Read Whatever After Books In Order : Every Fan MUST Know!

By Kathy | Last Updated on April 20, 2026

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In the world of children’s literature, few series have captured the imagination of young readers quite like the Whatever After books by Sarah Mlynowski. Combining humor, adventure, and a unique twist on classic fairy tales, these books offer more than just a simple story-they provide a gateway to creativity and critical thinking for children. The series centers around the idea that fairy tales aren’t just fixed stories; they can be reshaped, reimagined, and sometimes hilariously altered. With relatable protagonists, magical mishaps, and valuable life lessons, the series appeals to both children and parents, making reading a shared adventure. But what makes Whatever After stand out in a sea of middle-grade books, and why might reading them in order enhance the experience? Let’s explore the magic behind this beloved series.

List Of Whatever After Books In Order

More On Whatever After Books In Chronological Order

1. Whatever After: Fairest of All (2012)

Okay, so this is where it all begins! In *Fairest of All*, we meet Abby and her brother, Jonah, who end up in the world of Snow White. They somehow get swept into Snow White’s fairy tale, but things don’t go as planned. Abby and Jonah realize that in order to get things back to normal, they have to make a few big changes to the story. It’s a whirlwind of magic, danger, and a lot of fun!

2. Whatever After: If the Shoe Fits (2012)

Next, Abby and Jonah find themselves transported into the classic Cinderella story in *If the Shoe Fits*. Now, instead of just watching the princess struggle, they have to do a bit of meddling themselves to ensure the glass slipper fits and the story ends in true happily-ever-after style. But of course, things are never that simple-who knew fairy tales could be so tricky?

3. Whatever After: Sink or Swim (2013)

In *Sink or Swim*, Abby and Jonah are off to the undersea world of *The Little Mermaid* (yes, the one with the singing fish and all the sea creatures). But things aren’t quite as magical as they expected. Abby’s gotta help the mermaid (who’s NOT actually a princess here) and figure out how to save the day before everything turns into a watery mess.

4. Whatever After: Dream On (2013)

In *Dream On*, Abby and Jonah dive into the world of Sleeping Beauty-except in this version, the princess is a bit of a handful! Abby and Jonah quickly realize that the fairy tale isn’t going quite as they remember, and they have to step in to help fix the story. This one’s got all sorts of drama, mystery, and even a talking owl. What’s a fairy tale without a little trouble, right?

5. Whatever After: Once Upon a Frog (2014)

Hop into *Once Upon a Frog*, where Abby and Jonah jump into the *Princess and the Frog* fairy tale! It’s not your average frog prince situation, though. Abby and Jonah have to figure out why the princess is in trouble, deal with a pesky witch, and maybe even kiss a frog (or two) to make sure the fairy tale goes right. It’s a ribbiting adventure full of twists!

6. Whatever After: Bad Hair Day (2014)

In *Bad Hair Day*, Abby and Jonah land in the world of *Rapunzel*. It’s not all sunshine and long golden hair, though. Things are getting tangled, literally. Abby and Jonah need to get Rapunzel’s hair situation under control before she’s trapped forever. You’ll be rooting for Abby to untangle more than just hair in this one!

7. Whatever After: Fairy Tale Reform School (2015)

Now, this one is a little different! *Fairy Tale Reform School* takes Abby and Jonah to a school where fairy tale villains send their kids to learn how to be good. But of course, not everything goes according to plan. The school itself is full of magical mayhem, and the students have some pretty interesting backgrounds. It’s time to see if Abby and Jonah can help these kids turn their fairy tale destinies around!

8. Whatever After: Cold as Ice (2015)

In *Cold as Ice*, Abby and Jonah are off to the icy world of *The Snow Queen*. This time, things are super chilly as they work to fix the frozen fairy tale. With snowstorms, enchanted mirrors, and a heart that’s been frozen over, Abby and Jonah have to work quickly to keep the story from turning into a cold, icy mess. If you love winter magic, this one’s a real treat.

9. Whatever After: Sugar and Spice (2016)

In *Sugar and Spice*, Abby and Jonah enter the world of *Hansel and Gretel*. Of course, things aren’t just about gingerbread houses and candy! They end up facing off with a wicked witch who’s a lot trickier than they anticipated. It’s up to Abby and Jonah to get the story back on track, and you know what? This one’s got some sweet surprises in store!

