Dog Man and Cat Kid

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - Harriet Beecher Stowe Elementary School, Brunswick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 12, 2018

Review

Dog Man is back in book 4 of the series for elementary-aged readers. This book starts off with an explanation from Harold and George that this story is inspired by a book that they are reading: East of Eden by John Steinbeck. Thus begins their tale of good, evil, and stuff! Pilkey throws in a lot of wordplay and allusions and even quotes Steinbeck's book directly. So, yes, this is children's fare, but for those willing to delve a little deeper, Pilkey is not just bathroom humor and silliness, though there is enough of that to entertain even your most dormant readers. This book finds Dog Man in charge of guarding the actress Yolay Caprese as she stars in the new movie about Dog Man's heroic adventures. But Bad Kitty has plans to spoil the big movie about his nemesis and he will use his clone Cat Kid to help him, even if he has to make him. But everyone knows that it is difficult to make kids do things they really, really don't want to do (especially if it is dastardly), so Dog Man gains an ally in fighting Kitty. Filled with adventure, humor, and bright illustrations that are very clear and never overwhelm the page, readers of the series will love this newest tale and clamor for more. And, as they will find out at the end, more is on its way!

Overall Book Score: very good