With books inspired by real-life animals and a vivid imagination, author and illustrator Dav Pilkey (1966–), born in Cleveland, Ohio, has published over 76 books across nine series.

Pilkey's picture book Dog Breath was inspired by a dog he had as a kid. “Her name was Halle and she had the world’s stinkiest breath,” he explained. “Life without Hally Tosis just wouldn’t make any scents.”

Diagnosed with Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD), Pilkey was extremely hyperactive, a class clown who daydreamed and spent a lot of time in the principal’s office.

“I used to get in trouble for doing that in school, but now it’s part of my job,” he said, smiling. “Albert Einstein was terrible in school, but he turned out okay.”

The wildly popular Captain Underpants series, created in second grade at St. John’s Lutheran School in Elyria, Ohio, is clever, hilarious, and geared for boys aged 7–12—perfect for reluctant readers but fun for the whole family.

Pilkey remembered, “My teacher used the word ‘underpants’ in class one day and everyone started laughing. She got mad and told us underwear was not funny. We all laughed harder... I realized then that the word ‘underpants’ was a very funny word.”

Many of his characters are based on real people. And while making readers laugh, he’s also encouraging children to keep reading, imagining, and enjoying books.