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: Fetch-22” is a graphic novel written and illustrated by Dav Pilkey. It is the eighth book in the popular “Dog Man” series, which follows the adventures of a heroic dog-headed police officer named Dog Man. In this book, Dog Man must confront a new villain named Petey the Cat, who has created a cloning machine that could threaten the safety of the city.
The book starts with Dog Man receiving a medal of honor for his bravery and service to the city. However, his celebration is short-lived when Petey the Cat arrives on the scene and uses his cloning machine to create an army of evil clones. Dog Man and his friends must use their wits and skills to stop the clones and save the day.
One of the most engaging aspects of the book is its humor. Pilkey uses puns and wordplay throughout the book, which makes it accessible and enjoyable for readers of all ages. The illustrations are also colorful and detailed, which helps to bring the story to life.
Another notable feature of “Dog Man: Fetch-22” is its focus on friendship and loyalty. Dog Man is a loyal friend to his colleagues and his city, and he is always willing to put himself in harm’s way to protect others. This message of loyalty and selflessness is an important one for young readers to learn.
The book also includes some educational elements, such as a brief explanation of how cloning works. This helps to make the book not just entertaining, but also informative.
The character development in the book is also noteworthy. Dog Man and his friends are given distinct personalities and quirks, which makes them feel more like real people (or dogs). The relationships between the characters are also well-developed, which adds depth and emotional resonance to the story.
One of the themes of the book is the importance of perseverance. Dog Man and his friends face many obstacles throughout the story, but they never give up. They continue to fight against the clones and try to save the city, even when things seem hopeless. This message of perseverance is a valuable one for readers of all ages.
The book also has a strong anti-bullying message. Petey the Cat is a bully who tries to intimidate and control others with his cloning machine. Dog Man and his friends must stand up to him and show that bullying behavior will not be tolerated.
Overall, “Dog Man: Fetch-22” is a fun and engaging book that is sure to be enjoyed by readers of all ages. Its mix of humor, action, and heart make it a standout in the “Dog Man” series, and its positive messages about friendship, loyalty, perseverance, and standing up to bullies make it a valuable addition to any child’s library.
