Matt Haig is a versatile author who has stood out in every genre and category he has immersed himself in, all with that touch of whimsy and otherworldliness that defines his written word.
From thought-provoking adult fiction to heartwarming children’s tales, his published works have received worldwide acclaim and continue to welcome eager fans.
Read ahead to embark on a fascinating exploration of Matt Haig’s life and imagination as reflected in his acclaimed books.
- Matt Haig Adult Fiction Books
- Matt Haig’s Books For Children
- Matt Haig’s Non-Fiction Books
- Who Should Read Matt Haig’s Books?
Matt Haig Adult Fiction Books
From his first novels to The Midnight Library‘s massive success, Matt Haig’s books for an adult audience are captivating works of fiction that continue to gain fans worldwide.
He is scheduled to release a new novel, The Life Impossible, later in 2024.
The Last Family in England
(2004)
Prince is a young dog dedicated to protecting his family, as stipulated by the Labrador Pact. But while his humans fall apart one by one and other dogs challenge his beliefs, Prince’s convictions begin to shake.
Also known as The Labrador Pact, The Last Family in England is a novel loosely inspired by various Shakespearean history plays, most notably Henry IV.
The Dead Fathers Club
(2006)
This YA Hamlet retelling is written from the perspective of 11-year-old Philip, a young boy haunted by his father’s ghost, who recently passed away in a car accident. Or so it seems at first—the ghost confesses to Philip that his Uncle Alan killed him. And now he wants revenge.
The Possession of Mr. Cave
(2008)
Terence Cave has lost it all. His mother to suicide, his wife to murder, and his son to bullying. His young daughter is all he has left—and he will protect her at any cost.
A contemporary horror story, The Possession of Mr. Cave is an unsettling read apt for thriller-lovers.
The Radleys
(2010)
The Radleys are a somewhat average suburban family. However, the sun has developed extreme insomnia and sun sensitivity, while the daughter’s vegan diet is making her sicker than before. It may be time for Mom and Dad to let the kids know they’re vampires.
Part domestic drama, part horror, and part comedy, The Radleys offers a different take on vampires.
The Humans
(2013)
The Vonnadorians seem to believe humanity to be primitive, violent, and incompetent. But when they send an agent to work among Earthlings in disguise, he slowly unravels the complexity lurking beneath the human experience.
The Humans is a witty and profound science-fiction story that challenges readers to see humanity from an outsider’s perspective.
How To Stop Time
(2017)
Tom Hazard appears to be an average man, but he hides a secret—a condition that has kept him alive for centuries and made him shape the same history he now teaches. The Albatross Society protects other individuals like him as long as he complies with their one rule: don’t fall in love.
How To Stop Time is a magical realism story with a dash of historical fiction and romance that is hard to forget.
The Midnight Library
(2020)
Regarded as Haig’s magnum opus, The Midnight Library follows Nora Seed as she finds the eponymous Midnight Library—a magical place filled with the Books of Regret. Each book depicts her life and how it would play out without one specific regret, big or small.
She has limited time to browse as many as she can and find the best life she can live.
Matt Haig’s Books For Children
Matt Haig’s collection of children’s books is as beloved and respected as his adult novels. Full of whimsical charm and coupled with gorgeous illustrations, they are a quirky yet endearing delight for kids of all ages.
Once again, the books are listed in publication order.
Samuel Blink and the Forbidden Forest
Shadow Forest Series #1 (2007)
In this fairytale infused with Norse mythology, 12-year-old Samuel rushes to save his sister with the help of Ibsen, the Norwegian elkhound, by stepping into a strange and dangerous forest filled with mystical creatures.
Samuel Blink and the Runaway Troll
Shadow Forest Series #2 (2008)
When a troll boy escapes the Shadow Forest and seeks refuge with Samuel Blink, he has no choice but to help. But the Betterer, the evil troll lurking in the Shadow Forest, will stop at nothing to retrieve him—and take Samuel too.
