Scholastic Announces 3 Million Copy First Printing Of Dav Pilkey's Dog Man: Lord of the Fleas, The Latest Book In The Worldwide Bestselling Series By The Creator Of Captain Underpants

NEW YORK, July 31, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Scholastic, the global children's publishing, education and media company, today announced that it has increased the first printing of Dog Man: Lord of the Fleas to 3 million copies, from a previously announced 1 million copies. Dog Man: Lord of the Fleas, the fifth book in the runaway hit graphic novel series by Dav Pilkey, will be published simultaneously in the U.S., Canada, U.K., New Zealand, and Australia on August 28, 2018. The sixth installment, Dog Man: Brawl of the Wild, will follow later this year with a strict on-sale date of December 24, 2018. The most recent book in the series, Dog Man and Cat Kid, published on December 26, 2017, debuted at #1 on the New York Times, USA Today, Wall Street Journal, and Publishers Weekly bestseller lists.

Scholastic also announced today that Dav Pilkey, the worldwide bestselling creator of Dog Man and Captain Underpants series, will embark on a multi-city "Howl with Laughter" book tour across the United States and Canada this fall, appearing at large-scale events and community-wide reading celebrations. To see the tour schedule and for more information, click HERE.

"Dav Pilkey's books, with their trademark humor and heart, and his story of overcoming reading challenges, continue to inspire children and parents everywhere," says Ellie Berger, President of Scholastic Trade. "Scholastic is proud to be Dav Pilkey's publisher. We've been overwhelmed by the positive energy and passion booksellers, educators, librarians and, perhaps most importantly, young readers have in embracing his books."

About Dav Pilkey
When Dav Pilkey was in second grade, he was diagnosed with dyslexia and what is now widely known as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Because of his learning and behavioral issues in school, he was often sent out in the hallway by his teacher. It was in his elementary school hallway where Dav created comic books about superheroes that eventually became Dog Man and Captain Underpants.

"Growing up with learning challenges in school, I've been fortunate to have had the encouragement and support of my parents who helped me to associate reading with fun. I have fond memories of going to the library with my mom who had a radical idea—she let me pick whatever book I wanted to read. I read lots of books and magazines that made me laugh out loud, which led me to discover many other books in different genres. Reading without judgment was a turning point in my life and is what made me a lifelong reader," says Dav Pilkey, who received a Caldecott Honor for his picture book The Paperboy. "One of my favorite things to do as an author is meeting all kinds of readers, kids and adults, especially those who've had similar struggles as I had growing up. I'm grateful for all the support of the educators, parents, grandparents, and booksellers for bringing books into the hands of kids, and for their role in uniting communities together to celebrate reading."

About Dog Man and Captain Underpants
Published by Scholastic in August 2016 under its Graphix imprint, Dog Man was an instant bestseller, appealing to kids and critics alike. In a starred review, Publishers Weekly hailed, "Readers (of any age) will be giggling from start to finish." Booklist, in a starred review, said "Pilkey has once again fired an arrow of joy straight at the fevered childhood psyche of millions of readers…an utter, unfettered delight." And Kirkus, also in a starred review, called Dog Man "riotously funny and original." Dog Man is Dav Pilkey's "love letter to dogs" and follows the fun adventures of a lovable canine superhero who's part dog and part policeman. With each Dog Man book, readers see the growth and development of the main characters George and Harold through their comics. Their artwork, grammar, as well as their spelling improves as the series progresses. The Dog Man books also tackle many universal themes including empathy, persistence, and the importance of being true to one's self.

USA Today has called Dav Pilkey "the savior of the reluctant reader." His Captain Underpants series has more than 80 million copies in print worldwide and has been translated into more than 25 languages. Launched over twenty years ago, Captain Underpants was a pioneering series that helped to create the illustrated chapter book category now popular with kids today. Captain Underpants was rejected by multiple publishers before it was published by Scholastic in 1997. In 2017, DreamWorks Animation released the feature film adaptation of Captain Underpants.  Netflix also recently launched DreamWorks' The Epic Tales of Captain Underpants, an original television series inspired by the books. And for the first time ever, Scholastic Audio released the audiobook editions of Captain Underpants (now in sound-o-rama!). For more information about Dav Pilkey and his books, visit the Mediaroom.

About Scholastic
Scholastic Corporation (NASDAQ: SCHL) is the world's largest publisher and distributor of children's books, a leading provider of core literacy curriculum and professional services, and a producer of educational and entertaining children's media. The Company creates quality books and ebooks, print and technology-based learning programs for pre-K to grade 12, classroom magazines and other products and services that support children's learning both in school and at home. With operations in 14 international offices and exports to 165 countries, Scholastic makes quality, affordable books available to all children around the world through school-based book clubs and book fairs, classroom collections, school and public libraries, retail and online. True to its mission of 98 years to encourage the personal and intellectual growth of all children beginning with literacy, the Company has earned a reputation as a trusted partner to educators and families. Learn more at www.scholastic.com.

SOURCE Scholastic

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