Whatever After Books In Order (2026): Full Collection Guide
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The Whatever After series, penned by Sarah Mlynowski, has carved a unique niche in the world of children’s literature, captivating young readers with its inventive take on classic fairy tales. Unlike traditional fairy tale retellings, these books offer a modern twist, blending humor, adventure, and relatable characters into stories that feel both familiar and refreshingly new. At its core, Whatever After invites readers to explore the idea that the world of fairy tales is not static; it is malleable, full of surprises, and accessible to anyone brave enough to step into it. This series is particularly appealing to middle-grade readers, as it balances whimsical fantasy with themes of self-discovery, resilience, and problem-solving, making it an engaging bridge between the imaginative escapism of fairy tales and the practical lessons of everyday life.
Whatever After Books In Chronological Order
| Whatever After: Fairest of All (2012) | Details |
| Whatever After: If the Shoe Fits (2013) | Details |
| Whatever After: Sink or Swim (2014) | Details |
| Whatever After: Dream On (2015) | Details |
| Whatever After: Bad Hair Day (2016) | Details |
| Whatever After: Cold as Ice (2017) | Details |
| Whatever After: To the Stars (2018) | Details |
| Whatever After: Love and Luck (2020) | Details |
List Of Whatever After Books In Order
1. Whatever After: Fairest of All (2012)
In this first book of the series, Abby and her brother Jonah accidentally find themselves sucked into the world of Snow White. Instead of just chilling with the princess and her dwarfs, they realize that they have to fix a mess-up in the fairy tale-because the evil queen’s plans to poison Snow White have gone off track! They have to help Snow White without causing any more trouble, which is easier said than done when you’re in a magical story world. The book introduces the quirky, time-bending adventures that are sure to become a hallmark of the series.
2. Whatever After: If the Shoe Fits (2013)
In the second book, Abby and Jonah land in the world of Cinderella-but it’s not the sparkling glass slipper fairy tale they thought it would be. Instead, Cinderella’s stepmother is just as nasty as usual, and Abby and Jonah have to help Cinderella get her happily-ever-after. But the twist? It’s a lot trickier to keep things from going awry when they learn there’s another twist in the plot: the prince is acting like a jerk! Can Abby and Jonah fix things before the clock runs out? Classic fairy tale chaos with a side of sibling teamwork.
3. Whatever After: Sink or Swim (2014)
Abby and Jonah are back at it again-this time they’re in the world of The Little Mermaid. But instead of a cute sea adventure, Abby’s surprised to find herself swimming through the deep waters of Ariel’s world, only to realize that the story is off-course. What happens when Ariel isn’t ready to fall in love with the prince and might not even want legs at all? Abby and Jonah have to help their underwater friend figure out what’s truly important before it’s too late. The book blends underwater magic with heartwarming lessons about making big decisions.
4. Whatever After: Dream On (2015)
In this book, Abby and Jonah enter the world of Sleeping Beauty-but there’s a twist. The princess isn’t cursed by a malicious fairy; she’s cursed by a complete misunderstanding! It’s up to Abby and Jonah to figure out how to fix things and wake up Aurora before it’s too late. Along the way, they make friends, face some magical mischief, and uncover a new understanding of how important it is to communicate clearly. The adventure is full of the usual hijinks, but with a little more heart.
5. Whatever After: Bad Hair Day (2016)
Abby and Jonah land in Rapunzel’s world in this book, and this time, things are a little different. Rapunzel doesn’t have her iconic long hair, and it’s not just a fun cosmetic change-it’s a HUGE issue! Abby and Jonah have to figure out how to get Rapunzel’s magical hair back and stop the wicked witch from ruining everything. But they quickly realize that they might be able to help in ways they didn’t expect. With a dash of humor and a lot of heart, this adventure is full of surprises and valuable lessons.
6. Whatever After: Cold as Ice (2017)
In this icy tale, Abby and Jonah are swept away to The Snow Queen, where they meet a version of the story that’s a bit different from what they know. The Snow Queen is, well, kinda cold (in both the literal and emotional sense), and it’s up to Abby and Jonah to help Gerda save her brother from the queen’s clutches. But this story is no simple fairy tale-there’s a lot of magic and mystery to figure out. As always, they’ve got to untangle the mess they’ve landed in before it’s too late.
