Read Stink Books In Order : Every Fan MUST Know!

By Kathy | Last Updated on April 12, 2026

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The Stink series, penned by Megan McDonald, is a delightful collection of children’s books that has captured the hearts of young readers for decades. At its core, the series follows the adventures of Stink Moody, the younger brother of the beloved Judy Moody, as he navigates the quirky and often humorous challenges of childhood. From school projects to science experiments gone awry, Stink’s world is a whirlwind of curiosity, mischief, and imagination. These books are more than simple stories-they are vibrant snapshots of childhood, imbued with humor, relatability, and subtle lessons about growing up, family, and friendship. Whether you’re a parent looking to introduce your child to engaging literature or a young reader ready to dive into an adventurous series, Stink offers a perfect blend of laughter, learning, and life lessons.

List Of Stink Books In Order

More On Stink Books In Chronological Order

1. Stink: The Incredible Shrinking Kid (2005)

This is where we first meet Stink Moody, the younger brother of Judy Moody. Stink is in first grade and his world is turned upside down when he finds out that he’s shrinking-like, for real! At first, he’s all bummed out, but then he realizes that being small isn’t so bad after all. A lot of humor, some clever thinking, and a bit of self-discovery make this an awesome start to the Stink series.

2. Stink and the World’s Worst Super-Stinky Sneakers (2006)

In this book, Stink has a big problem: his sneakers are SO smelly that they might just break a record. He tries everything-sprays, powders, even toothpaste-but nothing seems to work. Stink’s quest to find the world’s worst super-stinky sneakers ends up being both hilarious and gross in the best possible way. It’s a classic Stink adventure with a lot of laughs and a surprising twist.

3. Stink and the Shark Sleepover (2007)

In this one, Stink has a chance to sleep over at the aquarium with his class, and the whole thing is supposed to be a fun, exciting experience. But, of course, Stink is super nervous about sharks. And who can blame him? The suspense builds as Stink faces his fears and ends up learning a lot about the ocean, sharks, and maybe even a little bit about bravery.

4. Stink and the Ultimate Thumb Wrestler (2008)

This time, Stink has a problem that hits a bit closer to home-his thumb wrestling skills are pathetic. He’s determined to change that, though, and even enters the Thumb Wrestling Tournament! Will Stink find his inner thumb-wrestling champion? Full of determination, training montages, and of course, lots of laughs, this book is all about persistence and believing in yourself (even if your thumbs are kind of wimpy).

5. Stink and the Midnight Zombie Walk (2009)

Stink, always a fan of the weird and wacky, is super excited when a midnight zombie walk is planned in his town. But things start to get weird when he begins to wonder if there might be actual zombies around. Is it all just for fun, or is there something strange going on? Full of silly situations and Stink’s classic sense of adventure, this one is a perfect mix of spooky and goofy.

6. Stink and the Great Guinea Pig Express (2010)

In this story, Stink ends up going on a class trip to a guinea pig rescue center. But when the guinea pigs get loose, it’s up to Stink and his friends to round them up before chaos breaks loose. It’s an absolute riot of a book-guinea pigs running wild, Stink using his brains (and his heart) to solve problems, and just enough adventure to keep you hooked. Who knew guinea pigs could be so much trouble?

7. Stink and the Freaky Frog Freakout (2011)

When Stink’s school holds a frog contest, he’s determined to win the first prize, especially after he hears his sister, Judy, is participating too! But things don’t go exactly as planned. Stink’s frog doesn’t seem to be very…special. In fact, it’s pretty weird. This book is all about competition, sibling rivalry, and finding out that sometimes, things don’t have to be perfect to be great.

8. Stink and the Secret of the Ghostly Moose (2012)

Stink is off to Maine, and there’s a ghostly moose mystery waiting to be solved! When Stink’s family heads to the woods, Stink stumbles upon a creepy moose story, and of course, he can’t resist getting involved. But, as he begins to unravel the mystery, he discovers that not everything is as spooky as it seems. This book is a perfect mix of Stink’s curiosity and a little touch of mystery that keeps things fun and a tad eerie.

9. Stink and the Super-Galactic Jawbreaker (2013)

In this book, Stink is on a mission to find the biggest, most jaw-breaking jawbreaker he can possibly imagine. He heads to a candy store, and the search for this super-galactic treat becomes a bit more complicated than he thought. It’s a sugar-filled adventure with lots of laughs, candy chaos, and of course, Stink doing what he does best: getting into hilarious situations!

