The Ultimate Guide to the New Dog Man Book: “Big Jim Begins” and Beyond!

Are you a Dog Man superfan or parent of a comic-loving kid? Get ready for some paw-some news that’ll make your tail wag! The newest addition to Dav Pilkey’s wildly popular series has arrived and we’ve got all the juicy details about what’s happening in the world of everyone’s favorite canine superhero.

Dog Man’s Latest Adventure: “Big Jim Begins”

The newest Dog Man book is called “Dog Man #13: Big Jim Begins” and it hit shelves earlier this year! This latest installment continues the hilarious and heartwarming adventures that have made the series a global phenomenon.

If you’ve been following along, you might remember that in the previous book, “Dog Man #12: The Scarlet Shedder,” our hero got sprayed by a skunk (P.U.!) and while a tomato juice bath removed the smell, it left him scarlet red. Poor Dog Man was forced into exile and had to struggle to save the very citizens who rejected him!

Now in “Big Jim Begins,” Dog Man and the Supa Buddies are joining forces to stop the Space Cuties from destroying the city. Will our heroes save the day? You’ll have to read it to find out!

But Wait, There’s More! “Big Jim Believes” Coming Soon!

Hold onto your hero capes because there’s even MORE Dog Man on the horizon! The next book in the series will be “Dog Man Big Jim Believes” and it’s scheduled for release on November 11, 2025 This upcoming adventure was first teased at the end of “Big Jim Begins” and officially announced on December 3, 2024.

According to the official synopsis, “Big Jim Believes” will feature:

• The return of the mischievous Space Cuties From Space
• Our heroes discovering that the city has mysteriously changed
• Dog Man (aka Scarlet Shedder), Commander Cupcake, and Sprinkles teaming up with Mecha Molly
• Themes of self-awareness, confidence, and integrity
• A focus on the importance of truth, goodness, and believing in yourself

The cover for “Big Jim Believes” was revealed on May 9, 2025, on People Magazine’s website, and fans are already counting down the days!

Dog Man Hits the Big Screen!

The Dog Man excitement doesn’t stop with books! The Universal and DreamWorks animated Dog Man movie is now in theaters and has already reached #1 at the box office! This is huge news for fans who’ve been dying to see their favorite characters come to life on the big screen.

If you haven’t seen it yet, you can check out the trailer online to get a taste of what’s in store. It’s the perfect way to celebrate the release of the new book and immerse yourself even deeper in the Dog Man universe.

What Makes Dog Man So Special?

If you’re new to the world of Dog Man, you might be wondering what all the fuss is about. Here’s why this series has captured the hearts of millions of readers worldwide:

The Lovable Characters

The Dog Man graphic novels follow the adventures of

• Dog Man – A lovable canine superhero who’s part dog and part policeman
• Li’l Petey – A curious and optimistic kitten
• 80-HD – A robot who expresses himself through art
• The Supa Buddies – The team of heroes who work together to save the day

More Than Just Laughs

While the books are packed with silly humor that kids love, they also explore universal themes like:

• Empathy and compassion
• The importance of friendship
• Becoming a better version of yourself
• Doing good in the world

Parents appreciate that beneath all the potty humor and ridiculous scenarios, there are positive messages that help children develop important values.

The Inspiring Creator Behind Dog Man

Dav Pilkey’s personal story is as inspiring as his books. As a child, he was diagnosed with ADHD and dyslexia and was so disruptive in class that he was often made to sit in the hallway. Instead of letting this get him down, he used this time to create comics – the very first adventures of Dog Man and Captain Underpants!

Pilkey credits his parents for supporting his creativity without judgment, allowing him to choose his own reading material, which helped him become the successful author and illustrator he is today.

Now, his books have been translated into many languages and sold millions of copies worldwide. What started as doodles in a school hallway has become a global phenomenon that’s helping reluctant readers discover the joy of books.

Keep the Dog Man Fun Going at Home

Can’t get enough Dog Man? Here’s how to extend the fun beyond just reading the books:

• Visit the all-new Dav Pilkey Books site for free printable materials
• Watch How 2 Draw videos to learn to create your own characters
• Check out Dav Pilkey’s Epic Comic Club – perfect for kids who want to create their own comics
• Explore the entire Dog Man series to catch up on any adventures you might have missed

Why Parents Love Dog Man Too

I’ve talked to so many parents who initially rolled their eyes at Dog Man’s potty humor but ended up appreciating the series for several reasons:

1. It gets kids reading – Even reluctant readers devour these books
2. The artwork improves over time – The main narrators George and Harold show development in their artwork, grammar, and spelling as the series progresses
3. It sparks creativity – Many kids are inspired to create their own comics after reading Dog Man
4. The books grow with readers – As the series continues, the themes become more complex while still remaining accessible

As one mom told me, “I never thought I’d be excited about a book with ‘Captain Underpants’ in the title, but seeing my son read voluntarily for the first time made me a fan for life!”

The Dog Man Phenomenon

Let’s be real – the success of Dog Man is pretty amazing. With more than 13 books in the main series plus related titles like Cat Kid Comic Club, Dav Pilkey has created a universe that kids absolutely can’t get enough of.

The books consistently top bestseller lists, sell out in stores, and cause excitement with each new release. Schools report that Dog Man books are perpetually checked out of their libraries, and many teachers have incorporated them into their classrooms as a way to engage reluctant readers.

Should You Get the New Dog Man Book?

If your child is already a fan, then the answer is an obvious YES! “Big Jim Begins” continues the fun, humor, and heart that made the earlier books so popular.

If you’re new to Dog Man, you might want to start with the first book to understand the characters and their world, but each book also works as a standalone adventure.

Either way, the newest Dog Man book is sure to provide hours of entertainment and maybe even some subtle lessons about friendship, courage, and doing what’s right.

Where to Get Your Copy

“Dog Man #13: Big Jim Begins” is available now at:

• The Scholastic Store
• Most major bookstores
• Online retailers
• School Book Fairs

And don’t forget to pre-order “Dog Man: Big Jim Believes” to make sure you get it as soon as it’s released in November 2025!

Final Thoughts

The continuing success of the Dog Man series shows just how powerful the right book can be in a child’s life. What looks like silly comics about a dog-headed policeman fighting talking cats and robots is actually a gateway to literacy, creativity, and a lifelong love of reading for many kids.

So whether you’re buying it for your own Dog Man fan or looking for the perfect gift for a young reader, the newest Dog Man book is sure to please. Just be prepared to hear a lot of giggling – and maybe a few toilet jokes – coming from whichever room they’re reading in!

Have you or your kids read the new Dog Man book yet? What did you think? We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!