The Spiderwick Chronicles Books in Order: How to read Tony DiTerlizzi and Holly Black’s series?

Written by American authors Tony DiTerlizzi and Holly Black, The Spiderwick Chronicles is a best-selling series of children’s fantasy books that blends folklore with modern adventure. The story follows the Grace siblings—twin brothers Simon and Jared, and their older sister Mallory—as they uncover a hidden world of magical creatures after moving with their mother, Helen, into the mysterious and dilapidated Spiderwick Estate.

Their discovery begins when Jared stumbles upon a field guide written by their great-great-uncle, Arthur Spiderwick, detailing an entire unseen world of faeries, goblins, trolls, and other supernatural beings. Despite repeated warnings from these creatures—and from the guide itself—the children delve deeper into this secret realm.

As the siblings navigate the wonders and dangers of the faerie world, they find themselves caught in a growing conflict. A powerful and malevolent ogre named Mulgarath seeks to use the knowledge in Arthur’s field guide to dominate both the magical and human worlds. It falls to the Grace children to outwit the dark forces pursuing them, protect the guide, and preserve the fragile boundary between the two worlds.

First published in 2003, the original five-book series has since expanded with companion volumes and inspired a 2008 film adaptation, as well as a new live-action television series. The Spiderwick Chronicles is celebrated for its fast-paced storytelling, richly illustrated pages, and its seamless blend of the fantastical with the everyday challenges of family and growing up.

How do you read The Spiderwick Chronicles Series in Order?

To read The Spiderwick Chronicles in order, you can start with the original five-book series and then expand your journey with spin-offs and companion books that further explore the magical world created by Tony DiTerlizzi and Holly Black.

The Spiderwick Chronicles in Order

1. The Field Guide (2003) – After moving into the old Spiderwick Estate with their mother, the Grace siblings—Mallory, and twins Simon and Jared—discover a dusty, hidden library and an old book: Arthur Spiderwick’s Field Guide to the Fantastical World Around You. When Jared opens the book, the children are suddenly thrust into a secret world of magical creatures, some wondrous and others dangerous. Strange things start happening around the house, and they soon realize they’ve drawn the attention of faeries—and not all of them are friendly.
2. The Seeing Stone (2003) – Jared and his siblings realize they’re being watched—and attacked—by goblins! When Simon is kidnapped, Jared must use the magical “seeing stone” to peer into the invisible faerie world and mount a daring rescue. The children begin to understand that the Field Guide holds immense power, and many creatures will stop at nothing to possess it.
3. Lucinda’s Secret (2003) – Seeking answers, the Grace children visit their great-aunt Lucinda, now in a care facility, who reveals more about the dangers of the faerie world—and about Arthur Spiderwick’s mysterious disappearance. Tensions rise between the siblings over what to do with the Field Guide, as their choices have serious consequences. Meanwhile, the magical world’s interest in the book intensifies.
4. The Ironwood Tree (2004) – At Mallory’s fencing tournament, the Grace children are drawn deeper into conflict when they’re attacked by shape-shifting creatures. Jared finds himself at odds with his family and haunted by questions about their father’s absence. The villains begin closing in, including a terrifying ogre named Mulgarath, who is plotting something far worse than they imagined.
5. The Wrath of Mulgarath (2004) – The Grace children face their greatest threat yet—Mulgarath, the powerful ogre determined to obtain the Field Guide and use its knowledge to conquer both the magical and human worlds. With time running out and their home in ruins, the siblings must rally allies from the faerie world and take a final stand to protect the book, their family, and their future.

