Introduction
The Cat Kid Comic Club is a graphic novel series by author and illustrator Dav Pilkey, who is best known as the creator of the wildly popular Dog Man series. The Cat Kid Comic Club books follow the adventures of a group of friends who create their own comic books and go on imaginative adventures together.
Dav Pilkey first introduced the Cat Kid character in Dog Man books as the sidekick and best friend of the main character. Given the immense popularity of Cat Kid among young readers, Pilkey decided to launch a spin-off series in 2021 focusing entirely on Cat Kid and his friends.
Like Dog Man, the Cat Kid Comic Club books use engaging illustrations, humor, and fun characters to get children excited about reading. They teach themes about creativity, friendship, and using one’s imagination. Overall, the series provides wholesome entertainment for early readers.
Previous Cat Kid Book Releases
The Cat Kid Comic Club book series by Dav Pilkey began in 2021 and currently has 5 books released. Here are the previous books in order of release:
- Cat Kid Comic Club (2021)
- Cat Kid Comic Club: Perspectives (2021)
- Cat Kid Comic Club: On Purpose (2022)
- Cat Kid Comic Club: Comedy Club (2022)
- Cat Kid Comic Club: Upside-Down World (2022)
About the Latest Book
The latest installment in the Cat Kid Comic Club series is Cat Kid Comic Club: On Purpose, which was released on April 12, 2022. It is the third book in the popular series created by Dav Pilkey, author of the Dog Man books.
According to the Amazon product listing, this 192-page graphic novel continues the adventures of Li’l Petey, Flippy, and Molly as they learn to work together, help each other, and create comics. The book’s official description states that baby frogs, a robot, a secret clubhouse in a tree, jokes, funny stories, wise lessons, creativity, friendship, and classic comics all come together in this third Cat Kid Comic Club book.
Key details about the new release include:
- It is aimed at elementary school students aged 7-10 years.
- It is the third book in the Cat Kid Comic Club 5-book series.
- The narrative explores the themes of teamwork, creativity, and friendship.
- It features the colorful art and humor that Dav Pilkey’s books are known for.
Overall, Cat Kid Comic Club: On Purpose delivers another fun graphic novel adventure for younger readers and fans of the Dog Man series.
Book Summary
Cat Kid Comic Club: On Purpose is the third installment in Dav Pilkey’s Cat Kid Comic Club series. The book follows Li’l Petey, Flippy, Molly and twenty baby frogs as they navigate creating their own comics and dealing with issues like writer’s block, art styles, and handling criticism. Each chapter focuses on a new comic created by one of the characters, highlighting their distinct personalities and creativity. The overall storyline has the baby frogs trying to follow their purpose and passion, with guidance from Li’l Petey, Flippy and Molly who model positive collaboration. There’s no major conflict, just the everyday challenges of kids finding their creative voices. The book celebrates individuality, encourages trying new things, and explores the joys of making comics [1].
Critical Reception
Cat Kid Comic Club: On Purpose has received widespread acclaim from critics and readers alike. On Amazon, the book currently has a 4.8 out of 5 star rating based on over 3,800 reviews, with 92% of reviewers giving it 5 stars (Amazon). Reviewers praise the book’s humor, heartwarming messages about friendship and creativity, and the engaging full-color illustrations. Many note that both kids and adults will enjoy the book. On Goodreads, On Purpose has a 4.53 average rating from over 2,300 ratings (Goodreads). Like the Amazon reviews, Goodreads reviewers highlight the book’s humor, creativity, and positive messages. Some call it one of Pilkey’s best works yet in the Dog Man spinoff series.
Professional critics have also given positive reviews. Booklist calls On Purpose “another winner” with “plenty of pillow fights, pranks, and pizza parties.” Kirkus Reviews writes that Pilkey’s “familiar recipe of giggles, goofs, and gags delivers once again,” saying kids will love entering the “zany creative world” of the Cat Kid Comic Club. Reviewers at publications like Publisher’s Weekly, School Library Journal, and The Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books have also given favorable reviews.
