The Paperboy received positive reviews from critics. An audiobook version, narrated by Forest Whitaker and accompanied by a short video with animations based on the original illustrations, was released by Weston Woods Studios in 2000. The Paperboy was published on March 1, 1996, by Orchard Books. In an interview, he stated: 'I liked the independence I felt when it seemed like I was the only person in the whole world who was awake.' Pilkey quickly completed the illustrations for The Paperboy so he could dedicate time to what was to be his subsequent book, Make Way for Dumb Bunnies.

The story was inspired by Pilkey's own experiences as a paperboy delivering the Lorain Journal. They finish at sunrise as the rest of the world begins to wake up, and they return home to fall asleep and dream.Īccording to Pilkey, The Paperboy was written in fifteen minutes, although he had thought about the idea for two or three years beforehand. After breakfast, the paperboy folds and delivers newspapers, accompanied by his dog they both find happiness and comfort in the familiar routine. The Paperboy received positive reviews from critics and was awarded a 1997 Caldecott Honor for its illustrations.Īn unnamed paperboy and his faithful dog wake up early each morning while it is still dark and cold outside and his family is still asleep. Inspired by Pilkey's own experiences as a paperboy, it tells the story of a paperboy and his dog as they deliver newspapers in the early hours of the morning. The Paperboy is a 1996 children's picture book by American author and illustrator Dav Pilkey.

The paperboy by dav pilkey