What do a novel based on the ideals of the French Revolution, a narrative that develops around two families living in the Salinas Valley, California, and a dystopia of lost children on a desert island have in common? The three plots of the classics serve as the background for stories about the Dog Man, a character created by the American author-illustrator Dav Pilkey, whose release of the fourth volume of the policeman series with the body of a man and the head of a dog, The Dog Man and the supergatinho, has just arrived at bookstores in the country.
The hero who barks in the face of danger was created from the adventures of the Captain Cueca series by the duo Jorge and Haroldo. And it was in the fifth school year, more specifically in the third volume of the series, that the canine police strip began to present elements of classic stories. It happened when the two mischievous boys, Jorge and Haroldo, were already “more mature and smarter”, as they themselves make a point of punctuating in the preface “Dog-Man on the Stage”. Thanks to Mrs. Chievess, the literature teacher, or thanks to her, the pair of friends got to know some classics and decided to use this repertoire as inspiration to recount the endeavors of this security agent who graces newspaper covers for his heroic attitude and also distracts himself by biting his foot of the wooden chair. Some old habits really never change.
The inspiration was clear in the title, O Homem-Cão: A Tale of Two Kittens. The book refers to A Tale of Two Cities, written in 1859 by Charles Dickens. André Czarnobai, translator of the book for Companhia das Letrinhas, explains a little about this adaptation process: “A tale of two cities became ‘kitties’ because the sound of the two words is very similar in English; in Portuguese, ‘cidades’ and ‘kittens’ are completely unrelated. So this puzzle was quite complex. A lot was lost in many moments, but a great effort was made to, whenever possible, reinforce the connections between the two works”.
Dog Man: A Graphic Novel is a children’s graphic novel written and illustrated by Dav Pilkey, the creator of the popular series Captain Underpants. The book was published in 2016 and is the first in the Dog Man series.
The story follows the adventures of a police dog named Greg who is badly injured in the line of duty and loses his body but survives thanks to the head of a police officer who is a genius. The result is a new creature – half dog, half man – that is both loyal and brave. Greg’s new persona is named Dog Man, and he becomes a crime-fighting superhero with a loyal companion, a cat named Petey, who is also a former villain.
The book is written in a comic book format and features a variety of colorful characters, including Dog Man’s police chief and his friends, who are all animal hybrids. The illustrations are bright, bold, and visually appealing, making it an engaging read for children. The writing is funny and accessible, making it easy for young readers to follow the story and get involved in the action.
The book is designed for children between the ages of 7 and 10, and it is a great introduction to graphic novels. It is also an excellent way to encourage reluctant readers to engage with literature. The storyline is fast-paced and action-packed, with plenty of humor to keep children entertained.
One of the things that makes Dog Man: A Graphic Novel stand out is its unique premise. The idea of a half-dog, half-man superhero is both funny and original, and the book does a great job of exploring this concept in a way that is both entertaining and educational. Children will learn about the importance of loyalty, friendship, and bravery, as well as the value of teamwork.
Another strength of the book is its characters. The characters in Dog Man: A Graphic Novel are all unique and memorable, from the titular hero to his quirky sidekicks. Children will enjoy getting to know these characters and will be eager to see what adventures they go on next.
The book also contains a number of important themes and messages that will resonate with young readers. For example, the book encourages children to be kind to others, to be brave in the face of adversity, and to never give up on their dreams.
The book’s humor is also a major selling point. The writing is full of puns and jokes that will appeal to children, and the illustrations are full of wacky details that will keep them laughing. The humor is never mean-spirited, and it always serves to enhance the story rather than detract from it.
Dog Man: A Graphic Novel is also a great tool for teaching children about the elements of storytelling. The book’s structure is easy to follow, with a clear beginning, middle, and end. Children will learn about character development, plot, and pacing, all while enjoying a fun and engaging story.
Overall, Dog Man: A Graphic Novel is a great book for children. It is funny, engaging, and educational, with a unique premise and memorable characters. The book’s comic book format makes it easy for young readers to follow, and its humor and action-packed storyline will keep them entertained from start to finish. Whether your child is already a fan of graphic novels or is new to the genre, Dog Man: A Graphic Novel is a must-read.
