey’s popular books about Captain Underpants. Readers liked Dog Man so much he decided to give him his own series.

In the new book, the blue-uniformed pooch must battle destructive buildings that have come to life and an evil bionic fish. Dog Man’s biggest problem, though, is Petey, a villainous cat.

Pilkey credits his childhood pet, Halle, for Dog Man’s loyal, joyful personality. Halle was a good friend during a tough time. “I struggled with dyslexia and ADHD, which made it hard to read and focus. I was frustrated and got into trouble.”

At the end of his new book are photos of real kids reading with their dogs. Not only do kids and four-legged pals enjoy these experiences, but dogs can help young people become better readers, according to researchers at the University of California at Davis.

Pilkey admits to a soft spot for cats, even that scoundrel Petey. In the book, Petey changes and becomes a more complex character. The Tale of Two Kitties in the title reflects a famous novel for grown-ups, A Tale of Two Cities, by Charles Dickens.

This year, Pilkey celebrates the 20th anniversary of the first Captain Underpants book, The Adventures of Captain Underpants. He’s planning for his next book, Dog Man and Cat Kid, which will be published in December.