Dav Pilkey Books in Order
Explore Dav Pilkey’s books and series in order with short summaries, reading-order help, and where to start with Captain Underpants, Dog Man, and more.
Last updated: June 7, 2026
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Publication Order
73 books
World War Won
by Dav Pilkey
1987
In this early comic-style story, two sides race to build bigger and scarier weapons, with the world stuck in the middle. Told as an allegory, it shows how fear and competition can spiral, even when nobody really wins.
'Twas The Night Before Thanksgiving
by Dav Pilkey
1990
On a class trip to a turkey farm, a group of kids decides the turkeys deserve a rescue mission. Soon there are feathered stowaways on the bus and a chaotic Thanksgiving countdown as the kids try to keep their secret.
A Friend For Dragon
by Dav Pilkey
1991
Dragon feels lonely and decides it’s time to find a friend. His first ideas don’t go as planned, but Dragon keeps trying, and his sweet, literal approach turns the search into a gentle, funny adventure.
Dragon Gets By
by Dav Pilkey
1991
Dragon wants to be responsible, so he tackles chores and errands all by himself. Unfortunately, he gets a few details hilariously wrong, from sweeping the hole in the floor to reading an egg and frying a newspaper, and he has to make it right.
Dragon's Merry Christmas
by Dav Pilkey
1991
Dragon is determined to make Christmas perfect, but his plans keep going a little sideways. As he decorates, prepares, and waits for holiday magic, Dragon learns that a warm celebration doesn’t have to be flawless to be fun.
Dragon's Fat Cat
by Dav Pilkey
1992
Dragon finds a stray cat and decides to take care of it. The new pet is lovable, and surprisingly hungry, and Dragon soon discovers that caring for someone else can get bigger quickly, especially when kittens arrive.
When Cats Dream
by Dav Pilkey
1992
This gentle picture book imagines what cats might dream about when they curl up and fall asleep. From silly adventures to quiet wishes, the story turns a familiar question into a cozy, playful bedtime read.
Dragon's Halloween
by Dav Pilkey
1993
Dragon can’t wait for Halloween, so he buys little pumpkins, plans a costume, and heads out for spooky fun. But Halloween comes with surprises, and Dragon has to be brave, and creative, when the night feels scarier than expected.
Kat Kong
by Dav Pilkey
1993
A giant cat named Kat Kong stomps into a tiny city and turns everything upside down. The frightened citizens need a plan fast, and it has to be clever enough to stop a monster that’s way bigger than they are.
Dog Breath! The Horrible Trouble with Hally Tosis
by Dav Pilkey
1994
Hally Tosis is a sweet dog with a serious problem: his breath can clear a room. His family tries every cure they can think of, but the stink keeps causing trouble, until it suddenly becomes useful at the worst possible moment.
The Dumb Bunnies
by Dav Pilkey
1994
Meet Momma Bunny, Poppa Bunny, and Baby Bunny, a family that does everything backwards and thinks it’s perfectly normal. When an unwelcome surprise sneaks into their home, their “solutions” only make the chaos funnier.
Moonglow Roll O Rama
by Dav Pilkey
1995
At the local roller rink, a kid dreams of skating glory and maybe impressing a friend. Between wobbly wheels, rink rules, and small-town drama, the night turns into a mix of embarrassment and triumph.
The Dumb Bunnies' Easter
by Dav Pilkey
1995
The Dumb Bunnies are getting ready for Easter, in their own confused way. Mixed-up traditions and wildly wrong expectations turn the holiday into a series of ridiculous misunderstandings, with the bunny family confidently doing everything wrong.
Make Way for Dumb Bunnies
by Dav Pilkey
1996
The Dumb Bunnies head out on a family outing, and their backward logic turns every stop into a problem. With each mistake, they double down, creating a chain of goofy disasters that’s perfect for kids who love absurd humor.
The Paperboy
by Dav Pilkey
1996
Before sunrise, a paperboy and his dog quietly roll through a sleeping neighborhood, delivering papers. The world feels calm and still, until a small mistake turns the route into an unexpected adventure and a test of focus.
