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Roverandom
J.R.R. Tolkien

Roverandom

Quick Answer

"Roverandom" is an optional companion work. It can be read at any time, though it is usually best enjoyed after reading the first few core novels of the Standalone Stories & Novellas.

Quick Verdict

🟡 Optional side story — not required for main plot

❓ Can I skip this book?
✅ Yes — Optional

This is a companion work that enriches the lore but is not strictly necessary to follow the main plot.

Verdict Insight: While this novella provides deeper world-building, it is a standalone story and can be read at any stage.

Is this helpful?
2025128 ppNovellaOptional Side Story
Roverandom is a novella written by J.R.R. Tolkien, originally told in 1925. It deals with the adventures of a young dog, Rover. In the story, an irritable wizard turns Rover into a toy, and Rover goes to the moon and under the sea in order to find the wizard again to turn him back into a normal-sized dog. The author wrote Roverandom for his son Michael Tolkien to amuse him upon the loss of his favorite toy — a little leaden dog. The work is in tone a children's story, but contains many allusions and references in the manner of "Farmer Giles of Ham".
Next Recommended Book

The Story Of Kullervo

Book #8 of 7 in Series

Complete Series Reading Order

Publication Order

Preserves character reveals and plot twists exactly as the author intended.

Chronological Order

May spoil surprises but improves timeline clarity for deep lore fans.

Order Confidence

high Confidence

Why this order?

Our team of curators analyzes publication history, author interviews, and internal narrative continuity to establish the definitive reading sequence. This ensures zero spoilers and maximum narrative impact.

Why This Order Is Confusing

Many reading lists for Standalone Stories & Novellas conflict because early publishers often labeled short story collections as standalone novels, or rearranged internal chronologies for marketing. This guide follows original author intent and narrative continuity to settle the debate for good.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I skip reading Roverandom?

This is a companion work that enriches the lore but is not strictly necessary to follow the main plot.

Can I read Roverandom before Smith Of Wootton Major?

Yes. Roverandom is an optional side story and can be read at any time without spoiling the main series plot.

Is Roverandom required reading for the Standalone Stories & Novellas?

No, it is a companion work that enriches the lore but is not essential to the central storyline.

What comes after Roverandom in the reading order?

The next recommended book after Roverandom is The Story Of Kullervo (Book #8).