Dog Man: Grime and Punishment, written by Dav Pilkey, reviewed by Katy Golden

Summary: When Dog Man is fired from the police force and Grampa Pete transforms into the giant, incorrigible Crud, things are not looking good! Fortunately for Dog Man's legions of fans, Li'l Petey and 80-HD - as well as Petey - are ready to help with new inventions and a new cast of friends. Pilkey's signature combination of laugh-out-loud gimmicks and heartwarming messages of friendship, forgiveness, and the triumph of love over hate shine through in these full-color illustrations. 

Straight Talk for Librarians: This ninth installment in the Dog Man graphic novel series delivers the same fast-paced hilarious hijinks as its predecessors. Fans of Captain Underpants' George and Harold, as well as Dog Man himself, will not be disappointed in the latest addition. Deeper themes, such as parental abandonment and forgiveness, are also explored. Budding graphic novelists will appreciate the step-by-step character illustration guides, and the author's note connects aspects of the text to literary quotes and poems. Hand this series to any reluctant reader for a guaranteed good read!