Beyond the Spiderwick Chronicles in Order

1. The Nixie’s Song(2007) – Set after the events of the original series, this follow-up introduces Nick and Laurie, two new protagonists living in Florida. When they encounter a nixie—a type of water faerie—who pleads for help saving her habitat, they uncover a hidden world of magical creatures under threat. Despite Nick’s skepticism, he and Laurie get pulled into a dangerous quest involving giants and environmental destruction, leading them to seek help from none other than Jared and Simon Grace.
2. A Giant Problem (2008) – Nick and Laurie’s adventures continue as they realize Florida’s faerie world is in upheaval. Giants are awakening and going on destructive rampages, and only the kids can stop them. But the line between myth and reality becomes even blurrier when Nick’s family life is complicated by the arrival of a new stepbrother, and the danger from the magical world escalates. With few allies, they must act quickly to avoid catastrophe.
3. The Wyrm King (2009) – The final book in the spin-off trilogy sees Nick, Laurie, and their reluctant stepbrother Jules race against time to prevent a catastrophe caused by the Wyrm King, a monstrous creature disrupting the balance of the natural world. With guidance from the Grace siblings, the trio must confront not only magical threats but also the challenges of family, teamwork, and responsibility. It’s a fast-paced, high-stakes conclusion to the expanded Spiderwick saga.

The Spiderwick Chronicles: Companion Books

You can continue to explore the Spiderwick Chronicles by going beyond the novels with the following companion books:

• Arthur Spiderwick’s Notebook for Fantastical Observations – This beautifully illustrated in-universe companion is designed as the actual guide Arthur Spiderwick wrote. It’s a richly detailed bestiary filled with drawings, notes, and observations about faeries, trolls, goblins, nixies, brownies, and other supernatural beings. It expands on the lore of the series and invites readers to explore the magical world in greater depth.
• Arthur Spiderwick’s Field Guide to the Fantastical World Around You – This long-awaited compendium to the worldwide Spiderwick phenomenon delivers enough information to satisfy even the most demanding faerie enthusiast.
• The Spiderwick Chronicles: Care and Feeding of Sprites – Presented as a supplementary guide for readers who “own” sprites, this book serves as a tongue-in-cheek care manual for dealing with these tricky, flighty creatures. It features gorgeous illustrations, sprite facts, and safety tips. While humorous and fun, it also expands the ecosystem of the Spiderwick world, giving insights into faerie biology and habits.
• The Chronicles of Spiderwick: A Grand Tour of the Enchanted World, Navigated by Thimbletack – Thimbletack, the house boggart of the Spiderwick residence guides readers through the history of the estate with the help of pullouts, pop-ups, fold-outs, and more, in an interactive title enhanced with never-before-seen original art, photographs, and sepia-colored images.

What should you read if you like The Spiderwick Chronicles novels?

If you enjoyed The Spiderwick Chronicles by Tony DiTerlizzi and Holly Black, you’ll likely be drawn to other richly imagined fantasy series that mix the magical with the everyday. Naturally, Holly Black’s other works—such as The Folk of the Air series (The Cruel Prince, The Wicked King, The Queen of Nothing)—are a great next step, especially for readers who want darker, more mature faerie lore.

You might also enjoy:

• Percy Jackson and the Olympians by Rick Riordan – Mythology meets modern adventure as a young demigod discovers his powers and heritage.

• Fablehaven by Brandon Mull – A hidden sanctuary for magical creatures becomes the setting for epic battles between light and dark.

• The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis – A timeless classic of children stepping through a wardrobe into a fantastical realm of talking animals and ancient magic.

• The Inkheart Trilogy by Cornelia Funke – A story about books that literally come to life, perfect for readers who love the idea of magic in the real world.

• Artemis Fowl by Eoin Colfer – Follows a boy genius and criminal mastermind who gets tangled up with a high-tech, underground world of fairies.

• Septimus Heap by Angie Sage – A richly built magical world with a cast of wizards, ghosts, and enchanted artifacts.

• The Last Apprentice (also known as The Wardstone Chronicles) by Joseph Delaney – A darker fantasy series featuring a young boy apprenticed to a spook, charged with fighting evil spirits and witches.

• Amari and the Night Brothers by B.B. Alston – A recent addition to magical middle-grade fiction, featuring a secret supernatural bureau and a brave girl uncovering her own power.

These books all share themes of hidden worlds, reluctant heroes, magical creatures, and coming-of-age in the face of danger—perfect for fans of The Spiderwick Chronicles.