The Stink Series in Order

About the Stink series

Series Premise

The series follows Stink (real name James Moody, nicknamed "Stink" because he once shrunk his favorite shirt in the wash), a short, spirited third-grader who feels overshadowed by his older sister Judy Moody's big personality. Each book is a self-contained, episodic adventure centered on Stink's everyday kid challenges and triumphs: trying to grow taller, dealing with school projects, making friends, facing fears, saving money, or solving small mysteries. Stink often embarks on ambitious schemes—collecting jawbreakers to break a world record, becoming a "superhero" in his neighborhood, starting a business, or entering contests—that go hilariously awry but teach him lessons about perseverance, honesty, friendship, and self-acceptance. The stories emphasize that being small (in height or age) doesn't mean being small in spirit: Stink is clever, determined, imaginative, and big-hearted. Recurring motifs include his love of comic books, superheroes, science facts, animals, and his rivalry/friendship with Judy. The books are fast-paced, funny, and full of kid-level "big ideas" (e.g., standing up to bullies, appreciating differences, the value of trying again), making them perfect for building reading confidence and empathy.

Main Characters

> Stink (James Moody): Protagonist—short, red-haired, imaginative third-grader (later fourth). Energetic, dramatic, science-loving, comic-book-obsessed. Feels small next to Judy but proves he's big in heart and ideas. Narrator in many books; his voice is funny, honest, and endearing.
> Judy Moody: Stink's older sister (from the Judy Moody series)—bossy, creative, dramatic. She teases Stink but loves him deeply; their sibling rivalry/friendship is central.
> Mom (Mrs. Moody): Warm, patient, creative mom—encourages Stink's ideas and keeps the family together.
> Dad (Mr. Moody): Kind, laid-back dad—supports Stink's schemes and provides quiet wisdom.
> Webster (Stink's best friend): Loyal, easygoing classmate—often joins Stink's adventures.
> Elizabeth "Izzy" (or other classmates): Rotating friends and classmates who add humor and group dynamics.
> Pets: Mouse (Stink's cat), Toady (pet toad in early books)—sources of comedy and affection.
> Recurring adults: Teachers (Mrs. Dempster), neighbors, and quirky locals who support or challenge Stink.

Setting

Contemporary suburban Virginia (inspired by McDonald's own childhood area near Richmond), specifically the fictional town where the Moody family lives. The setting is a typical middle-class American neighborhood: single-family homes with yards, a local elementary school (Virginia Dare School), parks, libraries, comic book stores, ice cream shops, and community events (science fairs, pet parades, holiday celebrations). The Moody house is cozy and chaotic—Stink's room filled with comics and collections, Judy's room packed with mood rings and junk, a backyard for schemes, and a kitchen where family meals and arguments happen. The world feels familiar and safe: bike rides, sleepovers, summer camps, and small-town activities. Occasional trips (zoo, beach, museum) add variety, but the neighborhood and school remain the heart.

Tone & Themes

Light-hearted, funny, warm, and encouraging—pure feel-good chapter book humor with a touch of heart. Megan McDonald's tone is playful and kid-centric: Stink's first-person voice is earnest, dramatic, and full of exaggerated kid logic ("I'm shrinking! I'm doomed!"). The books are packed with laugh-out-loud moments—slapstick mishaps, silly wordplay, gross-out humor (burps, boogers, smelly feet), and Stink's over-the-top reactions—while staying gentle and positive. There's no heavy drama or villains; conflicts are everyday (sibling teasing, school worries, losing a pet) and resolved with humor, apologies, and growth. The series is empowering: Stink's small stature and big imagination make him relatable to shorter kids or younger siblings, and every book ends on an uplifting note (he doesn't always win, but he always learns something and feels good about himself). It's wholesome, optimistic "comfort reading" that celebrates creativity, kindness, and being true to yourself.

The Stink series is a joyful, hilarious celebration of being a kid—small in stature but big in imagination and heart. Megan McDonald captures the everyday triumphs and mishaps of childhood with warmth, wit, and perfect pitch, making Stink a lovable, relatable hero for young readers. With 14+ books full of laugh-out-loud moments, gentle lessons, and the comforting chaos of family and friendship, it's an ideal series for building reading confidence, empathy, and a love of stories. Whether Stink is shrinking, growing, or just being himself, the books remind kids that it's okay to be small—as long as your ideas and kindness are big. A timeless, feel-good favorite for early chapter book fans.