To start the new year with a bang, the Youth Services division of the Bethlehem Area Public Library threw a party for fans of Dog Man, a hugely popular series of graphic novels for children. About 50 kids and parents attended, the kids working enthusiastically to make hand puppets of Dog Man and his nemesis, Petey. They also created “flip books” featuring the hero and the villain. The activity room on the library’s second floor was jumping.

Dog Man is the creation of Dav (pronounced Dave) Pilkey, who is also the author of another very popular series called “Captain Underpants.” The eighth title in the Dog Man books is due to appear in early 2020, a young enthusiast patiently explained. Dog Man the character is part human, part canine. How he came into being is part of his appeal to young readers.

Pilkey’s books call to mind the subversive humor of the late “Mad Magazine.” Some adults a generation ago didn’t like “Mad,” and some parents today don’t approve of elements in the Dog Man books, either. But one of these years the kids currently following Dog Man’s adventures in Pilkey’s “Grime and Punishment” may be pleased to discover a novel for grown-ups with a similar title that makes Dog Man seem mild. That’s what can happen when you love to read.