Dav Pilkey ​

David Murray "Dav" Pilkey Jr. is an American author and illustrator of children's literature. He is best known as the author and illustrator of the Captain Underpants series, along with other popular titles such as Dog Man and The Dumb Bunnies. His humorous and creative style has made him a favorite among young readers.

Quick Facts ​

• Is the author and illustrator of the popular children's book series "Captain Underpants" and "Dog Man".
• Has written and illustrated 32 books.
• Has won multiple awards, including the Caldecott Honor Award.
• His books have been translated into over 30 languages.
• Has sold over 80 million copies worldwide.
• His "Captain Underpants" series has been adapted into a successful TV series for Netflix.
• Known for his playful and humorous style, and iconic cartoonish illustrations.

Background ​

Pilkey was born in 1966 in Cleveland, Ohio. He had dyslexia and ADHD as a child and found an escape in drawing and making up stories. He began creating comic books in the second grade, with "Captain Underpants" as one of his earliest characters. Pilkey struggled acadically due to his learning disabilities and was often reprimanded for his behavior at school. Despite the criticism and negative feedback, he continued to enjoy reading and drawing. After high school, he went on to study art at Kent State University and won a national competition that landed his first book, "World War Won," a publishing deal. His most notable series, "Captain Underpants," has been published in more than 20 languages and made into a successful animated movie and TV series.

Writing Style and Impact ​

Pilkey's writing style stands out for its humor, simplicity, and the presentation of characters that children can relate to. His entertaining illustrations often add more depth to the storyline, making the narrative more engaging for young readers. His work, particularly the "Captain Underpants" series, has been credited for encouraging reluctant readers to read more frequently, thus having a significant impact on children's literature.

Notable Works ​

• The Adventures of Captain Underpants (1997)
• Captain Underpants and the Attack of the Talking Toilets (1999)
• Captain Underpants and the Perilous Plot of Professor Poopypants (2000)
• The Adventures of Super Diaper Baby (2002)
• Captain Underpants and the Big, Bad Battle of the Bionic Booger Boy (2003)
• Dog Man series (2016-2022)