Jarrett J Krosoczka Books in Order
Explore Jarrett J. Krosoczka books in order, with quick summaries, series guides, reading help, and clear suggestions on where to begin.
Last updated: July 14, 2026
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases (at no extra cost to you).
Jarrett J Krosoczka books in publication order
37 books
Good Night, Monkey Boy
by Jarrett J Krosoczka
2001
A lively little boy in monkey pajamas tries every trick he can to delay bedtime, from sneaking bananas to swinging in the bathroom. His patient mother gets him settled, though Monkey Boy may not be ready to sleep.
Baghead
by Jarrett J Krosoczka
2002
Josh wears a paper bag over his head all day, refusing to explain himself to worried adults. He even plays soccer in it, until his little sister asks the one question that reveals the bad haircut underneath.
Annie Was Warned
by Jarrett J Krosoczka
2003
Annie is warned to stay away from the creepy old Montgomery Mansion, but she is not afraid of anything. On Halloween night, she follows the dare into the darkness and discovers that the spooky house holds a surprise.
Bubble Bath Pirates
by Jarrett J Krosoczka
2003
Two young brothers turn bath time into a swashbuckling voyage with their pirate mom and a fierce rubber-duck sidekick. Washing up becomes a high-seas adventure, complete with commands, splashing, and a treasure waiting after the tub.
Max for President
by Jarrett J Krosoczka
2004
Max and Kelly run against each other for school president, making signs, giving speeches, and promising better lunches and games. When the close election ends in disappointment for one candidate, cooperation offers a better way forward.
Punk Farm
by Jarrett J Krosoczka
2005
When Farmer Joe goes to sleep, Cow, Sheep, Pig, Goat, and Chicken reveal their secret life as a punk band. The barn becomes a concert hall for a loud, playful twist on a familiar farmyard song.
Giddy Up Cowgirl
by Jarrett J Krosoczka
2006
A young cowgirl is determined to help her mom run errands, cowboy style. Her efforts lead to dropped groceries and other mishaps, but her patient mother reminds her that trying to help still counts.
My Buddy, Slug
by Jarrett J Krosoczka
2006
After Alex's friend Kevin moves away, his cheerful but clingy pal Slug becomes hard to handle. When Alex says something hurtful, he must learn how an honest apology can repair a friendship, even with a giant orange slug.
Punk Farm on Tour
by Jarrett J Krosoczka
2007
With Farmer Joe away at a tractor conference, Cow, Sheep, Pig, Goat, and Chicken take Punk Farm on the road. Their battered van creates one problem after another, but the setbacks may inspire their next big song.
Lunch Lady and the Author Visit Vendetta
by Jarrett J Krosoczka
2009
Hector is thrilled when beloved Flippy Bunny author Lewis Scribson visits school, but the guest's behavior feels off. After Coach Birkby disappears, Lunch Lady and the Breakfast Bunch investigate the writer's suspicious agenda.
Lunch Lady and the Cyborg Substitute
by Jarrett J Krosoczka
2009
Dee, Hector, and Terrence wonder what their lunch lady does after serving sloppy joes. They soon learn Lunch Lady is an undercover hero, and her first case pits the team against a substitute teacher with a very mechanical secret.
Lunch Lady and the League of Librarians
by Jarrett J Krosoczka
2009
The librarians at Thompson Brook suddenly become cold, secretive, and unsettlingly serious. When even Dee cannot get a smile from them, Lunch Lady, Betty, and the Breakfast Bunch investigate what is really happening among the stacks.
Lunch Lady and the Bake Sale Bandit
by Jarrett J Krosoczka
2010
The Breakfast Bunch is excited to raise field-trip money at a school bake sale, until every snack disappears. Lunch Lady follows crumbs, clues, and culinary gadgetry to find the person sabotaging Thompson Brook's sweetest event.
Lunch Lady and the Summer Camp Shakedown
by Jarrett J Krosoczka
2010
Lunch Lady and the Breakfast Bunch expect a quiet summer at camp, until rumors of a swamp monster start feeling less like campfire stories. Dee, Hector, and Terrence join Lunch Lady to uncover the secret behind the scares.
Lunch Lady and the Field Trip Fiasco
by Jarrett J Krosoczka
2011
On a field trip to a famous art museum, Dee, Hector, and Terrence notice that some paintings look suspiciously fake. Lunch Lady is distracted by the exhibits, so the Breakfast Bunch may have to crack this art-world conspiracy themselves.
