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Cover of Big Jim Believes

Big Jim Believes

A Graphic Novel

Dav Pilkey

224 pages

A wildly energetic, laugh-out-loud superhero romp that hides a surprisingly tender core about the power of believing in yourself and others.

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What it feels like

Reading this graphic novel feels like being strapped into a brightly colored, wildly unpredictable rollercoaster that somehow ends with a warm hug. It moves at a breakneck, joyful pace, propelled by interactive visual gags, punchy dialogue, and a chaotic-good energy that practically vibrates off the page. Beneath the zany slapstick and superhero antics lies an incredibly earnest emotional texture. The narrative balances laugh-out-loud absurdity with genuine moments of character growth, exploring themes of redemption, found family, and the quiet strength of innocence. It is a masterclass in engaging reluctant readers, offering a kinetic, highly accessible reading experience that delights kids who want non-stop silliness, while sneaking in a deeply uplifting message about trusting each other and doing the right thing.

Mood
  • energetic
  • chaotic-good
  • warm
  • silly
Tone
  • zany
  • earnest
  • playful
  • uplifting
Pace
brisk
Themes
the power of belief · found family · redemption and forgiveness · self-confidence
The writing
The storytelling is kinetic and highly visual, relying on punchy, accessible dialogue, intentional misspellings, and interactive visual gags to keep the pages turning.
The arc
The journey bounces from high-energy, slapstick peril to a surprisingly tender realization about the strength found in innocence and mutual trust.
Who it's for
Young readers who crave non-stop laughs, colorful superhero antics, and stories that sneak a lot of heart into a very silly package.
Content notes
  • cartoon violence
  • mild slapstick peril

About the book

Power up with Dog Man: Big Jim Believes from the global #1 bestselling author and award-winning artist Dav Pilkey. Join the journey as our heroes discover the influence of belief and find truth from within. With threads of self-awareness, confidence, and integrity, Dav Pilkey masterfully crafts a humorous and heartfelt adventure, weaving together the importance of truth, goodness, and believing in yourself. The celebration comes to a halt for our heroes in Dog Man: Big Jim Believes when the mischievous Space Cuties From Space return. Our caped crusaders -- Dog Man (aka Scarlet Shedder), Commander Cupcake, and Sprinkles -- along with Mecha Molly discover that the city has changed, and nothing is how it should be. Can Big Jim's positivity and innocence help our heroes? Will Dog Man, Big Jim, Grampa, and Molly have the courage to trust each other and save the day? How does the past help shape the future? And who is the chosen one?

Readers will want to hold onto their hero capes as they soar into a new thrilling Dog Man story. The series follows the hilarious adventures of Dog Man, a lovable canine superhero and his friends. Each exciting graphic novel features inspiring characters, animated Flip-O-Ramas, and more!

For additional awesome, action-packed, inspiring escapades filled with creativity and imagination, read Dav Pilkey's Cat Kid Comic Club series, Super Diaper Baby graphic novels (now in full color), Captain Underpants series, and Dragon series. Also be sure to check out the two acclaimed major motion pictures: Dog Man and Captain Underpants: The First Epic Movie.

Description from Open Library.

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