Best Pokemon Books in Order (2026): 5 Compared

A young reader who wants to follow Ash through each adventure in sequence needs the books in the right order, and the best pokemon books in order put the stories, guides and sets in sequence. The books below were compared on reading age, grade level, page count and series position.

ShelfAnswers earns a commission when you buy through links on this page, at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Affiliate disclosure.

The picks

#	Product	Shelf Score	Buy
1	Pocket Guide V1 by Shogakukan	9.8/10	Buy on Amazon
2	A New Beginning by Shapiro	9.7/10	Buy on Amazon
3	Pokémon Adventures 7-Volume Set	9.7/10	Buy on Amazon
4	Orange Islands by West	9.6/10	Buy on Amazon
5	Pokécology by Pikachu Press	9.5/10	Buy on Amazon

1

Pocket Guide V1 by Shogakukan

Shogakukan·9.8/10 Shelf Score

i

The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

For readers who want a full-color guide organized by Pokédex number; skip it if you want a story chapter book.

Check price on Amazon

Pros

• 560 pages stated
• Book 1 of 2, organized by Pokédex number
• Full-color pictures, descriptions and stats

Cons

• Part of a two-volume set
• Reference guide, not a story chapter book
• Grade level 4-6, above the chapter books

2

A New Beginning by Shapiro

Rebecca Shapiro·9.7/10 Shelf Score

i

The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

For readers starting the Galar chapter books in order with Ash and Pikachu; skip it if you want a reference guide.

Check price on Amazon

Pros

• 128 pages stated
• Galar Chapter Book #1, a series start
• Grade level 2-5 and reading age 7-10 years

Cons

• Publication date November 10, 2020
• Chapter book, not a reference guide
• Reading age 7-10 years, above younger readers

3

Pokémon Adventures 7-Volume Set

Hidenori Kusaka·9.7/10 Shelf Score

i

The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

A 7-volume manga box set with a color poster, for readers 9 and up.

Check price on Amazon

Pros

• 7 volumes with 1504 pages
• Color poster included in the box set
• VIZ Media box edition

Cons

• Ages 9 and up is above the 6 to 8 focus
• The description names both vols 15-22 and vols 1-7
• Manga reads right to left, which may confuse new readers

4

Orange Islands by West

Tracey West·9.6/10 Shelf Score

i

The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

For readers who follow Ash to the Orange Islands in a short illustrated chapter book; skip it if you want a Galar book.

Check price on Amazon

Pros

• 96 pages stated
• Grade level 2-5 and reading age 6-10 years
• Reissued illustrated chapter book

Cons

• Publication date January 31, 2017
• Reading age marked as from customers only
• Only 96 pages stated

5

Pokécology by Pikachu Press

Pikachu Press·9.5/10 Shelf Score

i

The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

An illustrated guide to Pokemon ecology for animal behavior fans.

Check price on Amazon

Pros

• Vivid illustrations present ecologies from Pokedex data
• Compares similarities and differences between ecologies
• Author and illustrator hold doctorates in animal ecology

Cons

• No poster is stated in the listing
• Grade 1 - 2 sits below age 8 and up
• Ecology angle, not a stat book

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

More picks to compare

• Pokémon Pocket Guide Box SetA two-volume slipcased set with stats on 898 Pokémon for grade 4-6 readers.Check on Amazon
• Pokémon Mega Collection 18 BooksAn 18-book box set of chapter books and puzzle books for ages 5-9.Check on Amazon

Compare the picks

Book details as published on each listing, collected 25 October 2026.

How we scored them

The Shelf Score weighs fit for the reader, contents and edition, value, and the listed reading age or level. Three of the five picks list a reading age and grade level, while the two title-only picks list neither. How we pick explains the weights.

Scores run from 9.2 to 9.8: each book’s point total is placed on that range, so more points always means a higher score. Reading age or level counts on a list where at least one listing gives one, and a book whose listing gives none then scores zero on it. Where no listing gives one, the score is taken over the other 85 points. Books carry no warranty, so warranty is not scored.

How to choose the best pokemon books in order

Reading order

Start with a series opener: the Pocket Guide is Book 1 of 2, and A New Beginning is Galar Chapter Book #1. For more Pokemon reading, see the Pokemon books for kids list.

Guides or stories

Guides give stats and pictures: the Pocket Guide covers 442 Pokémon in this volume, organized by Pokédex number. Chapter books tell stories about Ash and Pikachu. The two title-only picks state no description, so their contents cannot be compared.

Age and grade

Reading ages run from 6-10 years to 8-11 years, with grade levels from 2-5 to 4-6. Only the Orange Islands reading age is marked as from customers. For sticker books, see the Pokemon book with stickers list.

Before you buy

• Check the reading age and grade level: 6-10 to 8-11 years, grades 2-5 to 4-6.
• Check the series position: Book 1 of 2, Galar Chapter Book #1.
• Check the page count: 96 pages to 560 pages across the full listings.

Frequently Asked Questions

What order should I read Pokemon books in?

Start with the Pocket Guide, Book 1 of 2, or the Galar Chapter Book #1.

What age are Pokemon books for?

The full listings give reading ages from 6-10 years to 8-11 years, with grade levels from 2-5 to 4-6.

Are Pokemon books chapter books or guides?

Both: the Pocket Guide is a full-color reference with stats, while the Orange Islands and Galar books are illustrated chapter books.

Still deciding? Our top pickPocket Guide V1 by Shogakukan

Check price on Amazon

Related lists

See every kids and teens books list.

More lists: Pokemon phonics books, Pokemon book with poster, Pokemon books for adults.