Dav Pilkey - About the Author
Dav Pilkey is an author and illustrator whose controversial work is loved by many children and strongly disliked by some adults. While his writing is enjoyed for its short humorous chapters, large print and comic format, his work has also been among titles in the American Library Association's lists of Most Frequently Challenged Books. Pilkey has responded to criticisms of his writing by stating, "It was never my intention to offend anyone, my intention was to make kids laugh." And laugh they do, to books about Captain Underpants, Ricky Ricotta, Super Diaper Baby and more.
Dav Pilkey was born March 4, 1966 in Cleveland, Ohio. Labeled a troublemaker in school, Pilkey spent a great deal of time "out in the hall" where he created the character Captain Underpants. Unfortunately, his early stories were not appreciated by his teachers. He first received encouragement for his writing at Kent State University. In 1985, Pilkey won the National Written & Illustrated by...Award for "World War Won." Information about this book and much more about the author and his work can be found at his website www.pilkey.com.
Ideas for Pilkey's books come from many places. A birthday card he created for a friend became the inspiration for the Dragon books. "When Cats Dream" took only fifteen minutes to write after the author awoke from a dream about his recently deceased cat. Books about the Dumb Bunnies, which Pilkey writes under the pen name Sue Denim, were inspired by Harry Allard's books about the Stupids.
From his work as a paperboy while in his teens, Dav wrote "The Paper Boy." The book received acclaim as a 1997 Caldecott Honor and as an ALA Notable Children's Book. Pilkey's "Dogzilla" and "Kat Kong" have been named American Library Association Best Books for Reluctant Readers. His "Dragon's Fat Cat" is an IRA Children's Choice.
Dav rarely participates in conferences or author visits due to his dislike of air travel. His hobbies include watching movies and cooking.
