Dogzilla (picture book)

Dogzilla is a children's picture book created by Dav Pilkey that parodies Godzilla with a Cardigan Welsh Corgi. Harcourt, Inc. published this title in 1993. According to Pilkey, "The illustrations in this book are manipulated photographic collage, heavily retouched with acrylic paint."[1] The photographs of the animals are of Pilkey's own pets. The book is dedicated to John "The Rapper" Wills. The book is a sequel to Kat Kong, which spoofs King Kong.

This article is about the picture book. For the band of the same name, see Dogzilla. For the Angry Birds Toons episode of the same name, see List of Angry Birds Toons episodes § Season 2 (2014–15).
Dogzilla
AuthorDav Pilkey
IllustratorDav Pilkey
CountryUnited States
LanguageEnglish
GenreChildren's
PublisherHarcourt, Inc.
Publication date
1993
Media typePrint (Hardback & Paperback)
Pages32
ISBN0-15-204948-7 (Hardback), 0-15-204949-5 (Paperback)

Background

Dogzilla was inspired by Pilkey's love of giant monster movies, with him citing Godzilla vs. Megalon as a personal favorite.[2] In addition, inspiration came from Pilkey's friend's son letting their dog into the house, while charging through the room and destroying the son's Lego castle, with Pilkey noting that the dog looked like it had just rampaged through a city.[2]

Pilkey wrote both Dogzilla and its sequel Kat Kong in one week.[3] The photos in the book were of Pilkey's dog, Leia, with Pilkey's pet mice being used as well. To photograph the dog with her ears up, Pilkey would have to say "do you want to go for a walk" up until the dog stopped reacting and the dog would need treats or to be taken on a walk to get the same response.[4]

Pilkey's editor initially turned down the story, before another editor, Bonny Verberg, stopped by his office and became enamored with the concept painting of Dogzilla, offering to publish both Dogzilla and Kat Kong.[5]

Reception

Publishers Weekly described Dogzilla as "featuring a wacky mix of animal photos, art and a deadpan Sam Spade-style narrative."[6] The book has appeared on children's reading and study lists.[7][8][9][10]

References
  1. Pilkey, Dav. Dogzilla. 1st. San Diego, CA: Harcourt, Inc., 1993. Print. ISBN 0-15-204948-7, 0-15-204949-5 (pb).
  2. "Pilkey.com: Dogzilla". 2005-03-05. Archived from the original on 2005-03-05. Retrieved 2021-04-10.
  3. "Pilkey.com: Behind the Pages: Kat Kong & Dogzilla". 2010-05-10. Archived from the original on 2010-05-10. Retrieved 2021-04-10.
  4. "Pilkey.com: Behind the Pages: Kat Kong & Dogzilla". 2010-01-03. Archived from the original on 2010-01-03. Retrieved 2021-04-10.
  5. "Pilkey.com: Behind the Pages: Kat Kong & Dogzilla". 2010-01-03. Archived from the original on 2010-01-03. Retrieved 2021-04-10.
  6. "Dogzilla". www.publishersweekly.com. PWxyz LLC. Retrieved 12 July 2015.
  7. "The Teacher from the Black Lagoon & Other Story BooksSchool Show Study Guide". www.wellsfargocenterarts.org. Wells Fargo Center for the Arts. 19 March 2015. Retrieved 12 July 2015.
  8. "Theme 3: Incredible Stories". www.murrieta.k12.ca.us. Lisa J. Mails Elementary School. Retrieved 12 July 2015.
  9. "Winter Vacation Education (Parent Newsletter)" (PDF). www.mae.osceola.k12.fl.us. The School District of Osceola County, Florida. 2011. p. 4. Archived from the original (PDF) on 12 July 2015. Retrieved 12 July 2015.
  10. "Unit 4: Lesson 19: How can one event lead to a series of adventures". www.mrsmcgillen.com. Patricia McGillen. Retrieved 12 July 2015.


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