Instructions
"Instructions" 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.
🟡 Optional side story — not required for main plot
This is a side story that can be safely bypassed without losing any context for the main series.
Verdict Insight: While this short_story provides deeper world-building, it is a standalone story and can be read at any stage.
Chu's Day
Book #7 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
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 Instructions?
This is a side story that can be safely bypassed without losing any context for the main series.
Can I read Instructions before Smoke and Mirrors?
Yes. Instructions is an optional side story and can be read at any time without spoiling the main series plot.
Is Instructions 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 Instructions in the reading order?
The next recommended book after Instructions is Chu's Day (Book #7).
More by Neil Gaiman
Spawn Origins Collection 2
2010
Neil Gaiman Young Readers' Collection (Coraline / Fortunately, The Milk / Graveyard Book / Odd And The Frost Giants)
2014
The Year's Best Fantasy And Horror--ninth Annual Collection
2021
The Neil Gaiman Audio Collection (Cinnamon / Crazy Hair / Day I Swapped My Dad For Two Goldfish / Wolves In The Walls
2004