Dav Pilkey is not your ordinary author; he’s a storytelling superhero to countless kids around the globe, thanks to his wildly imaginative and hilariously heroic characters. Born in 1966 in Cleveland, Ohio, Pilkey’s childhood was marked by the challenges of dyslexia and ADHD.
But what could have been a hindrance turned into his superpower. The very traits that made school a struggle fueled his boundless creativity and became the cornerstone of his future success.
As a kid, Pilkey found solace and escape in drawing and making up stories, especially during the many times he was sent out of the classroom for his energetic antics. It was in these moments of isolation, in the quiet of the school hallways, that one of his most famous characters, Captain Underpants, sprang to life.
This early creation hinted at what was to become Pilkey’s signature style: a blend of humor, action, and the triumph of the underdog, all wrapped up in a visually engaging comic book format.
Pilkey’s journey from a disruptive student to a celebrated author is nothing short of inspirational. After winning a national competition for his work, he caught the eye of a publisher, which led to the publication of his first book.
But it was the Captain Underpants series, launched in the late ’90s, that catapulted him to fame. These books, filled with toilet humor and superhero antics, resonated with children worldwide, especially those who, like Pilkey, found traditional reading materials less than engaging.
Beyond Captain Underpants, Pilkey has created a universe of memorable characters, including Dog Man and Ricky Ricotta’s Mighty Robot, proving his versatility and appeal across different reader ages and preferences. His work champions the idea that reading should be fun, accessible, and empowering, especially for those who face their own learning challenges.
Living between the United States and Japan, Pilkey draws inspiration from his surroundings and experiences, infusing his stories with a global perspective and a universal sense of humor.
Despite his status as a literary superstar, he remains dedicated to his young audience, often sharing his personal story to motivate and encourage kids everywhere to embrace their uniqueness and follow their passions.
Dav Pilkey’s legacy is not just in the laughter his books provoke but in the confidence they instill in young readers. He’s a reminder that it’s okay to be different and that sometimes, the very things that make us struggle are what make us great.
Big Dog and Little Dog Books in Order of Publication
Big Dog and Little Dog
(1997)
Big Dog and Little Dog Going for a Walk
(1997)
Big Dog and Little Dog Getting in Trouble
(1997)
Big Dog and Little Dog Wearing Sweaters
(1998)
Big Dog and Little Dog Making a Mistake
(1999)
The Complete Adventures of Big Dog and Little Dog
(2003)
Captain Underpants Books in Order of Publication
The Adventures of Captain Underpants
(1997)
Captain Underpants and the Attack of the Talking Toilets
(1999)
Captain Underpants and the Invasion of the Incredibly Naughty Cafeteria Ladies from Outer Space
(1999)
Captain Underpants and the Perilous Plot of Professor Poopypants
(2000)
Captain Underpants and the Wrath of the Wicked Wedgie Woman
(2001)
Captain Underpants and the Big, Bad Battle of the Bionic Booger Boy, Part 1
(2003)
Captain Underpants and the Big Bad Battle of the Bionic Booger Boy, Part 2
(2003)
Captain Underpants and the Preposterous Plight of the Purple Potty People
(2006)
Captain Underpants and the Terrifying Return of Tippy Tinkletrousers
(2012)
Captain Underpants and the Revolting Revenge of the Radioactive Robo-Boxers