Big Dog and Little Dog
by Dav Pilkey
1997
Big Dog and Little Dog are hungry, and hunger is serious business. As they search for something to eat, their simple plan turns into a small, funny problem-solving story that’s perfect for new readers.
Big Dog and Little Dog Getting in Trouble
by Dav Pilkey
1997
Big Dog and Little Dog play tug-of-war with couch cushions, and the furniture doesn’t survive. When their person is not pleased, the two friends have to figure out how to share the blame, and how to say they’re sorry.
Big Dog and Little Dog Going for a Walk
by Dav Pilkey
1997
Big Dog and Little Dog go for a walk and find puddles and mud that are hard to resist. The fun ends when it’s bath time, and the two friends have to face the messy consequences of a very muddy adventure.
The Adventures of Captain Underpants
by Dav Pilkey
1997
Fourth-graders George Beard and Harold Hutchins pull one prank too many, then accidentally hypnotize their grumpy principal into Captain Underpants. Suddenly their joke hero has to stop real trouble, and the boys have to keep the secret from blowing up their whole school.
The Dumb Bunnies Go To The Zoo
by Dav Pilkey
1997
The Dumb Bunnies go to the zoo, and they are very sure they know what they’re doing. Their mixed-up observations and big decisions turn a normal zoo visit into chaos, with plenty of animal silliness along the way.
Big Dog and Little Dog Wearing Sweaters
by Dav Pilkey
1998
Little Dog loves his sweater, and Big Dog decides he needs one too. Finding the right sweater, and figuring out how to wear it, becomes its own funny challenge in this simple story for brand-new readers.
The Silly Gooses
by Dav Pilkey
1998
A flock of geese decides to try something new, and their bright ideas quickly get out of hand. With sound effects, slapstick, and lots of read-aloud energy, this story celebrates the kind of silliness kids love.
Big Dog and Little Dog Making a Mistake
by Dav Pilkey
1999
Big Dog and Little Dog chase what they think is a kitten, but it’s a skunk. One big mistake leads to a very smelly problem, and the two friends learn why it helps to look closely before you pounce.
Captain Underpants and the Attack of the Talking Toilets
by Dav Pilkey
1999
George and Harold’s latest ideas backfire when the school toilets revolt, led by the Turbo Toilet 2000. Captain Underpants charges into a very stinky showdown, while the boys scramble to undo the mess before it takes over the town.
Captain Underpants and the Invasion of the Incredibly Naughty Cafeteria Ladies from Outer Space
by Dav Pilkey
1999
The lunch ladies are acting suspicious, and for good reason. When the cafeteria staff turns out to be aliens with big plans, George and Harold call on Captain Underpants to save the school, and maybe their stomachs too.
Dogzilla
by Dav Pilkey
1999
A monstrous dog named Dogzilla rises up and heads for a city that isn’t ready for him. With panic spreading, the tiny citizens scramble to protect their home, using the only tools they have: bravery and a clever plan.
God Bless the Gargoyles
by Dav Pilkey
1999
This soothing, rhyming bedtime book sends kindness to all kinds of creatures, including the spooky ones. From gargoyles to monsters, each page offers a gentle goodnight and a reminder that everyone could use a blessing.
The Hallo-Weiner
by Dav Pilkey
1999
Oscar the dachshund puts on a hot-dog costume for Halloween, and suddenly everyone treats him like an actual snack. As strangers chase after him, Oscar has to make it home safely, with his family racing to catch up.
Captain Underpants and the Perilous Plot of Professor Poopypants
by Dav Pilkey
2000
A genius with a grudge, Professor Poopypants, decides everyone needs a brand-new name, whether they want one or not. George, Harold, and Captain Underpants race to stop his ridiculous scheme before the whole world gets renamed.
Mighty Robot
by Dav Pilkey
2000
Ricky Ricotta is a small mouse who gets picked on, until he meets a giant flying robot. Together they take on Dr. Stinky McNasty and his wild inventions, proving that a good friend can make you feel brave.
