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From Struggles to Success
My oldest son did not enjoy reading in kindergarten. Sight word lists felt like “babble words” with no story to follow, and honestly, I couldn’t blame him for not being interested.
The first book he read independently was Blue?, and I remember the pride we both felt as he read it aloud. Still, even with that accomplishment, he wasn’t enthusiastic about reading on his own.
Enter Dog Man
Sometime in second grade, he came home with a book that had a weird title – Dog Man. What in the world was this book about? It had the weird title, it wasn’t a regular picture book, and I soon discovered that it was very silly. And, he loved it!
He could not get enough of Dog Man. Every library visit meant bringing home a new Dog Man book. I started scouring Goodwill shelves to grow our collection. Soon, he was spending long stretches of time reading on his own. My husband joined in, and before long, our house was filled with loud, uncontrollable laughter during family reading sessions.
My reluctant reader had officially become a book lover.
👉 Get your own copy of Dog Man here.
The Ripple Effect
His interests have shifted over the years, and every time he gets fixated on a new series or topic, I do my best to make sure he has a steady supply of books – either from the library or as gifts. I want to do all I can to nurture his love of reading.
Dog Man didn’t just turn him into a reader; it also inspired my younger son. At the back of every Dog Man book are fun “how to draw” lessons, which sparked his dream of becoming an author/illustrator one day. Dav Pilkey makes being storytelling and creativity feel within reach, and I’m here for it.
The Dog Man movie comes out this weekend, and we’ll be taking a family trip to see one of their favorite characters brought to life on the big screen.
Tips for Inspiring a Love of Reading in Kids
Not every child will fall in love with Dog Man—and that’s okay! Here are some other ways to encourage reading:
- Discover their interests. Visit the library so they can explore freely before buying books.
- Read together. Even if your children can read independently, they’ll love hearing your voice and spending time together.
- Make books the only option during downtime. Only bring books (no screens) to places where you wait – doctors’ waiting rooms, car rides, long lines, etc.
- Model it. Let your kid see your own love for reading.
Final Thoughts
Seeing my son transform from a reluctant reader to a confident, joyful one has been one of the most rewarding experiences as a parent. For us, Dog Man was the turning point.
👉 Grab a copy of Dog Man here and see if it sparks laughter—and a love of reading—for your child too.
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