7. Whatever After: To the Stars (2018)
This time, Abby and Jonah find themselves in a Cinderella retelling with a twist! They end up in the world of Ariel and learn all about the struggles of living in a kingdom that’s facing some intense social changes. This adventure mixes classic elements of The Little Mermaid while providing a refreshing perspective on familiar themes. With unexpected turns and challenges, they work together to make sure things end up right, no matter how confusing the fairy tale world gets.
8. Whatever After: Love and Luck (2020)
Abby and Jonah’s latest adventure takes them into the magical realm of The Princess and the Frog. They need to help Tiana and Prince Naveen, but it’s no easy task since the royal couple isn’t exactly having the fairy tale love story they were supposed to! The world they land in is full of magic, mystery, and plenty of frogs, and they have to make sure everything works out before it’s too late. As usual, Abby and Jonah bring their mix of humor, heart, and bravery to get the job done!
Overview Of Whatever After Books
The Whatever After series follows the adventures of twin siblings, Abby and Jonah, who discover a magical mirror that allows them to travel into the worlds of classic fairy tales. Each book presents a new story, where the twins must navigate the challenges of these fairy-tale realms while attempting to restore the original story to its proper course. The books cleverly reimagine beloved stories such as Cinderella, Snow White, and Sleeping Beauty, injecting modern humor, clever problem-solving, and moral lessons relevant to contemporary readers.
What sets this series apart is its ability to combine the charm of traditional fairy tales with relatable modern-day experiences. The twins’ journeys are more than mere adventures-they are opportunities for personal growth. Readers witness Abby and Jonah confront fears, make difficult choices, and learn the value of empathy and perseverance. Furthermore, Mlynowski’s writing style is approachable yet lively, featuring vivid descriptions, snappy dialogue, and plenty of humor, making the books not only entertaining but also accessible to a broad range of reading levels.
Understanding The Recommended Reading Sequence
While each book in the Whatever After series presents a standalone adventure, there is a recommended reading order that enhances the overall experience. The sequence generally follows the order of publication, which allows readers to see the twins’ characters develop naturally over time. Starting with the first book, Fairest of All, readers are introduced to the magical mirror and the mechanics of time-traveling into fairy tales. From there, each subsequent book expands on the characters’ relationships, personal growth, and the recurring challenges they face in different fairy-tale worlds.
Reading the books in sequence also helps readers notice recurring themes and subtle references to previous adventures. For example, a solution that Abby or Jonah learns in an earlier book might inform their approach to a later challenge, or a minor character from one story may reappear in another, adding layers of continuity and depth. This progression not only reinforces reading comprehension but also encourages engagement and critical thinking, as young readers can compare how the twins evolve in response to different challenges.
What I Enjoy About The Series
There are numerous elements that make the Whatever After series particularly enjoyable. First, the humor is clever and lighthearted, appealing to both young readers and adults who might be reading alongside them. The witty dialogue and playful narrative style make the books a joy to read aloud, which is ideal for classroom or family reading time.
Second, the series excels at blending fantasy with relatable life lessons. Abby and Jonah’s adventures often mirror real-life challenges, such as learning to work together, facing fears, or dealing with misunderstandings, all while navigating magical worlds. This combination of adventure and relatability keeps readers invested in the characters and their outcomes.
Third, the creativity and unpredictability of the stories are highly engaging. Readers are constantly surprised by unexpected twists on familiar tales-Cinderella might not want to marry the prince, or Snow White might take a completely unconventional approach to solving her problems. These imaginative variations encourage readers to think critically about traditional narratives and explore the idea that there is more than one way to solve a problem or tell a story.
Is It Important To Read Whatever After Books In Order?
While it is not strictly necessary to read the Whatever After books in order, doing so can enrich the experience. Because the series follows the same main characters, reading in order allows for a natural understanding of their growth, relationships, and cumulative experiences. For example, the dynamics between Abby and Jonah, their approaches to solving problems, and their reactions to magical mishaps become more nuanced when readers have witnessed their earlier adventures.
However, each book is crafted to stand alone, meaning a new reader can still enjoy the plot and humor of any single story without prior knowledge. The essential fairy-tale adaptations and conflicts are self-contained, making the series accessible to children who might pick up a book randomly at a library or bookstore. In short, reading in order enhances character development and subtle plot connections, but it is not a strict requirement for enjoyment.
