Laura Joffe Numeroff Books in Order
Browse Laura Joffe Numeroff books in order, from Mouse to The Jellybeans, with quick summaries, series guides, and easy ideas on where to start.
Last updated: June 9, 2026
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Publication Order
60 books
Amy for Short
by Laura Joffe Numeroff
1976
Numeroff's first published book follows Amy, the tallest girl in third grade, as she deals with standing out. It turns an ordinary childhood insecurity into a warm, relatable story.
Phoebe Dexter Has Harriet Peterson's Sniffles
by Laura Joffe Numeroff
1977
Stuck home sick and upset about missing school, Phoebe turns a boring day into make-believe fun. It is an early Numeroff story that captures how big small disappointments can feel.
Emily's Bunch
by Laura Joffe Numeroff
1978
One of Numeroff's early picture books, this story follows Emily through a problem that feels huge in a child's world. It has the same eye for everyday feelings that marks her later work.
Walter
by Laura Joffe Numeroff
1978
Walter is a small boy who rarely watches where he is going, and that absent-minded habit leads to one mishap after another. The book leans into everyday comedy and child-sized trouble.
You Can't Put Braces on Spaces
by Laura Joffe Numeroff
1979
A little brother wants braces because they seem grown-up and impressive, but he learns they are not quite the prize he imagined. It is a funny, very child-centered look at wanting what older kids have.
Does Grandma Have an Elmo Elephant Jungle Kit?
by Laura Joffe Numeroff
1980
A wildly specific request grows into a comic picture book about language, wanting more, and the way children's questions can spiral. The fun comes from the title's wonderfully outrageous logic.
The Ugliest Sweater
by Laura Joffe Numeroff
1980
A child is horrified by a sweater from Grandma and wants nothing to do with it. Then a change in perspective turns embarrassment into something warmer and more complicated.
Beatrice Doesn't Want To
by Laura Joffe Numeroff
1981
Beatrice hates books and does not want to spend time at the library with her brother. Then the right story catches her attention and changes the whole day.
Digger
by Laura Joffe Numeroff
1983
This early picture book follows a determined digger whose enthusiasm leads to dirt, mess, and comic trouble. Numeroff keeps the focus on momentum, repetition, and the fun of seeing what happens next.
If You Give a Mouse a Cookie
by Laura Joffe Numeroff
1985
A boy gives a hungry mouse a cookie, and that one small kindness kicks off a wildly funny chain of requests. Milk, mirrors, scissors, and a nap all lead the story in a perfect circle.
If You Give a Moose a Muffin
by Laura Joffe Numeroff
1991
A muffin for a hungry moose turns into another cheerful chain of requests, errands, and comic detours. Big, friendly Moose brings especially large-scale chaos to an ordinary day.
Dogs Don't Wear Sneakers
by Laura Joffe Numeroff
1993
A parade of silly animal images proves that dogs do not wear sneakers, and plenty of other creatures do not wear ridiculous things either. It is a playful rhyming read-aloud built on absurdity.
Chimps Don't Wear Glasses
by Laura Joffe Numeroff
1995
More silly animal logic drives this funny picture book, where impossible outfits and behaviors pile up for comic effect. It is quick, visual, and designed for giggles.
Mouse Cookies
by Laura Joffe Numeroff
1995
This companion cookbook invites young readers to make simple cookies inspired by Mouse and his favorite treats. It adds hands-on kitchen fun to the familiar world of the storybooks.
Two for Stew
by Laura Joffe Numeroff
1996
This playful read-aloud stirs together rhyme, food, and nonsense into a bubbling bit of picture-book fun. It is the kind of story that works best when read aloud with energy.
Why A Disguise?
by Laura Joffe Numeroff
1996
A child dives into disguise and pretend identity, and the game leads to comic confusion. Numeroff keeps the tone light while tapping into the appeal of dress-up and make-believe.
If You Give a Pig a Pancake
by Laura Joffe Numeroff
1998
When a little girl gives Pig a pancake, breakfast quickly spins into bubbles, baths, and one more thing after another. The result is a lively circular story full of child-friendly logic.
Monster Munchies
by Laura Joffe Numeroff
1998
This spooky-funny title turns monster appetites into kid-friendly fun. It is a light, playful read that blends mild Halloween energy with a taste for goofy gross-out humor.