Mighty Robot vs. the Mutant Mosquitoes from Mercury
by Dav Pilkey
2000
Mutant mosquitoes from Mercury are heading for trouble, and Ricky Ricotta’s Mighty Robot has to stop them. With robot battles and kid-sized worries colliding, Ricky learns that courage is something you practice, not something you’re born with.
Captain Underpants and the Wrath of the Wicked Wedgie Woman
by Dav Pilkey
2001
George and Harold face a terrifying new foe: the Wicked Wedgie Woman, a villain obsessed with underwear-based revenge. As their pranks spiral, they need Captain Underpants to help save the school and keep their own butts out of trouble.
Mighty Robot vs. the Voodoo Vultures from Venus
by Dav Pilkey
2001
Voodoo Vultures from Venus swoop in with a nasty plan, and it’s up to Ricky Ricotta and his Mighty Robot to save the day. The action is big, the villains are goofy, and Ricky has to stay brave even when he feels small.
The Captain Underpants Extra-Crunchy Book o' Fun
by Dav Pilkey
2001
A jam-packed activity book for Captain Underpants fans, full of comics, doodles, jokes, puzzles, and Flip-O-Rama style silliness. It’s a quick, hands-on companion for readers who want more George-and-Harold chaos between adventures.
Mighty Robot vs. the Jurassic Jackrabbits from Jupiter
by Dav Pilkey
2002
Jurassic Jackrabbits from Jupiter hop into town with a not-so-cuddly plan. Ricky Ricotta and his Mighty Robot have to outsmart a swarm of space bunnies before Squeakyville gets overrun, and Ricky learns he can lead when it counts.
Mighty Robot vs. the Mecha-Monkeys from Mars
by Dav Pilkey
2002
Mecha-Monkeys from Mars arrive with metal muscles and a big appetite for trouble. Ricky Ricotta and his Mighty Robot jump into the chaos, balancing school life with saving the city from a villain plan that’s loud, clanky, and bananas.
Mighty Robot vs. The Stupid Stinkbugs from Saturn
by Dav Pilkey
2002
Stupid Stinkbugs from Saturn are on the loose, and the smell is only part of the problem. Ricky Ricotta and his Mighty Robot fight back against the gross invaders, proving that even the most ridiculous villains can be dangerous.
The Adventures of Super Diaper Baby
by Dav Pilkey
2002
George and Harold’s own comic creation leaps off the page: a baby superhero in a diaper with a knack for trouble. Packed with mini-comics, flipbook action, and absurd villains, it’s a fast read that feels like kids made it.
The All New Captain Underpants Extra-Crunchy Book O' Fun 2
by Dav Pilkey
2002
More extra-crunchy fun from the Captain Underpants universe, with new activities, mini-comics, games, and gross-out humor. It’s made for doodlers and daydreamers who like their reading interactive and a little bit ridiculous.
Captain Underpants and the Big Bad Battle of the Bionic Booger Boy, Part 2
by Dav Pilkey
2003
The booger chaos isn’t over. Robo-Boogers swarm the area and the Bionic Booger Boy is back for payback, forcing George, Harold, and Captain Underpants to come up with a plan that can stop the snotty army once and for all.
Captain Underpants and the Big, Bad Battle of the Bionic Booger Boy, Part 1
by Dav Pilkey
2003
A classmate’s gross new invention turns him into the Bionic Booger Boy, and he’s ready to take over the school. George and Harold unleash Captain Underpants, but the battle gets slimy fast, and it’s only the beginning of the mess.
Mighty Robot vs. the Uranium Unicorns from Uranus
by Dav Pilkey
2005
Uranium Unicorns from Uranus gallop in with a glowing, dangerous plan. Ricky Ricotta and his Mighty Robot take on the radioactive chaos, mixing big robot action with a story about sticking up for yourself and your friends.
Captain Underpants and the Preposterous Plight of the Purple Potty People
by Dav Pilkey
2006
A tiny new menace arrives with big ambitions: the Purple Potty People. As weird science and sillier pranks collide, George and Harold call on Captain Underpants to stop the chaos from spreading beyond the school hallways.