10. Whatever After: It’s Raining Frogs and Fishes (2017)

In *It’s Raining Frogs and Fishes*, Abby and Jonah end up in *The Frog King* fairy tale. This one’s a little wacky because there are frogs raining down from the sky, and no one knows why! As always, Abby and Jonah have to step in and help, but figuring out how to turn things around in a world that’s literally raining frogs? That’s no small task.

11. Whatever After: The One That Got Away (2018)

In *The One That Got Away*, Abby and Jonah are whisked away into *The Fisherman and His Wife* fairy tale. The fish may not be magical here, but the drama is. When Abby and Jonah get involved, things get really out of control-because instead of fixing the story, they might make it worse. Will they get things back to normal in time, or will they be stuck in the fairy tale forever?

12. Whatever After: A World Without Princes (2020)

In *A World Without Princes*, Abby and Jonah enter an alternate fairy tale universe-one where there are no princes! It’s a mind-bending twist on the fairy tale world, and everything feels out of place. With lots of unexpected surprises, this book will have you questioning everything you thought you knew about fairy tales!

Background On Whatever After Books

The Whatever After series, authored by Sarah Mlynowski, debuted in 2012 and quickly became a favorite among young readers. The story follows Abby and her brother Jonah, who discover a magical mirror that allows them to enter the worlds of classic fairy tales. Once inside these stories, the siblings inadvertently cause chaos, forcing them to fix the tales and restore order before returning home.

What sets Whatever After apart from other fairy tale adaptations is its clever combination of modern humor and timeless narratives. Mlynowski’s writing is engaging, accessible, and sprinkled with witty dialogue that resonates with children while still amusing adults. The series spans over a dozen books, each revisiting different well-known stories such as Cinderella, Snow White, and Sleeping Beauty, but always with a surprising twist that challenges the traditional narrative. Beyond entertainment, the books subtly teach lessons about problem-solving, empathy, responsibility, and courage, making them both enjoyable and educational.

Reading Order Explained

While each Whatever After book can technically stand alone, reading them in order offers a richer experience. The series begins with Fairest of All-the book that introduces Abby, Jonah, and the magical mirror. From there, the narrative follows the siblings through a sequence of adventures that not only reimagine fairy tales but also develop their characters, relationships, and problem-solving skills.

Here is a suggested reading order for the core series:

1. Fairest of All (Cinderella)
2. If the Shoe Fits (Cinderella sequel)
3. Sink or Swim (The Little Mermaid)
4. Dream On (Sleeping Beauty)
5. Bad Hair Day (Rapunzel)
6. Good Haunting (Hansel & Gretel)
7. Mirror, Mirror (Snow White)
8. Once Upon a Frog (Frog Prince)
9. Pretty in Pink (Beauty and the Beast)
10. Abracadabra! (Aladdin)
11. Thumbs Up! (Thumbelina)
12. Twice Upon a Time (Robin Hood)

This order reflects both the publication sequence and the evolution of Abby and Jonah’s adventures, allowing readers to fully appreciate the progression of the characters’ growth and the recurring humor and themes that tie the series together.

What I Like About The Series?

There is so much to love about Whatever After. First and foremost is the creativity. Mlynowski doesn’t just retell stories; she transforms them in ways that are unpredictable, exciting, and laugh-out-loud funny. Each book challenges the reader to think critically about ’what if’ scenarios, encouraging imagination and curiosity.

Another standout aspect is the relatable protagonists. Abby is smart, sometimes impulsive, and incredibly determined, while Jonah balances her with humor and occasional skepticism. Their sibling dynamic is authentic and adds a layer of warmth and realism to the fantastical adventures.

Additionally, the series is wonderfully approachable for a wide range of reading abilities. The language is accessible, the chapters are short enough to feel manageable, and the plot moves quickly, making it perfect for reluctant readers or those just developing their reading stamina. Finally, the underlying life lessons-resilience, creativity, teamwork, and empathy-are seamlessly woven into the narrative, ensuring that children walk away with both fun and valuable insights.

Should You Read Whatever After Books In Order?

Technically, each Whatever After book can be read independently, thanks to the self-contained nature of each fairy tale adventure. However, reading the series in order provides several benefits. First, you witness the growth of Abby and Jonah as they navigate increasingly complex magical dilemmas. Second, recurring jokes, references, and plot points make more sense and are much more satisfying when read sequentially. Lastly, the emotional arcs-like Abby learning responsibility or Jonah confronting his fears-become more impactful over the course of the series.

In short, while you can jump into any book, reading them in order maximizes both enjoyment and understanding, giving a richer, more connected reading experience.