Sometimes I Wonder If Poodles Like Noodles
by Laura Joffe Numeroff
1999
Numeroff builds a whole book around wonderfully odd questions and sound play. The result is a whimsical read-aloud that delights in rhyme, rhythm, and the pleasure of asking nonsense seriously.
The Hope Tree: Kids Talk about Breast Cancer
by Laura Joffe Numeroff
1999
Drawing on children's real experiences, this gentle book explores what it feels like when a mother has breast cancer. It offers reassurance, honest information, and space for kids' fears and questions.
What Mommies Do Best
by Laura Joffe Numeroff
1999
A cozy celebration of all the things moms do with and for their children, from playing and teaching to bedtime routines. The focus stays on small daily acts that make family life feel secure and loved.
If You Give a Pig a Party
by Laura Joffe Numeroff
2000
Give Pig a few balloons and she will turn the whole day into a party. Decorations, dress-up, and a growing guest list make this a bubbly, high-energy read-aloud.
If You Give a Pig a Pumpkin
by Laura Joffe Numeroff
2000
Pig heads into fall fun in this pumpkin-themed outing, where one festive idea naturally leads to the next. It keeps the familiar cheerful rhythm while leaning into autumn excitement.
If You Take a Mouse to the Movies
by Laura Joffe Numeroff
2000
A trip to the movies sends Mouse into a holiday adventure with popcorn, decorations, and Christmas cheer. It is a festive, funny entry that mixes winter magic with the series' familiar pattern.
What Daddies Do Best
by Laura Joffe Numeroff
2001
This affectionate picture book highlights the playful, practical, and loving things dads do every day. Its simple pattern makes it an easy read-aloud about family closeness.
What Grandmas Do Best
by Laura Joffe Numeroff
2001
Grandmas dance, play, paint, and share all kinds of everyday fun in this warm family read. It is a sweet tribute to the time and attention grandparents give so naturally.
What Grandpas Do Best
by Laura Joffe Numeroff
2001
A loving picture book about the many things grandpas do, from games and outings to quiet moments together. It keeps the focus on warmth, affection, and shared routines.
If You Give an Author a Pencil
by Laura Joffe Numeroff
2002
In this kid-friendly autobiography, Numeroff shows how a child who loved books grew into a working writer. It is part life story and part behind-the-scenes look at how books begin.
If You Take a Mouse to School
by Laura Joffe Numeroff
2002
Mouse's school day begins with a lunch box and quickly turns into a full set of classroom requests. It is a funny, fast-moving take on first-day jitters, supplies, and school routine.
Laura Numeroff's 10-Step Guide to Living with Your Monster
by Laura Joffe Numeroff
2002
Instead of fearing monsters, this comic guide suggests treating one like a slightly difficult pet. The handbook format gives the book a goofy charm and keeps the tone light.
The Chicken Sisters
by Laura Joffe Numeroff
2002
This farmyard story follows two chicken sisters through the ups and downs of getting along. It uses animal comedy to mirror the push and pull of real sibling relationships.
Sherman Crunchley
by Laura Joffe Numeroff
2003
Sherman is expected to follow family tradition and become Biscuit City's chief of police, but that is not the life he wants. It is a funny, encouraging story about speaking up and choosing your own path.
If You Give A Cat A Cupcake Recipes
by Laura Joffe Numeroff
2006
A playful companion cookbook gathers kid-friendly sweets inspired by Cat and the If You Give world. It is built for readers who want to turn storytime into baking time.
Mouse Cookies & More: A Treasury
by Laura Joffe Numeroff
2006
This large treasury collects four If You Give stories and adds recipes, songs, and activities. It is a good pick for readers who want a fuller visit with Mouse, Moose, and Pig.
When Sheep Sleep
by Laura Joffe Numeroff
2006
A soothing bedtime book imagines nighttime through a sheep-filled, dreamy lens. Its quiet rhythm and soft humor make it an easy wind-down read for the end of the day.
Merry Christmas, Mouse!
by Laura Joffe Numeroff
2007
Mouse decorates a Christmas tree in this cheerful holiday counting book. Bright ornaments, simple repetition, and seasonal warmth make it an easy choice for very young readers.
Happy Valentine's Day, Mouse!
by Laura Joffe Numeroff
2008
Mouse makes valentines for all his friends, each one tailored to what he loves about them. It is a sweet holiday board book about friendship, crafting, and affection.