Ricky Ricotta's Mighty Robot Astro-Activity Book O' Fun
by Dav Pilkey
2006
An activity-packed companion for Ricky Ricotta fans, with puzzles, mazes, games, and space-themed doodling inspired by Ricky and his Mighty Robot. It’s built for quick bursts of reading, scribbling, and imagination, all in one place.
The Adventures of Ook and Gluk
by Dav Pilkey
2010
Ook and Gluk are two mischievous caveboys growing up in Caveland, Ohio, and they’re always in trouble. When their lives collide with kung-fu training and time-bending chaos, they have to stand up to bullies and become unexpected heroes.
The Extra Big 'N' Extra Crunchy Captain Underpants Book O' Fun
by Dav Pilkey
2011
A supersized collection of Captain Underpants puzzles, cartoons, and goofy projects, built for kids who want to draw, laugh, and flip through quick bites. Think of it as a bonus pack of underpants-themed mischief and games.
The Invasion of the Potty Snatchers
by Dav Pilkey
2011
Toilets start disappearing, and Super Diaper Baby is on the case. When the Potty Snatchers invade, the diapered hero has to save the city with goofy gadgets, flipbook action, and help from familiar friends.
Captain Underpants and the Terrifying Return of Tippy Tinkletrousers
by Dav Pilkey
2012
An old grudge returns when Tippy Tinkletrousers resurfaces with a plan that messes with time itself. George and Harold’s friendship gets tested as Captain Underpants takes on a villain who wants to rewrite history for revenge.
Captain Underpants Super Flip-o-Rama Sticker Book
by Dav Pilkey
2012
A sticker-and-activity book that brings Captain Underpants fun off the page. With scenes to decorate, silly challenges, and plenty of underpants-themed stickers, it’s perfect for fans who like hands-on reading and goofy creative play.
Captain Underpants and the Revolting Revenge of the Radioactive Robo-Boxers
by Dav Pilkey
2013
Radioactive Robo-Boxers start pounding everything in sight, and Captain Underpants is back in action. George and Harold have to outsmart a villainous plan built on junk science and bad attitude before the town becomes a demolition zone.
Captain Underpants and the Tyrannical Retaliation of the Turbo Toilet 2000
by Dav Pilkey
2014
The Turbo Toilet 2000 returns with a grudge, and the battle is even more outrageous than last time. With toilets going full tyrant, George and Harold need Captain Underpants for one more heroic, high-flush rescue mission.
Captain Underpants and the Sensational Saga of Sir Stinks-A-Lot
by Dav Pilkey
2015
A mysterious troublemaker called Sir Stinks-A-Lot stirs up fresh chaos in George and Harold’s world. Captain Underpants swoops in, but the boys quickly learn that even the funniest pranks can have consequences when the stakes get real.
Mighty Robot vs. The Naughty Nightcrawlers From Neptune
by Dav Pilkey
2015
Naughty Nightcrawlers from Neptune wriggle into town with a plan that’s creepy, crawly, and weird. Ricky Ricotta and his Mighty Robot battle the invaders, while Ricky tries to stay confident even when he’d rather hide.
Dog Man
by Dav Pilkey
2016
After a police officer and his dog are injured on the job, a strange surgery creates one new hero: Dog Man. He’s part dog, part human, and all enthusiasm, but he’ll need every bit of it to stop Petey the Cat’s latest evil plan.
Dog Man Unleashed
by Dav Pilkey
2016
Dog Man is trying to be the best cop he can be, but trouble keeps finding him. With Petey the Cat back at it and new chaos unleashed, Dog Man has to balance hero work with his own doggy instincts.
Mighty Robot vs. The Unpleasant Penguins from Pluto
by Dav Pilkey
2016
Unpleasant Penguins from Pluto show up with cold attitudes and a bad plan for Squeakyville. Ricky Ricotta and his Mighty Robot have to stop the invasion, using teamwork, quick thinking, and a whole lot of robot strength.
