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 Tale of Two Kitties is the third book in the popular graphic novel series by Dav Pilkey. In this book, we follow the adventures of Dog Man, a half-dog, half-police officer, as he tries to maintain peace in his city. The book features a mix of humor, action, and heartwarming moments that make it a fun read for both children and adults.
The story starts with Dog Man being asked to capture a group of bank robbers who have been terrorizing the city. Dog Man, along with his trusty sidekick, Cat Kid, set out to capture the robbers. However, things take an unexpected turn when the robbers turn out to be two cute little kittens who were just looking for a place to stay.
As Dog Man and Cat Kid take care of the kittens, they discover that the kittens are not as innocent as they seem. The kittens have a secret plan to take over the city and turn everyone into their loyal servants. Dog Man and Cat Kid must use their wits and bravery to stop the kittens and save the city.
One of the standout features of this book is its humor. Dav Pilkey uses a mix of puns, slapstick comedy, and visual gags to keep the reader entertained. The humor is cleverly written and will appeal to both children and adults. The book also features some heartwarming moments, especially when Dog Man and Cat Kid take care of the kittens.
The illustrations in the book are fantastic. The characters are drawn in a cartoonish style that is both appealing and expressive. The colors are bright and vibrant, which adds to the overall fun and playful tone of the book. The illustrations are also well-organized, which makes it easy for the reader to follow the story.
The book also has a good moral lesson. It teaches children the importance of not judging others based on their appearances. The kittens, who look cute and innocent, turn out to be the villains of the story. This teaches children that they should not trust people based solely on their appearances.
Another positive aspect of the book is its pacing. The story moves at a brisk pace, which keeps the reader engaged. There are plenty of action scenes, which add to the excitement of the story. The story also has a good balance of humor and heartwarming moments, which keeps the reader emotionally invested.
One of the few drawbacks of the book is that it may be too simplistic for older readers. The humor and story are geared towards younger readers, so older readers may not find it as entertaining. However, for its intended audience, the book is a great read.
The book also has some good educational value. It teaches children about the importance of teamwork, problem-solving, and standing up for what is right. The book also encourages children to read, as it is written in a graphic novel format that is both engaging and accessible.
The book is also great for reluctant readers. The graphic novel format makes it easy for children to read, and the humor and action will keep them engaged. The book is also relatively short, which makes it a good choice for children who are intimidated by longer books.
Overall, Dog Man: A Tale of Two Kitties is a great addition to the Dog Man series. It is a fun and entertaining read that will appeal to both children and adults. The book has a good mix of humor, action, and heartwarming moments that make it a great choice for anyone looking for a lighthearted read.