If You Give a Cat a Cupcake
by Laura Joffe Numeroff
2008
A cupcake for Cat leads to sprinkles, a mess, a swimsuit, and a full day of increasingly silly adventures. Cat's version of the series feels especially playful and energetic.
The Jellybeans and the Big Dance
by Laura Joffe Numeroff
2008
Emily loves to dance, but her new classmates seem nothing like her. A dance recital and a bag of jellybeans help four very different girls learn how to work together.
Time for School, Mouse!
by Laura Joffe Numeroff
2008
Mouse is getting ready for school, but he cannot seem to find everything he needs, especially his homework. It is a simple, relatable back-to-school story with a light comic touch.
Would I Trade My Parents?
by Laura Joffe Numeroff
2009
A young narrator looks at friends' families and wonders if their parents might be more fun than his own. The answer comes through a thoughtful, reassuring look at what makes every family special.
Happy Easter, Mouse!
by Laura Joffe Numeroff
2010
Mouse heads out on an Easter egg hunt in this bright seasonal board book. Colors, counting, and a gentle holiday mystery keep the story simple and fun for toddlers.
Otis & Sydney and the Best Birthday Ever
by Laura Joffe Numeroff
2010
Otis and Sydney set out to make a birthday celebration feel just right, but plans rarely unfold exactly as expected. Friendship and flexibility matter as much as presents and cake.
The Jellybeans and the Big Book Bonanza
by Laura Joffe Numeroff
2010
The Jellybeans head to the library and discover that each of them connects with reading in a different way. Their varied interests end up helping them make a school book event a success.
If You Give a Dog a Donut
by Laura Joffe Numeroff
2011
One donut sends Dog racing into a backyard adventure packed with apple juice, games, and one request after another. It has the same circular charm, with a slightly more rambunctious feel.
The Jellybeans and the Big Camp Kickoff
by Laura Joffe Numeroff
2011
At summer camp, each Jellybean finds something she enjoys, except Nicole, who cannot find the right fit. Her friends rally around her, and together they turn camp into a better experience.
What Puppies Do Best
by Laura Joffe Numeroff
2011
Puppies chase balls, dig holes, make messes, and melt hearts in this playful celebration of puppy life. Behind the antics is a simple message about joy, companionship, and lots of love.
It's Pumpkin Day, Mouse!
by Laura Joffe Numeroff
2012
Mouse is ready to decorate pumpkins, but one of them goes missing. This short autumn board book mixes seasonal fun with a tiny mystery that keeps little readers engaged.
Lots of Lambs
by Laura Joffe Numeroff
2012
This cozy board book gathers more and more lambs into a gentle, repetitive concept story. Bright pictures and a simple counting feel make it especially friendly for toddlers.
The Jellybeans and the Big Art Adventure
by Laura Joffe Numeroff
2012
When the Jellybeans are asked to paint a mural for a candy shop, Bitsy has to push past self-doubt and find inspiration. Friendship and creativity carry the project from blank wall to big finish.
What Brothers Do Best
by Laura Joffe Numeroff
2012
This warm sibling story celebrates the many fun, loving things brothers do, from playing and helping to simply being there. It is a gentle reminder that everyday moments are often the best ones.
What Sisters Do Best:
by Laura Joffe Numeroff
2012
This affectionate sibling story looks at all the ways sisters share fun, help out, and make life brighter. It is an upbeat reminder that sisterly love often shows up in everyday moments.
Nighty-Night, Cooper
by Laura Joffe Numeroff
2013
As bedtime arrives, Cooper moves through the familiar little steps that help the day come to a close. It is a calm, cozy board book made for sleepy read-alouds.
The Jellybeans Love to Dance
by Laura Joffe Numeroff
2013
This shorter board book retells the heart of the Jellybeans' dance story for younger readers. Four different friends discover that teamwork matters more than matching perfectly.
The Jellybeans Love to Read
by Laura Joffe Numeroff
2014
Anna loves books and brings her friends to the library, where each girl finds a book that fits her own interests. It is a sweet introduction to reading, friendship, and finding your kind of story.
If You Give a Mouse a Brownie
by Laura Joffe Numeroff
2016
Mouse returns for another delicious round of cause and effect when a brownie leads to ice cream, drumming, and a full-blown band. It is a lively comeback for the series' original star.