To Be a Cat
(2012)
Barney Willow thinks he has a bad life—he’s bullied in school by the terrible Gavin Needle, his teacher scares him, and his father has been missing for almost a year.
But when he wishes for the simple and happy life of a lazy housecat, he gets his wish granted—waking up the next day as Gavin Needle’s cat. Things are not as easy as he thought.
Echo Boy
(2014)
One of Haig’s YA books, this science-fiction romance is set in a dystopic world where androids called Echoes coexist with humanity. They look like humans but are emotionless machines meant to serve.
Daniel is an echo, but he is different. He feels things. For Audrey.
A Boy Called Christmas
Christmas Series #1 (2015)
In this lovely holiday fairytale, Haig tells the story of Christmas. The man that, before becoming Father Christmas, was just a boy. A Finnish boy named Nikolas who believed in magic, did the impossible, and changed the world.
The Girl Who Saved Christmas
Christmas Series #2 (2016)
In this sequel to A Boy Called Christmas, Father Christmas may need some help. As magic starts to fade and he becomes unable to grant wishes, he must rely on Amelia, a girl in Victorian England who believes.
Father Christmas and Me
Christmas Series #3 (2017)
The adoptive daughter of Father Christmas and his wife, Mary Christmas, struggles with some issues. Living in Elfhelm is complicated, and Elf School is not easy for a human. But when the Easter Bunny attacks, she might be the hero that her new homeland needs.
The Truth Pixie
Christmas Series #4 (2018)
Written as a rhyming nursery song, The Truth Pixie is a holiday story that will suit the tastes of the youngest children in the house. Funny and endearing, it follows the tale of the Truth Pixie—just as cats go meow and cows go moo, The Truth Pixie can only say things that are true.
Evie and the Animals
Evie Series #1 (2019)
Evie and the Animals is a charming children’s story about Evie, a ten-year-old girl with the secret power to talk to animals and hear their thoughts. She uses this power to help—and create a little chaos.
The Truth Pixie Goes to School
(2019)
Another book for the younger audience, The Truth Pixie Goes to School follows the same rhyme style as the previous one, coupled with gorgeous illustrations by Chris Mould and essential discussions about honesty, bullying, and being true to yourself.
Evie in the Jungle
Evie Series #2 (2020)
Set two years after the first entry, Evie in the Jungle follows the protagonist on a trip to the Amazon rainforest. As she befriends pink river dolphins and chats up with jaguars, she discovers the deadly danger that lurks against the jungle.
A Mouse Called Miika
Christmas Series #1.5 (2021)
A spinoff from A Boy Named Christmas that follows the whereabouts of little mouse Miika after the events of the book, coupled with lovely illustrations and a meaningful story about good and bad friendships.
Matt Haig’s Non-Fiction Books
Although the nonfiction catalog under Haig’s name may not be as abundant, it is a worthy read for those interested in the genre, mainly focusing on mental health.
You may also find it insightful to explore the difference between fiction and nonfiction books.
Reasons to Stay Alive
(2015)
In this powerful memoir, Haig recounts his struggle with depression and the many ways—big and small alike—he fights and overcomes the disease to find the light at the end of the tunnel and stay alive.
Notes on a Nervous Planet
(2018)
As a spiritual successor to Reasons to Stay Alive, Notes on a Nervous Planet touches upon anxiety, panic disorder, and how the external world affects minds and hinders the path toward inner peace.
The Comfort Book
(2021)
The Comfort Book is exactly what its name indicates—a book meant for comfort. It is a collection of stories, notes, and miscellaneous writings that reassure you that things will be alright.
Who Should Read Matt Haig’s Books?
Considering his captivating and diverse bibliography, it is highly likely that there is at least one Matt Haig book for every eager reader.
His fiction tends to be whimsical and enchanting, making it perfect for people who wish to explore otherworldly concepts. His adult fiction books cover magical realism or science fiction in a manner that feels almost fairytale-esque, while his children’s books fully lean into that narrative predisposition, being described as modern fairytales for kids and adults alike.
