Dog Man: Big Jim Believes

Gr 3 Up–Big Jim, a member of the Dog Man universe, got his origin story in 2024’s Big Jim Begins. In his latest adventure, the eternal optimist reprises his role as Captain Cupcake to defeat the evil Space Cuties from Space. The key heroes are Big Jim and the always disgruntled Grampa (aka Sprinkles), with super support from Mecha Molly. Since the Space Cuties left everything in their path über-cute, nothing is as it should be. Still in cat jail, Big Jim is determined that he and Sprinkles can break out and put things right. Big Jim’s positivity and belief in everyone’s potential helps the heroes get the job done. Pilkey delivers the expected visual feast with plenty of saturated colors, flip-o-ramas, and laugh-out-loud sight gags. Elementary and middle grade readers will get plenty of the verbal double meanings while adults will appreciate the dual homages to Dr. Seuss and Warner cartoons. There is something for everyone in this well-crafted latest entry to the beloved series. Themes of believing in yourself, supporting others in their time of need, and persistence in the face of challenges are perfectly woven into the high-speed high jinks.