Book Series · 12 Books

Pinky & Rex Books

In order from Pinky and Rex to Pinky and Rex and the Just-Right Pet.

Best friends Pinky and Rex support each other through school, siblings, changing families, teasing, and the freedom to enjoy what they truly like.

Reviewed by the Bookroo Editors Updated August 12, 2026

Reading order

How to Read the Pinky & Rex Books

Read the twelve stories in publication order to follow the friends' families and school experiences naturally. Each book also stands alone, so a child can begin with a timely topic such as a new baby, camp, a school play, or bullying.

Sources: Simon & Schuster Pinky & Rex series, Simon & Schuster twelve-book catalog.

For parents

What Parents Should Know

The series is especially thoughtful about individuality. Pinky is a boy who loves pink, Rex is a girl who loves dinosaurs, and their friendship gives both children room to resist other people's narrow expectations without turning their interests into a problem.

Several books address real social pressure, including teasing and bullying. Others involve a new sibling, neighbors, pets, camp, and time with two fathers during a weekend outing. The tone remains warm and age-appropriate, but these stories can open useful conversations about family structures, stereotypes, and asking adults for help.

Where the story begins

First Book in the Series

Sale price

$574

Book #1 · Chapter Book · Ages 6–8 · 1990

Pinky and Rex

By James Howe, Melissa Sweet (Illustrator)

Two friends clash over a single pink dinosaur. Can a little sister solve their dilemma?

48 pages· 1,734 words· Est. 20 min read

$5.99Save 4%

Paperback

Summary: Best friends Pinky and Rex, each with twenty-seven beloved toys, face a challenge at the museum gift shop: only one pink dinosaur is available, and both want it. As tensions rise, Pinky's little sister Amanda might hold the key to resolving their playful rivalry. Will friendship prevail, or will the pink dinosaur drive a wedge between them? Discover how a small toy can test the bonds of friendship and what it takes to find a solution that keeps everyone happy.

In reading order

Pinky & Rex Series

12 books · Published 1990–2001

#1 in Series

Sale price

$574

Pinky and Rex

Chapter Book · Ages 6–8 · 1990

Two friends clash over a single pink dinosaur. Can a little sister solve their dilemma?

#2 in Series

Sale price

$1697

Pinky and Rex Get Married

Picture Book · Ages 6–8 · 1990

Pinky's plan to never be apart from Rex leads to a surprising idea.

#3 in Series

Sale price

$574

Pinky and Rex and the Spelling Bee

Chapter Book · Ages 6–8 · 1991

A spelling bee tests friendship when unexpected challenges arise.

#4 in Series

Sale price

$474

Pinky and Rex and the Mean Old Witch

Picture Book · Ages 6–8 · 1991

Kids plot against a grumpy neighbor but discover a surprising truth.

#5 in Series

Sale price

$574

Pinky and Rex and the New Baby

Chapter Book · Ages 6–8 · 1993

A new sibling threatens Rex's place in the family. Can she balance being perfect and keeping her best friend?

#6 in Series

Sale price

$474

Pinky and Rex Go to Camp

Picture Book · Ages 6–8 · 1999

Pinky dreads camp. Can advice from a column and a friend change his mind?

Pinky and Rex and the Double-Dad Weekend

#7 in Series

Sale price

$474

Pinky and Rex and the Double-Dad Weekend

Chapter Book · Ages 6–8 · 1995

A storm threatens a camping trip. Can two friends save their weekend?

#8 in Series

Sale price

$574

Pinky and Rex and the Bully

Picture Book · Ages 6–8 · 1996

Can Pinky stay true to himself despite a bully's taunts?

#9 in Series

Sale price

$1597

Pinky and Rex and the New Neighbors

Picture Book · Ages 6–8 · 1997

Saying goodbye to an old friend, welcoming the unknown.

#10

#10 in Series

Sale price

$574

Pinky and Rex and the School Play

Chapter Book · Ages 6–8 · 1998

Can friendship survive the drama of a school play audition?

#11

#11 in Series

Sale price

$474

Pinky and Rex and the Perfect Pumpkin

Picture Book · Ages 6–8 · 1998

Rex feels excluded on a pumpkin-picking trip.

#12

#12 in Series

Sale price

$574

Pinky and Rex and the Just-Right Pet

Chapter Book · Ages 6–8 · 2001

Pinky wants a dog, but the new kitten has other plans.

Good to know

Common Questions

How many books are in the Pinky & Rex series?

There are 12 books in the Pinky & Rex series. It began with Pinky and Rex in 1990, and the newest book, Pinky and Rex and the Just-Right Pet, was published in 2001.