Calvin and Hobbes Books in Order
Introducing Your Child to the Magical World of a Boy and His Stuffed Tiger
By Lily | Published 21 October 2022 | Book titles and covers are affiliate links.
As a parent, you want to encourage your children to develop a love of reading. One way to do this is by introducing them to beloved comic strips like Calvin and Hobbes by cartoonist Bill Watterson. This beloved series follows the adventures of a young boy named Calvin and his cuddly toy tiger, Hobbes.
Calvin and Hobbes is a truly noteworthy tribute to the magic of childhood and a singular cartoon that has captured the imaginations of generations of readers. By following our guide to the Calvin and Hobbes books in order, you can help your child explore the imaginative world of a boy and his stuffed tiger, and discover the wonder of Calvin's world.
In this article, we'll provide a guide to the Calvin & Hobbes books in order, highlighting the main books, collections, their chronological order, and related books that your child may enjoy.
The Background Story of the Calvin and Hobbes Series
Calvin and Hobbes is a comic strip created by cartoonist Bill Watterson. Beloved Calvin is a rambunctious 6-year-old boy with an overactive imagination who creates imaginary friends and fantasy worlds to escape the tedium of his daily life. Hobbes, a stuffed tiger, is his loyal and ferocious friend who becomes his partner in crime in all of his adventures.
The series follows the imaginative world of Calvin and his best friend Hobbes, as they embark on adventures and explore the world around them. The series includes a range of characters, including Calvin's parents, his classmate Susie Derkins, and his alter egos, Spaceman Spliff and Stupendous Man.
Calvin and Hobbes is one of the most brilliant comic strip of all time and has been praised for its humor, creativity, and poignant look at the life of an irascible little boy. It has been compared to other classic comic strips, such as Peanuts by Charles M. Schulz and Doonesbury by Garry Trudeau.
The Order of the Calvin and Hobbes Books (chronological)
If your child wants to read the complete Calvin and Hobbes series in the best order, it's recommended to read them in chronological order, which is as follows:
1. Calvin and Hobbes
This is the first book collection of Calvin and Hobbes, featuring a mix of Watterson's best strips from the first few years of the series and introducing readers to the imaginative world of Calvin and Hobbes.
2. The Revenge of the Baby-Sat
The second volume sees Calvin and Hobbes continuing their wild and hilarious escapades. From Calvin's alter egos like Stupendous Man and Spaceman Spiff to his battles with Susie Derkins.
3. Attack of the Deranged Mutant Killer Monster Snow Goons
The third volume has all of the classic Calvin and Hobbes moments, including their battle against the titular snow goons.
4. The Essential Calvin and Hobbes
The fourth book is a complete collection of the best and most popular comic strips of all time. It includes the most brilliant moments of Calvin and Hobbes, including their famous Sunday pages. This volume is a must-have for any Calvin and Hobbes fan
5. The Authoritative Calvin and Hobbes
The fifth book continues the adventures of Calvin and Hobbes as they explore the magical world of childhood. From Calvin's scientific experiments to his battles with his parents, this volume is an indispensable addition to any Calvin and Hobbes collection.
6. The Indispensable Calvin and Hobbes
The sixth book is a collection of the most iconic Calvin and Hobbes moments. This volume includes the classic strips that made Calvin and Hobbes so beloved, including the hilarious Hobbes cartoons and the poignant moments between Calvin and his parents.
7. The Calvin and Hobbes Tenth Anniversary Book
The seventh book celebrates the tenth anniversary of the series with a collection of original content. This volume includes an illustrated poem, a look at the development of Bill Watterson's art, and a round of time travel with Calvin and Hobbes.
8. The Days are Just Packed
The eighth book is a collection of Calvin and Hobbes strips that explore the wonder of childhood. From Calvin's alter egos to his adventures with Hobbes, this volume is a must-read for any Calvin and Hobbes fan.
9. Homicidal Psycho Jungle Cat
The ninth book continues Calvin and Hobbes's adventures. This volume includes strips that explore the darker side of Calvin's imagination, including his battles with the titular Homicidal Psycho Jungle Cat.
