Read Dav Pilkey Books In Order : Every Fan MUST Know!

By Kathy | Last Updated on April 8, 2026

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Dav Pilkey is a name that resonates with readers of all ages, especially those with an inclination for humor, adventure, and creativity. As the author of beloved children’s books such as Captain Underpants and Dog Man, Pilkey has cemented his place in the hearts of young readers and adults alike. His unique ability to mix engaging storytelling with irresistible illustrations has made him a staple in classrooms and libraries worldwide. But beyond the laughter and lighthearted fun, Pilkey’s work is steeped in themes of friendship, heroism, and resilience. For many young readers, his books offer an exciting introduction to the joys of reading, with characters and worlds so vibrant that they are hard to forget.

In this article, we will dive deep into the world of Dav Pilkey’s books, explore their background, and provide a reading order guide to help fans (or newcomers) fully enjoy the series. Additionally, we will reflect on what makes these books so special and whether or not reading them in order is crucial for the best experience.

List Of Dav Pilkey Books In Order

World War Won (1994)	Details
The Adventures of Super Diaper Baby (2002)	Details
The Adventures of Dog Man (2016)	Details
Captain Supernova and the Great Space Race (2018)	Details
Dog Man: A Tale of Two Kitties (2017)	Details
Dog Man: Brawl of the Wild (2019)	Details
Dog Man: For Whom the Ball Rolls (2019)	Details
Dog Man: Fetch-22 (2020)	Details
Dog Man: Grime and Punishment (2021)	Details
Dog Man: Mothering Heights (2022)	Details

More On Dav Pilkey Books In Chronological Order

1. World War Won (1994)

This is the first book in the ’World War Won’ series by Dav Pilkey, and it’s hilariously goofy! It follows a very unique group of characters – robots, time machines, and talking animals – all wrapped up in Pilkey’s signature quirky humor. It was a wild start to what would become an incredibly successful career for Pilkey, and you’ll see plenty of his trademark crazy, fast-paced storytelling in it!

2. The Adventures of Super Diaper Baby (2002)

If you’re looking for laughs, Super Diaper Baby’s got you covered! This is Pilkey’s superhero diaper-clad baby who’s on a mission to save the world, and the absurdity is off the charts. The whole book feels like an energetic comic strip with hilarious illustrations, tongue-in-cheek humor, and a ton of fun moments that just make you giggle throughout.

3. The Adventures of Dog Man (2016)

Oh, Dog Man! He’s a dog with the head of a cop, and his adventures are as ridiculous as they sound. The ’Dog Man’ series, kicking off in 2016, has been a massive hit among kids. It’s full of potty humor, slapstick comedy, and good-natured fun, as Dog Man navigates a world filled with criminals, friends, and his own canine quirks.

4. Captain Supernova and the Great Space Race (2018)

What do you get when you mix a brave superhero with a galactic race and a lot of space-time shenanigans? You get Captain Supernova, an off-the-wall space hero piloting his way through some of the most creative and amusing adventures Pilkey could dream up. With lots of wild twists and zany characters, this one really gets your imagination going!

5. Dog Man: A Tale of Two Kitties (2017)

This one picks up right where Dog Man leaves off and brings a whole new dynamic into the mix: two adorable kittens, one of which has a bone to pick with our beloved Dog Man. This installment brings even more laughs, as we get to see Dog Man struggle with his own vulnerabilities and the wild adventures that come with being part cop, part dog.

6. Dog Man: Brawl of the Wild (2019)

Dog Man’s back and ready to battle it out in this action-packed, hilarious sequel. With epic showdowns and a new cast of characters, this one is filled with heart, humor, and enough wacky moments to keep you flipping pages nonstop. Pilkey continues to blend comic-book-style art with heartfelt themes of friendship, making this an irresistible addition to the Dog Man series!

7. Dog Man: For Whom the Ball Rolls (2019)

If you thought Dog Man couldn’t get any more fun, think again! In this one, Dog Man’s journey takes some crazy turns as he faces even bigger challenges and deeper character growth. With each book in this series, Pilkey keeps improving the art, the jokes, and the plot twists that keep kids coming back for more.

8. Dog Man: Fetch-22 (2020)

The stakes have never been higher, and the humor never more outrageous! Dog Man is in for the adventure of a lifetime as he faces off with his toughest adversaries yet. Pilkey’s knack for combining silly humor with heartwarming lessons makes ’Fetch-22’ a treat for anyone who’s ever wondered what happens when a dog cop meets his greatest challenge!

9. Dog Man: Grime and Punishment (2021)

In this installment, Dog Man is back in action, dealing with his most challenging villain yet. As always, the humor is nonstop, and Pilkey’s drawings are packed with fun little details that will make you giggle out loud. But the best part? The themes of redemption and doing the right thing shine through, even when Dog Man is just trying to keep his neighborhood safe.

10. Dog Man: Mothering Heights (2022)

Dog Man has got his paws full again in this heartwarming and hilarious adventure! A mix of his usual antics and a bit more emotional depth, ’Mothering Heights’ explores family, responsibility, and how our beloved dog-cop hero deals with everything life throws his way. Expect more laughs, more action, and, of course, more of Dog Man’s lovable quirks.

Background On Dav Pilkey Books

Dav Pilkey’s journey into the world of writing and illustrating began at an early age. Known for his mischievous and adventurous spirit as a child, Pilkey often found himself drawing and writing stories as a way to escape from the challenges he faced in school, particularly struggles with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). His early experiences shaped much of his later works, where humor, exaggerated antics, and playful rebellion become key themes.

