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: Mothering Heights is the latest installment in the popular children’s graphic novel series by author and illustrator Dav Pilkey. This book follows the beloved half-dog, half-police officer as he navigates a series of wacky adventures in his hometown of Petropolis.
In the beginning of the book, we see Dog Man taking on a group of robbers who have stolen a precious statue from the local museum. With the help of his sidekick, Cat Kid, Dog Man is able to apprehend the thieves and save the day.
As the story progresses, we see Dog Man facing a number of new challenges, including a visit from his mother, who is revealed to be a famous actress. This leads to a series of hilarious mishaps as Dog Man tries to balance his duties as a police officer with his newfound role as a stagehand.
Throughout the book, Pilkey’s signature humor and cartoonish illustrations are on full display. The characters are colorful and expressive, with exaggerated features and silly antics that will have young readers laughing out loud.
In addition to the humor, the book also has a heartwarming message about the importance of family and the value of hard work. Dog Man’s relationship with his mother is a key theme, as he learns to appreciate her talents and support her in her career.
Another standout element of the book is the inclusion of mini-comics, which are interspersed throughout the main story. These short comic strips add to the overall humor and give readers a chance to see more of their favorite characters in action.
One of the highlights of the book is the introduction of a new character, Li’l Petey’s grandfather, who is a grumpy old man with a heart of gold. His interactions with the other characters provide some of the funniest moments in the book.
Despite the lighthearted tone, the book also tackles some important issues, such as bullying and the dangers of social media. These themes are handled in a way that is accessible to young readers, with clear messages about kindness and responsible online behavior.
As with previous books in the series, Dog Man: Mothering Heights also includes a number of educational elements, such as spelling and vocabulary exercises. These activities make the book a great choice for parents and teachers looking to engage children in learning while still providing an enjoyable reading experience.
Overall, Dog Man: Mothering Heights is a fun and engaging book that will delight fans of the series and newcomers alike. With its combination of humor, heart, and educational content, it is sure to be a hit with young readers and their families.