Monkey Boy to Lunch Lady
by Jarrett J Krosoczka
2011
This autobiographical comic collection follows Jarrett J. Krosoczka from a drawing-obsessed kid to a working author and illustrator. It offers a lively look at the childhood creativity, persistence, and odd jobs behind his early books.
Ollie the Purple Elephant
by Jarrett J Krosoczka
2011
Lost purple elephant Ollie is welcomed into Shelby and Peter's family, where he loves games and nightly dance parties. But a grumpy neighbor and jealous cat set a trap that sends Ollie toward the circus and away from home.
Pudding
by Jarrett J Krosoczka
2011
Dan ignores his friends' warning and tries fried pudding at a carnival. This short comic thriller follows the unsettling consequences of one very questionable snack choice, using visual storytelling to build its creepy, funny tension.
Lunch Lady and the Mutant Mathletes
by Jarrett J Krosoczka
2012
The Breakfast Bunch joins Thompson Brook's mathletes team and hopes to beat Willowby Academy for the championship. Lunch Lady spots something very wrong with the opposing team and its coach, turning the competition into another undercover case.
Lunch Lady and the Picture Day Peril
by Jarrett J Krosoczka
2012
Picture day goes wrong when Thompson Brook students develop a bizarre acne outbreak. Lunch Lady suspects the school's fancy photographer is planning something dangerous, and she must stop the scheme before the students become part of a fashion-world plot.
Lunch Lady and the Schoolwide Scuffle
by Jarrett J Krosoczka
2013
Lunch Lady and Betty are cut from the school budget at the worst possible moment. Villains from earlier cases return to Thompson Brook, and the Breakfast Bunch must help their favorite undercover heroes stop a plan to take over the school.
Lunch Lady and the Video Game Villain
by Jarrett J Krosoczka
2013
Hector runs for student council president just as high-tech gadgets begin disappearing from Thompson Brook School. With the election distracting everyone, Lunch Lady and the Breakfast Bunch need to catch the stealthy thief before more equipment vanishes.
The Frog Who Croaked
by Jarrett J Krosoczka
2013
Rookie detective Rick Zengo is paired with veteran Corey O'Malley when a schoolteacher disappears. A suspicious bag of illegal fish points toward powerful businessman Frank Pandini Jr., but the new partners must learn how to work together first.
Peanut Butter and Jellyfish
by Jarrett J Krosoczka
2014
Best friends Peanut Butter, a seahorse, and Jellyfish love exploring the ocean, despite Crabby's constant insults. When their rude neighbor is trapped and needs help, the friends must decide whether kindness can change their relationship.
The Ostrich Conspiracy
by Jarrett J Krosoczka
2014
The opening of Kalamazoo City's massive new entertainment complex turns chaotic when sabotage threatens the event. Detectives Rick Zengo and Corey O'Malley sort through a crowded suspect list to find out who wants the Dome destroyed.
It's Tough to Lose Your Balloon
by Jarrett J Krosoczka
2015
A lost balloon, scraped knee, rainy day, and other kid-sized disappointments get a hopeful new perspective. This cheerful picture book shows how a frustrating moment can still lead to something comforting, funny, or unexpectedly good.
Last Panda Standing
by Jarrett J Krosoczka
2015
When mayoral candidate Frank Pandini Jr. is attacked, Rick Zengo is assigned to protect him. With O'Malley working alongside new detective Jo Cooper, the Platypus Police Squad must uncover who is behind the threats.
A New Class
by Jarrett J Krosoczka
2016
Victor Starspeeder starts at Jedi Academy eager to become a Jedi, even if his accomplished sister Christina finds him embarrassing. Detention, drama club, new friends, and a seemingly helpful older student make his first year anything but simple.
Never Say Narwhal
by Jarrett J Krosoczka
2016
Mayor Frank Pandini Jr. has Kalamazoo City celebrating, but Detectives Zengo, O'Malley, and Cooper cannot solve a case. Then a huge shadow appears in the water, forcing the Platypus Police Squad into a puzzling new investigation.
Naptastrophe!
by Jarrett J Krosoczka
2017
Lucy insists she is not tired and skips her nap before a trip to the store with Dad. As small frustrations pile up, the outing turns into a noisy, overwhelming meltdown that proves naps can matter.
The Force Oversleeps
by Jarrett J Krosoczka
2017
Victor Starspeeder expects a confident second year at Jedi Academy, but drama club disappointment, a new student, and rumors about Christina shake him up. He must lean on his friends and the Force when school suddenly feels lonely.