If You Give a Man a Cookie: A Parody
by Laura Joffe Numeroff
2017
This adult parody flips the famous setup into a comic chain of complaints, laziness, and domestic exasperation. It plays with the original structure while aiming squarely at grown-up humor.
The Best Mouse Cookie
by Laura Joffe Numeroff
2019
Mouse heads into the kitchen to bake cookies of his own in this simple board book. It is a cheerful companion to the larger Mouse stories, with food and pretend play at the center.
Happy Birthday, Mouse!
by Laura Joffe Numeroff
2020
Mouse celebrates his birthday by trying to choose the perfect treat. This simple board book is built for very young readers and keeps the focus on familiar foods and party excitement.
Ponyella
by Laura Joffe Numeroff
2021
This pony-sized Cinderella retelling follows Ponyella from hard farm chores to a royal pony championship. A fairy godmare, a lost horseshoe, and a clever twist give the familiar tale fresh charm.
Where should I start?
If you want the classic read-alouds: If You Give a Mouse a Cookie → If You Give a Moose a Muffin → If You Give a Pig a Pancake
If you want more Mouse adventures: If You Take a Mouse to the Movies → If You Take a Mouse to School → If You Give a Mouse a Brownie
If you want warm family stories: What Mommies Do Best → What Daddies Do Best → What Grandmas Do Best → What Grandpas Do Best
If you want friendship-focused books: The Jellybeans and the Big Dance → The Jellybeans and the Big Book Bonanza → The Jellybeans and the Big Art Adventure
Author bio
Laura Joffe Numeroff was born in Brooklyn, New York, on July 14, 1953, and grew up as the youngest of three girls in a home full of books, music, and art. Her father was an artist, and she has often described childhood as a time shaped by reading, drawing, and regular trips to the library. By the time she was nine, she already knew she wanted to be a writer.
The library mattered a lot.
As a child, she loved bringing home stacks of books and reading for hours. Two favorites, Eloise and Stuart Little, stayed with her and helped point her toward children's books in particular. That mix of mischief, warmth, and child-sized drama would later show up again and again in her own work.
Her road to publishing was not especially neat. When it was time for college, she followed her older sister's lead and studied fashion at Pratt Institute in Brooklyn. It quickly became clear that fashion was not the right fit. A class on writing and illustrating children's books changed everything, and one homework assignment became Amy for Short, her first published book, which appeared in 1975.
That was the real beginning.
In her early career, Numeroff both wrote and illustrated her own books. Those first books already showed what she was good at: taking a feeling children know well, being sick at home, feeling different, getting stuck on one idea, and turning it into a story that feels funny and true. Even when the plots are simple, the emotional logic is very much a kid's logic.
Then came If You Give a Mouse a Cookie. The manuscript was rejected nine times before it was finally accepted in 1985, and her editor paired her with illustrator Felicia Bond. It turned into the book most readers know first, and it opened the door to a long-running series that includes If You Give a Moose a Muffin, If You Give a Pig a Pancake, If You Take a Mouse to the Movies, If You Give a Dog a Donut, and more. The books are built on a comic chain reaction, one small request leading to another, then another, until the story loops back to the start.
She understands repetition without making it dull.
That may be one reason her books work so well in homes, classrooms, and libraries. Children can predict what is coming next, join in, and feel smart while they read. At the same time, the stories stay rooted in familiar parts of childhood, snacks, school, crafts, holidays, bedtime, siblings, pets, and friendships. You see that not only in the Mouse books, but also in family-centered titles like What Mommies Do Best and in friendship stories like The Jellybeans and the Big Dance.
Numeroff has also written books that step outside pure comedy. If You Give an Author a Pencil gives young readers a simple look at her own life and writing path. Raising a Hero reflects her longtime love of animals and her interest in service dogs. Across her work, certain threads keep returning: energetic animal characters, rhythmic language, ordinary routines turned into adventures, and a real respect for how seriously children take the small events of a day.
She now lives in Los Angeles, California. Over the years, she has visited many schools, spoken to young readers, and supported causes connected to children's literacy and families. Her books feel playful on the surface, but underneath them is a steady belief that children's feelings, questions, and routines are worth noticing closely.
Edited by
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