Part dog, part man, all hero! If you're trying to work out the Dog Man books in order, this guide has everything you need. From the very first adventure to the latest instalment, we'll show you exactly how to read Dav Pilkey's hilarious graphic novel series in order.
With laugh-out-loud humour, action-packed stories and heartwarming lessons about friendship and kindness, it's easy to see why Dog Man is a hit with kids and grown-ups alike.
Why Kids Love Dog Man
The Dog Man series has all the ingredients kids look for in a great book: hilarious humour, comic-style illustrations, unforgettable characters, and plenty of action. The graphic novel format makes the books especially appealing to young readers, helping to build reading confidence while keeping them entertained from start to finish.
But Dog Man isn't just about the laughs. Alongside the epic battles and absurd adventures, the stories explore themes of friendship, empathy, teamwork, and resilience, giving readers plenty to think about long after they've turned the final page.
What Age Is Dog Man Suitable For?
Dog Man is generally best suited to children aged 6 to 10, although confident younger readers and older graphic novel fans can enjoy it too. The accessible text, visual storytelling, and fast-paced plots make the series easy to follow, while the clever jokes and emotional moments appeal to readers of all ages.
Whether you're introducing a young reader to chapter books or searching for a series they'll genuinely be excited to pick up, Dog Man is a fantastic choice that's guaranteed to raise a smile.
Dog Man Books in Order
1. Dog Man (2016)
What happens: Meet Dog Man: the crime-fighting hero who's half dog, half human, and fully awesome. Born from a wild surgery that fused a brave police officer and his loyal dog, this half-and-half hero is here to sniff out crime, chase bad guis, and maybe a few squirrels?
Why read it: It's the story that started it all, full of action and heart, and perfect for introducing kids to graphic novels.
2. Dog Man: Unleashed (2017)
What happens: Evil archnemesis Petey the Cat is causing chaos. While Dog Man is still learning the ropes of being a top police officer, Petey's criminal antics are spiralling out of control.
Why read it: Kids will giggle at all the jokes while learning about the importance of perseverance and standing up for what's right.
3. Dog Man: A Tale of Two Kitties (2017)
What happens: Dog Man has his paws full when Petey the Cat's cloning experiment results in Li'l Petey. While Petey expects a perfect copy of himself, the adorable kitten has a kind heart, a positive outlook, and a knack for bringing out the best in those around him.
Why read it: It's a great story about redemption and the power of kindness, plus Li'l Petey steals the show with his adorable antics.
4. Dog Man and Cat Kid (2018)
What happens: Dog Man teams up with Li'l Petey (now known as Cat Kid) to take on a new wave of villains. Can they work together, or will they end up barking up the wrong tree?
Why We Love It: The dynamic duo of Dog Man and Cat Kid is brilliant.
5. Dog Man: Lord of the Fleas (2018)
What happens: As the new wave of baddies is wreaking havoc, Dog Man leaps into action with a kitten, a robot, and even Petey, the World’s Most Evil Cat, by his side! Can this unlikely team save the day, or will Petey’s villainous ways ruin everything? It’s a flea-nomenal adventure!
Why We Love It: It’s a flea-nomenal adventure packed with action and a few "aww" moments, managing to mix irreverent charm and wholesome messages into a sickeningly funny adventure that will keep kids hooked from start to finish.
6. Dog Man: Brawl of the Wild (2019)
What happens: Our heroic hound is sent to jail for a crime he didn't commit with plenty of twists and turns along the way.
Why read it: The courtroom drama adds a fun new twist to the series and is a great reminder that everyone deserves a second chance.
7. Dog Man: For Whom the Ball Rolls (2019)
What happens: When a brand-new supervillain starts causing chaos, Dog Man is determined to stop them. But as the city spirals into trouble, Dog Man, Petey and Li'l Petey discover that friendship, family and doing the right thing can be more powerful than any villainous plan.
Why read it: It delivers plenty of laughs, action, and comic book chaos, while continuing the heartwarming relationship between Petey and Li'l Petey.
8. Dog Man: Fetch-22 (2020)
What happens: When Petey's father returns to town, old family tensions resurface and Petey is forced to confront his past. Meanwhile, Dog Man faces a host of new challenges as villains and unexpected threats put the city in danger, leading to one of the series' most emotional adventures yet.
Why read it: Book eight balances laugh-out-loud humour with a surprisingly heartfelt story about family, forgiveness and breaking cycles of bad behaviour. Alongside the action, readers get a deeper look at Petey's character, making this one of the most touching books in the series.
9. Dog Man: Grime and Punishment (2020)
What happens: The mayor's had it with Dog Man's antics and our hero is officially out of a job. But Dog Man's not giving up yet! With his friends by his side, can he dig himself out of this mess and claw his way back to justice?
Why read it: It’ll have your little ones snorting and snickering alongside some high-brow literary references and drawing tips.
10. Dog Man: Mothering Heights (2021)
What happens: Dog Man’s down on his luck, Petey confronts his past, and Grampa’s stirring up trouble. With new villains causing chaos, the world feels dark and out of control. But not all hope is lost! The incredible power of love might just save the day.
Why read it: Mothering Heights combines the series' trademark humour and action with one of its most emotional storylines.
11. Dog Man: Twenty Thousand Fleas Under the Sea (2023)
What happens: Piggy is back with his most diabolical plan yet and new villains are swarming the city.
Why read it: From cyborg fleas to deep-sea chaos, this is one of Dog Man's wildest adventures yet. Packed with laughs, action and plenty of heart, it's a brilliant read for fans of fast-paced fun.
12. Dog Man: The Scarlet Shedder (2024)
What happens: After a skunk spray leaves Dog Man bright red, he's shunned by the very people he protects. But when a new villain unleashes an army of A.I. robots, Dog Man and Petey must put their differences aside to save the city.
Why read it: The Scarlet Shedder mixes laugh-out-loud humour with lessons about kindness, courage and looking beyond appearances, making it another fun and memorable Dog Man adventure.
13. Dog Man: Big Jim Begins (2024)
What happens: When Big Jim sets out on his own adventure, surprising secrets from his past come to light. Alongside familiar faces, he faces new challenges, learns important lessons and discovers what it truly means to be a hero.
Why read it: It shines the spotlight on one of the series' most loveable characters, blending humour, heart and action. It's a fun-filled story about friendship, courage and finding your place in the world.
14. Dog Man: A Sprinkle In Time (2026)
What happens: Grampa's latest scheme disrupts time and space, throwing Dog Man's world into chaos. As reality begins to unravel, Dog Man and his friends must embark on a thrilling adventure to put things right and save the day.
Why read it: A Sprinkle in Time promises everything Dog Man fans love, including action, humour and larger-than-life adventure, while adding an exciting time-travel twist. It's set to be one of the series' biggest adventures yet.
Dog-Eared Favourites
Now you’ve got the complete Dog Man series in order! Whether you’re just a pup looking to start your Dog Man adventures or trying to complete your collection, these books are guaranteed to bring smiles, snickers, and even a few life lessons along the way. Whatever you choose, Dav Pilkey’s stories will have you sitting, staying, and reading all night!
So, grab a copy from our collection of Dog Man and Cat Kid books, curl up with your little reader, and get ready for some un-fur-gettable adventures! And, stay tuned for the next release in the series, “Dog Man: Big Jim Believes!”
If your little ones are already hunting down their next read, check out our posts for more children’s books for cool kids and the best children’s books to read - it’s the leash you can do!