Hey, Kiddo
by Jarrett J Krosoczka
2018
In this graphic memoir, Jarrett grows up with his outspoken grandparents while his mother struggles with addiction and his father remains a mystery. Drawing helps him navigate family secrets, difficult questions, and his search for connection.
The Principal Strikes Back
by Jarrett J Krosoczka
2018
Victor Starspeeder begins his third year without his sister and finds Jedi Academy under strict new droid leadership. Curfews and rules multiply after a security breach, so Victor and his friends investigate what the administration is hiding.
Attack of the Furball
by Jarrett J Krosoczka
2019
Christina Starspeeder returns for another year at the advanced Jedi Academy, where missions bring her face-to-face with remarkable creatures. Bringing home an adorable baby nexu creates a growing problem that may be too big to keep secret.
Revenge of the Sis
by Jarrett J Krosoczka
2019
After graduating from Coruscant, Christina Starspeeder begins advanced Jedi training in Jedha City. Once a top student, she now faces a demanding mentor, a snarky droid, and classmates who seem far ahead of her.
At Last, Jedi
by Jarrett J Krosoczka
2020
Christina Starspeeder continues her advanced Jedi training at Jedha City, where old friends and unfamiliar faces shape her next challenge. Told through comics, notes, and doodles, this installment follows her toward an important new stage in her Jedi life.
Sunshine
by Jarrett J Krosoczka
2021
As a high school student, Jarrett becomes a counselor at a camp for seriously ill children and their families. His anxious first summer becomes a deeply personal lesson in friendship, joy, grief, and the freedom a safe community can offer.
Where to start with Jarrett J Krosoczka
For funny graphic mysteries: Lunch Lady and the Cyborg Substitute → Lunch Lady and the League of Librarians → Lunch Lady and the Author Visit Vendetta
For Star Wars school adventures: A New Class → The Force Oversleeps → The Principal Strikes Back
For lively picture books: Good Night, Monkey Boy → Punk Farm → Peanut Butter and Jellyfish
For personal graphic memoirs: Hey, Kiddo → Sunshine.
Jarrett J Krosoczka sub-series and character series
Lunch Lady books in order
Explore this series
Lunch Lady and the Author Visit Vendetta
by Jarrett J Krosoczka
2009Lunch Lady, Book 3
Lunch Lady and the Cyborg Substitute
by Jarrett J Krosoczka
2009Lunch Lady, Book 1
Lunch Lady and the League of Librarians
by Jarrett J Krosoczka
2009Lunch Lady, Book 2
Lunch Lady and the Bake Sale Bandit
by Jarrett J Krosoczka
2010Lunch Lady, Book 5
Lunch Lady and the Summer Camp Shakedown
by Jarrett J Krosoczka
2010Lunch Lady, Book 4
Lunch Lady and the Field Trip Fiasco
by Jarrett J Krosoczka
2011Lunch Lady, Book 6
Lunch Lady and the Mutant Mathletes
by Jarrett J Krosoczka
2012Lunch Lady, Book 7
Lunch Lady and the Picture Day Peril
by Jarrett J Krosoczka
2012Lunch Lady, Book 8
Lunch Lady and the Schoolwide Scuffle
by Jarrett J Krosoczka
2013Lunch Lady, Book 10
Lunch Lady and the Video Game Villain
by Jarrett J Krosoczka
2013Lunch Lady, Book 9
Lunch Lady books in chronological order

Lunch Lady and the Cyborg Substitute
by Jarrett J Krosoczka
2009Lunch Lady, Book 1
Lunch Lady and the League of Librarians
by Jarrett J Krosoczka
2009Lunch Lady, Book 2
Lunch Lady and the Author Visit Vendetta
by Jarrett J Krosoczka
2009Lunch Lady, Book 3
Lunch Lady and the Summer Camp Shakedown
by Jarrett J Krosoczka
2010Lunch Lady, Book 4
Lunch Lady and the Bake Sale Bandit
by Jarrett J Krosoczka
2010Lunch Lady, Book 5
Lunch Lady and the Field Trip Fiasco
by Jarrett J Krosoczka
2011Lunch Lady, Book 6
Lunch Lady and the Mutant Mathletes
by Jarrett J Krosoczka
2012Lunch Lady, Book 7
Lunch Lady and the Picture Day Peril
by Jarrett J Krosoczka
2012Lunch Lady, Book 8
Lunch Lady and the Video Game Villain
by Jarrett J Krosoczka
2013Lunch Lady, Book 9
Lunch Lady and the Schoolwide Scuffle
by Jarrett J Krosoczka
2013Lunch Lady, Book 10
Platypus Police Squad books in order
Explore this series
The Frog Who Croaked
by Jarrett J Krosoczka
2013Platypus Police Squad, Book 1
The Ostrich Conspiracy
by Jarrett J Krosoczka
2014Platypus Police Squad, Book 2
Last Panda Standing
by Jarrett J Krosoczka
2015Platypus Police Squad, Book 3
Never Say Narwhal
by Jarrett J Krosoczka
2016Platypus Police Squad, Book 4
