Meet Marvin and his big imagination
Begin with Kidnapped at Birth?, where Marvin becomes convinced that he may be a missing prince and readers meet his family and classmates.
Book Series · 8 Books
Marvin Redpost Books
In order from Kidnapped at Birth? to A Magic Crystal?.
Eight short, funny chapter books follow third grader Marvin Redpost as his lively imagination meets everyday worries about school, friends, family, and fitting in.
Reviewed by the Bookroo Editors Updated
Reading order
How to Read the Marvin Redpost Books
Read the eight books in numbered order, beginning with Kidnapped at Birth? Recurring classmates and family members become more familiar in sequence, although each book's main problem is resolved within that story.
Because the books are short and mostly self-contained, a child can sample another title first. Starting at book one gives the clearest introduction to Marvin's imagination and relationships.
Sources: Penguin Random House official Marvin Redpost order.
For parents
What Parents Should Know
The stories explore teasing, rumors, embarrassment, worry, and social pressure with humor and empathy. One book involves concern for a sick dog, and another centers on pressure to ride a bike down a dangerous hill.
Book three, Is He a Girl?, uses boy-versus-girl assumptions that can feel dated. Its joke depends on Marvin worrying that his interests and behavior are not masculine enough, which may invite a useful family conversation about stereotypes.
Where to start
Where Should My Child Start?
Where the story begins
First Book in the Series
Sale price
$674
Book #1 · Chapter Book · Ages 6–9 · 1992
Kidnapped at Birth?
By Louis Sachar, Adam Record (Illustrator)
A boy discovers he may be the long-lost prince of a far-off kingdom and must navigate a series of challenges to claim his rightful place on the throne
96 pages· 5,475 words· Est. 1 hour read
$6.99Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: Marvin Redpost feels out of place in his family until a news report about a missing prince who resembles him sparks a wild idea. Convinced he's the lost prince of Shampoon, Marvin embarks on a hilarious quest to convince his parents he's destined for a royal life. Will Marvin's imagination lead him to the truth, or is he just dreaming? Dive into Marvin's quirky world where logic meets absurdity, and discover if he truly belongs in a castle or if his real adventure lies closer to home.
In reading order
Marvin Redpost Series
8 books · Published 1992–2000
#1
Sale price
$674
Kidnapped at Birth?
Chapter Book · Ages 6–9 · 1992
A boy discovers he may be the long-lost prince of a far-off kingdom and must navigate a series of challenges to claim his rightful place on the throne
#2
Sale price
$674
Why Pick on Me?
Chapter Book · Ages 6–9 · 1993
Marvin must stop a rumor before it ruins his friendships forever.
#3
Sale price
$599
Is He a Girl?
Chapter Book · Ages 6–9 · 1993
Marvin kisses his elbow and wonders if he's turning into a girl. Is it real or just imagination?
#4
Sale price
$674
Alone in His Teacher's House
Chapter Book · Ages 6–9 · 1994
Marvin's first job dog-sitting turns into a disaster when the dog falls ill.
#5
Sale price
$574
Class President
Chapter Book · Ages 6–9 · 1999
A nervous student faces the president's visit and a televised Q&A. Will he find his voice or freeze under pressure?
#6
Sale price
$574
A Flying Birthday Cake?
Chapter Book · Ages 6–9 · 1999
A sleepless night reveals a mysterious flying object and a strange new kid at school.
#7
Sale price
$599
Super Fast, Out of Control!
Chapter Book · Ages 6–9 · 2000
Can Marvin conquer his fear and ride down Suicide Hill, or will he wobble under pressure?
#8
Sale price
$574
A Magic Crystal?
Chapter Book · Ages 6–9 · 1999
Marvin's friend has a magic crystal. Is it real or just a trick?
Good to know
Common Questions
How many books are in the Marvin Redpost series?
There are 8 books in the Marvin Redpost series. It began with Kidnapped at Birth? in 1992, and the newest book, Super Fast, Out of Control!, was published in 2000.
What order should you read the Marvin Redpost books in?
Start with Kidnapped at Birth? and follow the series order — the books above are numbered #1 through #8.
What ages are the Marvin Redpost books best for?
The series is best for ages 6–9, based on the age ranges of the individual books.
Which Marvin Redpost book is the longest?
A Magic Crystal? (Book #8) is the longest book in the series at 8,071 words (96 pages).
Which Marvin Redpost book is the shortest?
Why Pick on Me? (Book #2) is the shortest at 4,646 words (96 pages).
The people
The Creatives Behind the Books
The people who bring Marvin Redpost to life.
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