A Tale of Two Kitties
by Dav Pilkey
2017
Petey the Cat makes a clone, and it changes everything. Dog Man finds himself protecting a sweet new kid in the middle of villain plots, robot action, and hard choices about what family is supposed to look like.
Dog Man and Cat Kid
by Dav Pilkey
2017
Dog Man’s world gets bigger when a new hero called Cat Kid shows up, and the Supa Buddies start to take shape. Between new villains and old grudges, Dog Man and friends have to learn how to work together to save the day.
Brawl of the Wild
by Dav Pilkey
2018
Dog Man is sent to the pound for a crime he didn’t commit. While his pals work to prove his innocence, Dog Man struggles to find his place among dogs and people, and wonders where he truly belongs.
Lord of the Fleas
by Dav Pilkey
2018
A new bunch of baddies bust up the town, and Dog Man isn’t fighting alone this time. With a cute kitten and a remarkable robot by his side, he has to team up with an unlikely ally, Petey the Cat, to stop the chaos.
Fetch-22
by Dav Pilkey
2019
The Supa Buddies are tested when new trouble hits the city and the team gets pulled in different directions. Dog Man has to stay focused, protect his friends, and keep doing good, even when the situation feels impossible to untangle.
For Whom the Ball Rolls
by Dav Pilkey
2019
Can good deeds outdo evildoers? Dog Man and the Supa Buddies face a new threat as bad habits, fears, and bigger villains start piling up. Meanwhile, Petey tries to build a new life, and his past keeps tugging him back.
Cat Kid Comic Club
by Dav Pilkey
2020
Li'l Petey starts a comic club for a class of baby frogs, and their imaginations explode onto the page. With a main story and lots of mini-comics, this book is about learning to create, share, and tell stories your own way.
Grime and Punishment
by Dav Pilkey
2020
A fresh wave of villains and messy mysteries puts Dog Man and his friends under pressure. As the city gets grimey and plans go sideways, the Supa Buddies have to rely on teamwork, patience, and a little luck to set things right.
Mothering Heights
by Dav Pilkey
2021
Dog Man is down on his luck, Petey confronts his past, and Grampa is up to no good. With new villains spilling into town, everything feels dark, but hope isn’t lost. Can love and friendship help the Supa Buddies save the day?
Perspectives
by Dav Pilkey
2021
The comic club returns, and the baby frogs try out new styles and points of view as they make their own stories. As they learn about perspectives, they also learn how to listen, collaborate, and see the world through someone else’s eyes.
Collaborations
by Dav Pilkey
2022
Making comics together sounds easy until everyone has different ideas. In this installment, the comic club tackles teamwork, shared stories, and creative conflicts, learning how to collaborate without losing their own voice.
On Purpose
by Dav Pilkey
2022
The baby frogs keep making comics, but now they’re thinking about intention: what they’re trying to say and why. With humor and heart, the club learns that practice matters, mistakes are normal, and creating on purpose can be freeing.
Influencers
by Dav Pilkey
2023
When popularity and outside voices start shaping what the comic club creates, the baby frogs have to decide who they’re making art for. Li'l Petey helps them navigate influence, imitation, and confidence, one mini-comic at a time.
Twenty Thousand Fleas Under the Sea
by Dav Pilkey
2023
Piggy is back, and he’s got a diabolical plan to ruin Dog Man’s day. As new villains loom and sabotage threatens the Supa Buddies, Dog Man and friends have to stick together and fight smarter than ever.
Big Jim Begins
by Dav Pilkey
2024
Before he was Big Jim, he was just a kid trying to survive and do the right thing. This Dog Man adventure digs into Big Jim’s origins, then throws him and the Supa Buddies into a new round of chaos, jokes, and hero work.
The Scarlet Shedder
by Dav Pilkey
2024
Dog Man gets sprayed by a skunk, and the tomato juice cure leaves him scarlet red. Shunned by the city he protects, he’s exiled at the worst possible time, because a new villain is unleashing an army of A.I. robots.
Big Jim Believes
by Dav Pilkey
2025
Big Jim steps into the spotlight in an epic adventure that tests his optimism and courage. As trouble hits the city, Dog Man and the Supa Buddies look to Big Jim for help, even when believing feels hard.