10. Stink and the Ultimate Superstition (2014)

In this installment, Stink is confronted with the age-old superstitions that everyone around him seems to believe in. He sets out to prove that they’re just silly myths-no ladders, no black cats, no broken mirrors. Of course, things get a little out of hand, and Stink ends up learning that maybe there’s more to some of these superstitions than meets the eye. It’s a humorous take on what it means to believe (or not believe) in things beyond our control.

11. Stink and the Haunted House (2015)

This time, Stink faces a real spooky challenge-his school’s annual haunted house! Stink isn’t afraid of ghosts, but when things start getting a little too real, he’s not so sure anymore. It’s the perfect blend of laughter and slight spookiness, as Stink uses his sharp mind to uncover what’s going on behind the scenes. Will Stink make it through the haunted house without losing his cool? Well, you’ll have to read to find out!

Background On Stink Books

The Stink books emerged as a spin-off from the popular Judy Moody series, first appearing in 2005 with Stink: The Incredible Shrinking Kid. Megan McDonald, already celebrated for her relatable storytelling in the Judy Moody series, created Stink as a character whose curiosity and mischief made him instantly relatable to children, especially boys who might see their own antics mirrored in his escapades. The series explores themes such as sibling dynamics, personal growth, environmental awareness, and scientific inquiry, all through the lens of humor and adventure. The illustrations, primarily by Peter H. Reynolds, complement McDonald’s text beautifully, bringing Stink’s world to life with expressive, whimsical visuals that capture the energy and humor of childhood. Over the years, the series has expanded to cover a wide range of adventures, from exploring outer space and underwater mysteries to tackling real-life issues like germs, money, and even insects-making each installment both entertaining and educational.

Reading Order Explained

While each Stink book is written to stand alone, reading them in order provides a richer understanding of character development and recurring themes. The chronological reading order generally follows Stink’s growth and adventures from one book to the next:

1. Stink: The Incredible Shrinking Kid – Introduces Stink, his family, and his world of curious adventures.
2. Stink and the Great Guinea Pig Express – Stink’s problem-solving skills and humor shine as he deals with pets and school challenges.
3. Stink and the World’s Worst Super-Stinky Sneakers – Explores Stink’s quirky passions and obsession with gross science.
4. Stink and the Incredible Super-Galactic Jawbreaker – Embarks on imaginative adventures blending science, humor, and friendship.
5. Subsequent titles continue this pattern, with each book introducing new adventures, challenges, and life lessons, often building on previously established character traits or family dynamics.

Although skipping around is possible, reading in order allows readers to notice subtle continuity, such as the evolution of Stink’s relationships with friends and family, recurring jokes, and Stink’s ever-growing curiosity about the world.

What I Like About The Series?

The Stink series excels in its ability to combine humor, relatability, and curiosity-driven adventures. One of the most compelling aspects is Stink’s insatiable curiosity; whether he’s learning about space, germs, or insects, Stink embodies the natural inquisitiveness of childhood, encouraging young readers to explore their own interests. The books also tackle everyday childhood experiences with authenticity, capturing the awkward, funny, and sometimes frustrating moments of growing up. Another standout feature is the humor-McDonald has a knack for turning ordinary situations into laugh-out-loud adventures, often through Stink’s clever observations or unintentional mishaps. Additionally, the illustrations add a layer of charm, providing visual cues and comic relief that perfectly complement the text. Ultimately, the series balances fun and learning, making it a series that entertains while subtly fostering curiosity and empathy in young readers.

Should You Read Stink Books In Order?

Reading the Stink series in order is not strictly necessary, but it is highly recommended for several reasons. First, it allows readers to follow Stink’s character development in a coherent sequence, appreciating how he grows, learns, and adapts with each adventure. Second, recurring jokes, references to past events, and family dynamics become more meaningful when read in sequence, creating a deeper sense of connection with the characters. Finally, reading in order helps younger readers build a habit of narrative continuity, which can improve comprehension and engagement with longer series in the future. That said, each book is designed to be accessible on its own, so jumping into a particular adventure won’t leave a reader completely lost-it might just lack the added depth of a sequential read.