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series Reading Order

Mog the Cat Books in Order

27 Books
1970 – 2016 Published
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Reading order

How to Read Mog the Cat

For over fifty years, Mog the Cat has captured the hearts of readers with her chaotic, heartwarming, and deeply relatable family misadventures. Written and illustrated by the celebrated British creator Judith Kerr, the series is wonderfully flexible. Because almost all the books function as standalone stories, readers can enjoy them in any order. However, the narrative has a distinct emotional arc, which makes starting at the very beginning and ending with the final book highly recommended.

The Recommended Reading Path

  1. Start with the Classic Debut: Always begin with Mog the Forgetful Cat (1970). This introduces Mog's character, her unique blend of forgetfulness and accidental heroism, and her human family—Mr. and Mrs. Thomas, Debbie, and Nicky.
  2. Explore the Episodic Middle Stories: Read the subsequent titles in publication order. These capture everyday occurrences—such as vet visits, noisy gardens, birthday parties, and holiday celebrations—which escalate into charming cat-centered dramas.
  3. Save the Core Finale for Last: Read Goodbye Mog (2002) at the end of the original run. This gentle, poignant book handles Mog's passing and remains one of the most respected children's books on pet bereavement and loss.
  4. Read the Posthumous and Holiday Specials: Books like Mog's Christmas Calamity (2015) and the 50th-anniversary special Mog’s Birthday (2020) can be read as delightful companions to the main series.

Publication Order of Mog the Cat Books

Here is the full chronology of Mog's books, based on their release history. Note that while core narrative picture books drive the main series, Kerr also created several toddler-focused board books (such as Mog and Me) and early concept books (such as My First MOG ABC).

  • Mog the Forgetful Cat (1970)
  • Mog's Christmas (1976)
  • Mog in the Dark (1983)
  • Mog and Me (1984)
  • Mog's Family of Cats (1985)
  • Mog’s Amazing Birthday Caper (1986)
  • Mog and Bunny (1988)
  • Mog and the Baby (1991)
  • Mog in the Garden (1991)
  • Mog and Barnaby (1991) - Also published under the title Look Out Mog!
  • Look Out Mog! (1991)
  • Mog on Fox Night (1993)
  • Mog’s Kittens (1994)
  • Mog and the Granny (1995)
  • Mog and the Vee-Ee-Tee / Mog and the V.E.T (1996)
  • Mog’s Bad Thing (2000)
  • Goodbye Mog (2002)
  • Mog and Bunny and Other Stories (2013)
  • Mog's Christmas Calamity (2015)
  • Mog and the Baby and Other Stories (2016)
  • Mog and Me and Other Stories (2016)
  • My First Mog Books (2016)
  • My First MOG ABC (2017)
  • My First MOG 123 (2018)
  • Mog’s Suitcase (2018)
  • The Mog Treasury (2020)
  • Mog’s Birthday (2020)

Chronological Caveats and Special Publications

While the publication list runs sequentially, there are a few chronological details and title variations that readers should look out for:

The Legacy of Goodbye Mog and Later Releases

Judith Kerr published Goodbye Mog in 2002 to act as a gentle conclusion to the series, where Mog passes away from old age and assists a new kitten from the spirit world. However, later books like Mog's Christmas Calamity (2015) and Mog's Birthday (2020) are set during Mog's lifetime. Therefore, if you are reading chronologically, these newer stories should be read before Goodbye Mog.

Mog's Birthday (2020)

Published posthumously following Judith Kerr's death in 2019, Mog's Birthday was released to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the franchise. It was developed in collaboration with Kerr shortly before her passing, compiling illustrations from her extensive archive to tell a new celebration story.

The "Look Out, Mog" Title Variation

The 1991 release Mog and Barnaby is frequently published under the alternative title Look Out Mog! depending on the region and the publisher. They contain the same story detailing Mog's run-in with a neighborly dog.

What to Know Before You Start

Judith Kerr, who fled Nazi Germany with her family in 1933 and eventually settled in England, based Mog on her own family's beloved pet cats. The character of Mog was specifically inspired by Wienitz, a timid but affectionate pet. Kerr’s signature style features concise, rhythmic prose combined with highly expressive hand-drawn illustrations that perfectly capture realistic cat behaviors—from stretching and stalking to making disgruntled faces.

Because the series spans over five decades, the books grow with the reader. The early concept books (like My First MOG ABC) are perfect for infants, whereas narrative picture books like Mog and the V.E.T. or Mog's Bad Thing appeal to older toddlers and school-age children facing real-life milestones.

Frequently Asked

QWhich Mog the Cat book should I read first?

You should start with Mog the Forgetful Cat (1970), which introduces Mog, the Thomas family, and the running joke of her accidental heroism.

QIn what order should I read the Mog books?

Read the main series in publication order, but make sure to save Goodbye Mog (2002) for the very end, as it deals with Mog's death.

QIs Look Out Mog! a different story from Mog and Barnaby?

No, they are the same book. Look Out Mog! is an alternative title used by publishers in certain regions for Mog and Barnaby.

QAre there books published after Goodbye Mog?

Yes. Books like Mog's Christmas Calamity (2015) and Mog's Birthday (2020) were published later but take place chronologically during Mog's lifetime.

QWas Mog the Cat based on a real pet?

Yes, Judith Kerr based Mog on her family's own cats, particularly a timid but lovable pet named Wienitz.