Where should I start?
If you want the classic chapter-book chaos: The Adventures of Captain Underpants → Captain Underpants and the Attack of the Talking Toilets → Captain Underpants and the Invasion of the Incredibly Naughty Cafeteria Ladies from Outer Space
If you want graphic novels with big heart: Dog Man → Dog Man Unleashed → A Tale of Two Kitties → Dog Man and Cat Kid
If you want a gentler read for younger kids: A Friend For Dragon → Dragon Gets By → Dragon's Fat Cat
If you want comics about making comics: Cat Kid Comic Club → Perspectives → On Purpose
If you want simple early readers to build confidence: Big Dog and Little Dog → Big Dog and Little Dog Going for a Walk → Big Dog and Little Dog Wearing Sweaters
Author bio
Dav Pilkey was born on March 4, 1966, in Cleveland, Ohio, and grew up in a world where teachers wanted quiet and he wanted to draw. As a kid, he was diagnosed with ADHD and dyslexia, and school could feel like a nonstop struggle.
In elementary school in North Ridgeville, Ohio, he was frequently sent out into the hallway. Instead of seeing it as the end of the world, Pilkey used that time to make up characters, sketch comics, and build the kind of silly stories he wished he could read in class. Captain Underpants started as one of those hallway creations.
That “punishment” desk turned into a creative home base.
In 1984, Pilkey began studying at Kent State University as an art major. During his freshman year, an English professor encouraged him to turn his comic storytelling into a children’s book, and it stuck. He entered World War Won in the National Written and Illustrated By... Awards Contest for Students and won, helping launch his career. Around the same time, a Pizza Hut name tag mishap left the “e” off “Dave”, and “Dav” became the spelling he still uses.
Long before the superhero underwear, he was already building a kid-sized universe. The gentle Dragon books, starting with A Friend for Dragon, took everyday problems, chores, pets, and holidays, and made them funny without being mean. They’re the kind of stories that make early readers feel capable, because the sentences are simple and the emotions are familiar.
He also wrote picture books that lean harder into big laughs and bold visuals. Titles like Dog Breath! The Horrible Trouble with Hally Tosis, Dogzilla, Kat Kong, 'Twas The Night Before Thanksgiving, and The Hallo-Weiner show his love of comic timing and kid logic. In The Paperboy, he shifted into something quieter and more observant, following a boy and his dog through the still-dark morning, a book that earned a Caldecott Honor in 1997.
Then he let George and Harold loose.
The Captain Underpants books, which began in 1997, are built like the comics kids actually make: part chapter book, part doodle, part flipbook action. Readers stick around for the prank energy and the ridiculous villains, but they also recognize the bigger idea underneath, that creativity can be a superpower, especially for kids who don’t always fit the mold. Pilkey’s pages invite kids to draw, to laugh at mistakes, and to keep reading even if a “real” novel feels intimidating.
Later, he took that same spirit into graphic novels with Dog Man, a hero who is part dog, part human, and all impulse control problems. Alongside spin-offs like Cat Kid Comic Club and Super Diaper Baby, and series like Ricky Ricotta’s Mighty Robot, his stories keep circling back to friendship, second chances, and the simple relief of laughing hard at something you can actually read on your own.
Pilkey lives on Bainbridge Island in Washington State with his wife, Sayuri, and they also spend time in Minami Izu, Japan. He’s known for listening closely to kids, whether that’s through school visits or letters, and for taking their reactions seriously. He still talks openly about learning and attention challenges, and he’s happy to say the quiet part out loud: if you like making stories, you’re already a real reader and writer.
Edited by
Software engineer whose passion for tracking book recommendations from podcasts inspired the creation of MRB.
Lead investor at 3one4 Capital whose startup expertise and love for books helped shaped MRB and its growth.



























































































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