Dav Pilkey, the award‑winning creator of the bestselling Captain Underpants and Dog Man series, joined NBC’s TODAY show to discuss his latest #1 worldwide bestselling book, Dog Man: Big Jim Believes. He also talked about a brand‑new chapter in his publishing journey. Pilkey shared an exclusive first look at Captain Underpants: The First Epic Manga, which will be released on April 7, 2026.
But that's not all! Pilkey’s announcement extended far beyond the excitement of his new book. He revealed a nationwide partnership with Scholastic to support educators in all 50 states and the District of Columbia through Scholastic ClassroomsCount™—a free fundraising platform designed to put more books and teaching resources directly into classrooms. The program ensures that every dollar raised goes straight to teachers, with no fees, and can be spent immediately across Scholastic’s stores, book clubs, magazines, and book fairs.
Scholastic estimates that Pilkey’s titles are already a staple in hundreds of thousands of classrooms across the United States, reaching millions of students each year. This new initiative builds on that remarkable presence, expanding access to diverse, engaging books and reinforcing Pilkey’s lifelong mission: to make reading joyful, accessible, and empowering for every child.
To watch the full interview with Dav Pilkey, click here: Dav Pilkey Shares Exclusive Look 'Captain Underpants' Manga