Pilkey’s breakthrough came with The Adventures of Captain Underpants, a series that introduced readers to the adventures of two imaginative elementary school boys, George and Harold, who create their own superhero, the hilarious and bumbling Captain Underpants. The series quickly became a global phenomenon, appealing to kids with its goofy humor, absurd plotlines, and irreverence. But what truly set Captain Underpants apart was its ability to combine the absurd with heartfelt moments, showing the importance of creativity, friendship, and standing up for what’s right.

Following the success of Captain Underpants, Pilkey introduced a whole new set of characters with the Dog Man series, which follows a lovable, half-dog, half-human police officer in a world full of zany villains and quirky sidekicks. Like its predecessor, Dog Man is beloved for its light-hearted humor and fast-paced adventure, but it also addresses themes of identity, compassion, and doing the right thing, even when it’s tough.

Pilkey has also expanded his catalog to include graphic novels, picture books, and other formats, all with his signature humor and engaging illustrations. From The Dumb Bunnies to The Paperboy, his books span a wide range of formats and themes, but they all have one thing in common: they are driven by a deep understanding of what kids love and how they think.

Reading Order Explained

When it comes to reading Dav Pilkey’s books, the question of should you read them in order often arises, especially given the extensive universe he’s created with series like Captain Underpants and Dog Man. While these books are designed to be enjoyable as standalone stories, reading them in order can enhance the experience, allowing readers to follow character development and recurring plot elements that evolve throughout the series.

Let’s break it down:

Captain Underpants Series

The Captain Underpants series is divided into a number of books, each following the escapades of George and Harold and their creation, Captain Underpants. The first book, Captain Underpants and the Attack of the Talking Toilets, sets the stage for the zany world that will unfold across the series. Subsequent books build on the first with more outlandish villains, including the likes of the evil Dr. Diaper and the Trousersnake.

Here’s a recommended reading order for the Captain Underpants series:

1. Captain Underpants and the Attack of the Talking Toilets (1997)
2. Captain Underpants and the Invasion of the Incredibly Naughty Cafeteria Ladies from Outer Space (1999)
3. Captain Underpants and the Perilous Plot of Professor Poopypants (2001)
4. Captain Underpants and the Wrath of the Wicked Wedgie Woman (2003)
5. Captain Underpants and the Big, Bad Battle of the Bionic Booger Boy (2004)
6. Captain Underpants and the Preposterous Plight of the Purple Potty People (2006)
7. Captain Underpants and the Terrifying Return of Tippy Tinkletrousers (2012)
8. Captain Underpants and the Revolting Revenge of the Radioactive Robo-Boxers (2013)
9. Captain Underpants and the Sensational Saga of Sir Stinks-A-Lot (2015)
10. Captain Underpants and the Tyrannical Retaliation of the Turbo Toilet 2000 (2017)

This order follows the release chronology, but Pilkey ensures that each book is accessible on its own, so newcomers can jump into the series at any point.

Dog Man Series

Next up, we have the Dog Man series, which follows the adventures of the titular canine hero, who is part dog, part human, and all heart. This series starts with Dog Man in 2016 and continues through various installments that deepen the character development and introduce new supporting characters.

The recommended order for Dog Man is:

1. Dog Man (2016)
2. Dog Man Unleashed (2017)
3. Dog Man: A Tale of Two Kitties (2017)
4. Dog Man and Cat Kid (2018)
5. Dog Man: Lord of the Fleas (2019)
6. Dog Man: For Whom the Ball Rolls (2019)
7. Dog Man: Fetch-22 (2020)
8. Dog Man: Grime and Punishment (2021)
9. Dog Man: Twenty Thousand Fleas Under the Sea (2022)
10. Dog Man: Mothering Heights (2023)

While each Dog Man book introduces a new story arc, the progression of the characters and the relationships between them builds throughout the series, making reading in order a rewarding experience.

What I Like About The Series?

There are numerous reasons why Dav Pilkey’s books resonate so deeply with readers. One of the main draws is the humor, which is universally appealing to kids. Pilkey’s ability to blend slapstick comedy with clever wordplay ensures that readers of all ages are engaged and entertained. The humor doesn’t shy away from absurdity, but it also carries deeper messages about kindness, perseverance, and embracing one’s unique qualities.

Another standout feature of Pilkey’s books is their distinctive visual style. The illustrations are energetic and brimming with personality, often mimicking the exuberant and unpredictable nature of the characters themselves. The hand-drawn sketches, simple yet expressive, are perfectly in sync with the tone of the stories, which are filled with action, chaos, and wild imagination. This visual style also makes the books incredibly accessible for young readers, especially those who may find lengthy blocks of text intimidating.

What I personally love about these series is the balance Pilkey strikes between humor and heart. While the plots are ridiculous and packed with humor, there are often underlying themes about friendship, empathy, and doing the right thing. Pilkey’s characters aren’t perfect, but they learn and grow, offering young readers important lessons in a lighthearted and digestible way.

Should You Read Dav Pilkey Books In Order?

While many of Pilkey’s books can be enjoyed individually, reading them in order adds an extra layer of depth. For instance, in both Captain Underpants and Dog Man, recurring characters evolve over time, and plot threads are continued or resolved. Additionally, the sense of progression and character development-especially with side characters-becomes much more evident when read in sequence.

For younger readers just starting with the series, reading in order can help them appreciate the growth of both the main characters and the larger narratives. That said, the charm of Pilkey’s work is that they’re perfectly fine to dip into at any point, making them an excellent choice for reluctant readers or anyone seeking a fun, quick read.