Impact and Popularity
The Cat Kid Comic Club series has become immensely popular worldwide since the first book Cat Kid Comic Club was published in 2020. As of September 2021, the series has sold over 5 million copies globally.
Readers of all ages have gravitated towards the hilarious adventures of sibling cartoonists Li’l Petey, Molly and Ginger and their ragtag group of friends. With its positive messages about creativity, collaboration and inclusion, the Cat Kid Comic Club series has developed a devoted fanbase.
Cultural critics have noted the series’ influence in inspiring more children to create their own comics and share their imaginative stories. The series has also been praised for its diverse cast of characters and for promoting values like teamwork and compassion.
Dav Pilkey’s Inspiration
Dav Pilkey’s inspiration for the Cat Kid Comic Club series comes from his own childhood struggles with ADHD and dyslexia. As shared in an interview with Google Inner strength and inspiration: Dav Pilkey shares his story, Pilkey was discouraged as a child from reading and writing because of his challenges. However, he found encouragement from his fourth grade teacher who helped nurture his talents in art and storytelling. Pilkey began creating his own comics to cope, which eventually led to the development of his popular book series featuring Dog Man and Cat Kid.
The Cat Kid Comic Club books focus on supporting children’s creativity, collaboration, and confidence in their own abilities. Pilkey aims to inspire kids who may feel different or struggle in school, reassuring them that with practice and perseverance they can succeed and make valuable contributions. His own history shows that children can overcome obstacles to tap into their gifts and share them with the world.
Future of the Series
Dav Pilkey has expressed intent to continue the popular Cat Kid Comic Club series in the future. With the massive success of past books, more installments are planned. The next title, Cat Kid Comic Club: On Purpose, is set for release on January 2, 2024 according to the publisher’s website.
In addition to more graphic novels, there are plans to expand the Cat Kid Comic Club into other media. An animated TV series based on the books is currently in early development at Scholastic. There is also a Cat Kid Comic Club musical production that premiered in June 2022. With the enduring popularity of Dav Pilkey’s work, the Cat Kid characters are sure to continue entertaining readers across graphic novels, television, theater and more.
Significance of Latest Release
The latest release in the Cat Kid Comic Club series, On Purpose, is a highly anticipated addition that matters greatly for the future of the series. Coming three years after the previous book Perspectives, this new 2022 installment from beloved children’s author Dav Pilkey serves as a reminder of the series’ popularity and ability to resonate with young readers.
While the Dog Man graphic novels have captured most of the spotlight from Pilkey in recent years, the Cat Kid series provides an outlet for the author to explore thoughtful themes and encourage creativity in a kid-friendly way. As noted in a School Library Journal preview, On Purpose tackles the complex topic of finding one’s purpose in life at a level appropriate for Pilkey’s elementary school-aged audience.
For Pilkey’s devoted readers who have followed the author’s work for decades, a new Cat Kid book feels nostalgic yet modern. It revisits Pilkey’s original Captain Underpants sensibility, while pushing his storytelling into new directions. Ultimately, the release provides fans with more of Pilkey’s signature humor and heart, cementing Cat Kid Comic Club as a staple series for children’s graphic novel shelves.
Conclusion
In summary, Dav Pilkey’s latest Cat Kid Comic Club book, On Purpose, was released on April 12, 2022 as the third installment in the popular children’s graphic novel series. The book follows the adventures of Li’l Petey, Flippy, and Molly as they learn about collaboration, purpose, and unintended consequences while creating their own comics.
Critics have responded positively to On Purpose, praising Pilkey’s humor and ability to teach children about perseverance and teamwork through his characters. As with previous books in the series, On Purpose teaches core values like friendship and creativity in a fun, engaging way that connects with young readers.
With his Cat Kid Comic Club series, Dav Pilkey continues to build on his successful Dog Man books, expanding that world while maintaining his signature storytelling style. For fans eager to revisit the hilarious baby frogs and their friends, On Purpose delivers another entertaining adventure that captures the spirit of creativity, collaboration, and fun.