(2013)
Captain Underpants and the Tyrannical Retaliation of the Turbo Toilet 2000
(2014)
Captain Underpants and the Sensational Saga of Sir Stinks-A-Lot
(2015)
Captain Underpants Activity Books in Order of Publication
The Captain Underpants Extra-Crunchy Book o’ Fun
(2001)
The All New Captain Underpants Extra-Crunchy Book O’ Fun 2
(2002)
The Extra Big ‘N’ Extra Crunchy Captain Underpants Book O’ Fun
(2011)
Captain Underpants Super Flip-o-Rama Sticker Book
(2012)
Cat Kid Comic Club Books in Order of Publication
Cat Kid Comic Club
(2020)
Perspectives
(2021)
On Purpose
(2022)
Collaborations
(2022)
Influencers
(2023)
Dog Man Books in Order of Publication
Dog Man
(2016)
Dog Man Unleashed
(2016)
A Tale of Two Kitties
(2017)
Dog Man and Cat Kid
(2017)
Lord of the Fleas
(2018)
Brawl of the Wild
(2018)
For Whom the Ball Rolls
(2019)
Fetch-22
(2019)
Grime and Punishment
(2020)
Mothering Heights
(2021)
Twenty Thousand Fleas Under the Sea
(2023)
The Scarlet Shedder
(2024)
The Dragon Tales Books in Order of Publication
A Friend For Dragon
(1991)
Dragon Gets By
(1991)
Dragon’s Merry Christmas
(1991)
Dragon’s Fat Cat
(1992)
Dragon’s Halloween
(1993)
Dumb Bunnies Books in Order of Publication
The Dumb Bunnies
(1994)
The Dumb Bunnies’ Easter
(1995)
Make Way for Dumb Bunnies
(1996)
The Dumb Bunnies Go To The Zoo
(1997)
Ricky Ricotta Books in Order of Publication
Ricky Ricotta’s Mighty Robot
(2000)
Ricky Ricotta’s Mighty Robot vs. the Mutant Mosquitoes from Mercury
(2000)
Ricky Ricotta’s Mighty Robot vs. the Voodoo Vultures from Venus
(2001)
Ricky Ricotta’s Mighty Robot vs. the Mecha-Monkeys from Mars
(2002)
Ricky Ricotta’s Mighty Robot vs. the Jurassic Jackrabbits from Jupiter
(2002)
Ricky Ricotta’s Mighty Robot vs. The Stupid Stinkbugs from Saturn
(2002)
Ricky Ricotta’s Mighty Robot vs. the Uranium Unicorns from Uranus
(2005)
Ricky Ricotta’s Mighty Robot vs. The Naughty Nightcrawlers From Neptune
(2015)
Ricky Ricotta’s Mighty Robot vs. The Unpleasant Penguins from Pluto
(2016)
Ricky Ricotta Activity Books in Order of Publication
Ricky Ricotta’s Mighty Robot Astro-Activity Book O’ Fun
(2006)
Super Diaper Baby Books in Order of Publication
The Adventures of Super Diaper Baby
(2002)
The Invasion of the Potty Snatchers
(2011)
Standalone Novels in Order of Publication
The Adventures of Ook and Gluk
(2010)
Picture Books in Order of Publication
World War Won
(1987)
‘Twas The Night Before Thanksgiving
(1990)
When Cats Dream
(1992)
Kat Kong
(1993)
Dog Breath! The Horrible Trouble with Hally Tosis
(1994)
Moonglow Roll O Rama
(1995)
The Paperboy
(1996)
The Silly Gooses
(1998)
Dogzilla
(1999)
God Bless the Gargoyles
(1999)
The Hallo-Weiner
(1999)
Green Light Readers Level 1 Books in Order of Publication
Halloween Mice!(By: Bethany Roberts)
(1995)
Big Dog and Little Dog
(1997)
Big Dog and Little Dog Going for a Walk
(1997)
Big Dog and Little Dog Getting in Trouble
(1997)
Big Dog and Little Dog Wearing Sweaters
(1998)
Cloudy Day Sunny Day(By: Donald Crews)
(1999)
Big Dog and Little Dog Making a Mistake
(1999)
Big Pig and Little Pig(By: David McPhail)
(2001)
Birthday Mice!(By: Bethany Roberts)
(2002)
The Complete Adventures of Big Dog and Little Dog
(2003)
Big Brown Bear(By: David McPhail)
(2003)
A New Home(By: Tim Bowers)
(2003)
Todd’s Box(By: Paula Sullivan)
(2004)
Rick Is Sick(By: David McPhail)
(2004)
Get Up, Rick!(By: F. Isabel Campoy)
(2007)
Daniel’s Pet/Daniel y su mascota(By: Alma Flor Ada)
(2008)
The Van(By: Holly Keller)
(2008)
Dot and Bob(By: David McPhail)
(2008)
Cerdo y Cerdito/Big Pig and Little Pig(By: David McPhail)