Platypus Police Squad books in chronological order
Punk Farm books in order
Explore this seriesStar Wars: Jedi Academy books in order
Explore this seriesJarrett J Krosoczka collections, short stories, and related book types
Picture Books

Baghead
by Jarrett J Krosoczka
2002
Annie Was Warned
by Jarrett J Krosoczka
2003
Bubble Bath Pirates
by Jarrett J Krosoczka
2003
Max for President
by Jarrett J Krosoczka
2004
Giddy Up Cowgirl
by Jarrett J Krosoczka
2006
My Buddy, Slug
by Jarrett J Krosoczka
2006
Ollie the Purple Elephant
by Jarrett J Krosoczka
2011
Peanut Butter and Jellyfish
by Jarrett J Krosoczka
2014
It's Tough to Lose Your Balloon
by Jarrett J Krosoczka
2015
Naptastrophe!
by Jarrett J Krosoczka
2017
Sunshine
by Jarrett J Krosoczka
2021
Standalone Jarrett J Krosoczka books
Author bio
Jarrett J. Krosoczka grew up in Worcester, Massachusetts, where drawing was part of everyday life long before it became his job. He was raised by his grandparents, Joe and Shirley, after his mother’s addiction made it impossible for her to care for him. Their home, their rules, their loud opinions, and their steady love would later shape his most personal books.
As a kid, he drew constantly. He made comics, invented characters, and found ways to tell stories with pictures when the real story around him felt harder to explain.
Art gave him a direction. Krosoczka attended classes at the Worcester Art Museum, kept working on his portfolio, and eventually studied illustration at the Rhode Island School of Design. He had not been accepted on his first try, so he took more art classes and tried again. That bit of stubbornness became part of the story he shares with young artists.
While still in school, he landed illustration work for an educational publisher. After graduating, he brought his portfolio to New York and got a contract for his first picture book. Good Night, Monkey Boy arrived in 2001, kicking off a career built around funny kids, expressive drawings, and the small dramas that can make an ordinary day feel huge.
His early picture books include Baghead, about a boy hiding a bad haircut under a paper bag, Bubble Bath Pirates, and Max for President. They are playful, visual stories that make room for messes, imagination, and kids who have their own determined ideas about how things should go.
Then came bigger series worlds. In Punk Farm, barnyard animals become a secret rock band after their farmer goes to bed. The Lunch Lady graphic novels turn a school cafeteria worker into a gadget-loving undercover hero, with Dee, Hector, and Terrence along for the ride. His Platypus Police Squad books send odd-couple animal detectives through goofy crime cases in Kalamazoo City. He also wrote and illustrated several Star Wars: Jedi Academy books, using comics, doodles, notes, and school-paper jokes to make Jedi training feel a lot like middle school.
The work got more personal with Hey, Kiddo, his graphic memoir about growing up with grandparents, living with the uncertainty of a mother struggling with addiction, and trying to understand an absent father. Drawing is not just a talent in that book. It is a way for Jarrett to make sense of his past. The memoir was a finalist for the 2018 National Book Award for Young People’s Literature.
He returned to memoir with Sunshine, about working as a teenager at a summer camp for seriously ill children and their families. It is a book about learning how much joy, grief, friendship, and plain silliness can fit into one summer.
Krosoczka still writes and draws for young readers while visiting schools and talking with kids about creativity. He lives in western Massachusetts with his family. He has also created art scholarships in Worcester in memory of his grandparents, helping other young people get access to classes and supplies.
The through line is simple. Whether he is drawing a lunch lady with a spatula gadget or telling a hard story from his own life, he takes young readers seriously.
Edited by
Software engineer whose passion for tracking book recommendations from podcasts inspired the creation of MRB.
Lead investor at 3one4 Capital whose startup expertise and love for books helped shaped MRB and its growth.


















Comments
Did we miss something? Have feedback?
Help us improve this page by sharing your thoughts