S. W. Raine

Some book events are quiet and intimate, with a handful of people gathered around, listening to an author read from their latest novel. But meeting Dav Pilkey at the Royal Oak Music Theater? That was an experience like no other.

From the moment we arrived, the energy was electric. The theater was packed with kids and their parents (and even a few solo adults) buzzing with excitement. Fun music played over the speakers and videos played on the big screen, including the Captain Underpants theme song by none other than “Weird Al” Yankovic (we’re big “Weird Al” fans in this house). There were lots of activities to do while waiting, including a how-to-draw station, a wall to draw superheroes on, a photo op station, and more. My son could barely contain his excitement. He’d been reading Dav Pilkey’s books for a while, and we’d just seen the Dog Man movie not that long before that.

And then, the moment we’d been waiting for: Dav Pilkey walked on stage.

An Author Event Like No Other

I’ve been to my fair share of author events, both big and small. I’ve met steampunk author Cherie Priest at a local steampunk bookstore in Farmington. I’ve attended multiple panels over the years by authors Ellen Dugan and Michelle Belanger at a pagan convention in Dearborn. And while I don’t want to draw too much attention to him since his allegations, I can’t forget seeing Neil Gaiman on tour for his book The Ocean at the End of the Lane at the Michigan Theater in Ann Arbor. But meeting Dav Pilkey was unlike any event I’ve attended before. There’s nothing quite like seeing an entire theater full of kids genuinely thrilled to meet an author.

Dav Pilkey was hilarious and incredibly inspiring. He shared stories about growing up with ADHD and dyslexia, and how those challenges led him to drawing comics—a passion that would eventually become his career. He talked about how he lives by the four P’s: Positivity, Practice, Persistence, and Purpose. That’s a message that I’m sure resonated not just with the kids but with every adult in the room too. It sure resonated with me.

When it was time for the meet & greet, I was amazed at how patient, kind, and engaged Dav Pilkey was with each child. He made sure every moment counted.

My Son’s Big Moment

When it was our turn to meet him, my son could barely contain his excitement. He looked up at Dav Pilkey, held his hand out, and blurted, “I love your books! I read them every night!” Dav Pilkey’s face lit up as he smiled and shook his hand. He thanked him and said, “That’s awesome! Keep reading!” It was such a simple exchange, but it meant the world to my son.

Then it was my turn. He shook my hand and thanked me for coming. I thanked him as well, mentioning I was still a baby author myself and that his talk was very inspiring. He wished me good luck with my career before finally releasing my hand. That moment? Yep, I’m holding onto that one.

We got a photo with him. That’s a memory we’ll both cherish forever.

Why This Event Meant So Much

Dav Pilkey’s stories aren’t just entertaining, they give kids confidence, make them excited to read, and show them that creativity matters. Seeing an entire theater filled with kids thrilled to be at a book event? That’s something powerful.

If you ever get the chance to attend a Dav Pilkey event, do it. Whether you’re a kid, a parent, or just a book lover, you’ll leave feeling a little more inspired, a little more joyful, and maybe even a little more ready to chase your own creative dreams.

Have you ever met an author who inspired you? Drop a comment below. I’d love to hear your story!

Raine