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Fortunately, The Milk
Neil Gaiman

Fortunately, The Milk

Quick Answer

"Fortunately, The Milk" 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 Picture Books and Children's Fiction.

Quick Verdict

🟡 Optional side story — not required for main plot

âť“ 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?
2013160 ppNovellaOptional Side Story
A little boy and his little sister awake one morning, milkless. Their mother is away on business, their father is buried in the paper, and their Toastios are dry. What are young siblings to do? They impress upon their father that his tea is also without milk and sit back to watch their plan take effect. But something goes amiss, and their father doesn’t return and doesn’t return some more. When he does, finally, he has a story to tell, a story involving aliens; pirates; ponies; wumpires (not the handsome, brooding kind); and a stegosaurus professor who pilots a Floaty-Ball-Person-Carrier (which looks suspiciously like a hot-air balloon). There is time travel, treachery, and ample adventure, and, fortunately, the milk he has procured is rescued at every turn.
Next Recommended Book

Crazy Hair

Book #9 of 14 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 Picture Books and Children's Fiction 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 Fortunately, The Milk?

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

Can I read Fortunately, The Milk before Chu's Day?

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

Is Fortunately, The Milk required reading for the Picture Books and Children's Fiction?

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

What comes after Fortunately, The Milk in the reading order?

The next recommended book after Fortunately, The Milk is Crazy Hair (Book #9).