10. It's a Magical World
The last book in the series is a poignant look at the close collaboration between Calvin and Hobbes. This volume includes the final strip of the series, which is a beautiful tribute to the magic of Calvin and Hobbes.
The Order of the Calvin and Hobbes Books (by publication)
Another way your child can read the Calvin and Hobbes series in order is by publication date, which is as follows
1. Calvin and Hobbes, April 1987
2. Something Under the Bed is Drooling, April 1988
3. The Essential Calvin and Hobbes: A Calvin and Hobbes Treasury, September 1988
4. Yukon Ho!, March 1989
5. The Calvin and Hobbes Lazy Sunday Book: A Collection of Sunday Calvin and Hobbes Cartoons, September 1989
6. Weirdos from Another Planet!, March 1990
7. The Authoritative Calvin and Hobbes: A Calvin and Hobbes Treasury, October 1990
8. The Revenge of the Baby-Sat, April 1991
9. Scientific Progress Goes “Boink”, October 1991
10. Attack of the Deranged Mutant Killer Monster Snow Goons, April 1992
11. The Indispensable Calvin and Hobbes: A Calvin and Hobbes Treasury, October 1992
12. Teaching with Calvin and Hobbes, 1993
13. The Days Are just Packed, October 1993
14. Homicidal Psycho Jungle Cat, October 1994
15. The Calvin and Hobbes Tenth Anniversary Book, October 1995
16. There’s Treasure Everywhere, March 1996
17. It’s a Magical World, October 1996
19. The Complete Calvin and Hobbes (hardcover), October 2005
20. The Complete Calvin and Hobbes (paperback), November 2012
The Legacy of the Calvin and Hobbes Series
Calvin and Hobbes is one of the most beloved comic strips of all time. Created by cartoonist Bill Watterson, it ran from 1985 to 1995 and was syndicated in over 2,400 newspapers worldwide including the New York Times. The series has been praised for its wit, humor, and the beautiful friendship between Calvin and his ferocious tiger Hobbes. The series has won numerous awards, including two coveted Reuben Awards from the National Cartoonists Society.
The Calvin and Hobbes series has become a cultural touchstone and has influenced many other artists and writers. Its popularity has spawned a plethora of merchandise, including plush Hobbes dolls, calendars, and coffee mugs. It has also inspired other comic strips like Foxtrot and Zits.
In 2014, the Ohio State University hosted an exhibition of Bill Watterson's original sketches of Calvin and Hobbes. The exhibition catalogue, called Exploring Calvin and Hobbes, is a truly noteworthy tribute to the magic of Calvin and Hobbes. The exhibition was a huge success and attracted fans from all over the world.
Recommendation for Parents
As a parent, you want to encourage your children to develop a love of reading. If you want to introduce your child to the world of Calvin and Hobbes, here are some ideas to get started:
1. Read together
Reading the Calvin and Hobbes books together with your child can be a great way to bond and share a love of books. You can take turns reading aloud, discuss the humor and characters, and even act out your favorite scenes.
2. Start with the first book
It's best to start with the first book collection of Calvin and Hobbes to introduce your child to the world and characters. This will help them understand the humor and themes as they progress through the series.
3. Consider age appropriateness
The Calvin and Hobbes series is appropriate for children of all ages, but some of the humor and themes may be better suited for children over the age of 8 or 9. It's important to consider your child's age and maturity level before introducing them to this series.
Whether your child is a new reader or a long-time fan of Calvin and Hobbes, this series is a must-read for any parent who wants to encourage their children to develop a love of reading. By joining Calvin and Hobbes on their adventures, your child will learn about the joys of imagination, the wonder of the natural world, and the importance of friendship and creativity.
In conclusion, the Calvin and Hobbes series is a must-read for any young reader who loves the imaginative world of a young boy and his stuffed tiger. With its mix of humor, wit, and poignant moments, this series is a perfect introduction to the world of reading for young children. The adventures of Calvin and Hobbes will keep your child engaged with its imaginative world and relatable characters. So, whether your child is a fan of comic books or just looking for a new series to enjoy, the Calvin and Hobbes books are a must-read for any young reader.
Happy reading!
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