Order of The Norby Chronicles Book Series

The Norby Chronicles is a captivating science fiction series written by the renowned duo of Isaac Asimov and Janet Asimov, blending whimsical storytelling with thought-provoking themes. The series follows the adventures of Norby, a quirky, lovable robot with a penchant for mischief and a heart of gold, along with his young human friend, a resourceful and adventurous boy named Jeff.

Set against a backdrop of space exploration and intergalactic intrigue, the stories delve into Norby's escapades as he and Jeff traverse distant planets, encounter eccentric aliens, and solve mysteries that challenge both their intellect and courage. Each book combines elements of humor, adventure, and moral lessons, making it an engaging read for children and adults alike.

Through their imaginative narratives, the Asimovs explore themes of friendship, ethics in technology, and the importance of bravery in the face of the unknown. The Norby Chronicles not only entertains but ignites the imagination, prompting readers to ponder the relationships between humans and machines in a future where technology is an integral part of everyday life. With vibrant characters and inventive plots, the series is a delightful journey into the cosmos that showcases the creative genius of its authors.

Order of Norby Series
By: Isaac Asimov, Janet Asimov

# Title Year Rating Book Link
1Norby, the Mixed-Up Robot
By: Isaac Asimov, Janet Asimov
19834.6Amazon.com
2Norby's Other Secret (Short Story)
By: Isaac Asimov, Janet Asimov
19844.8Amazon.com
3Norby and the Invaders
By: Isaac Asimov, Janet Asimov
1985Amazon.com
4Norby and the Lost Princess (Short Story)
By: Isaac Asimov, Janet Asimov
1985Amazon.com
5The Norby Chronicles
By: Isaac Asimov, Janet Asimov
1986Amazon.com
6Norby and the Queen's Necklace
By: Isaac Asimov, Janet Asimov
1986Amazon.com
7Norby: Robot for Hire
By: Isaac Asimov, Janet Asimov
1987Amazon.com
8Norby Finds a Villain
By: Isaac Asimov, Janet Asimov
1987Amazon.com
9Norby Through Time and Space
By: Isaac Asimov, Janet Asimov
1988Amazon.com
10Norby Down to Earth
By: Isaac Asimov, Janet Asimov
1989Amazon.com
11Norby and Yobo's Great Adventure
By: Isaac Asimov, Janet Asimov
1989Amazon.com
12Norby and the Oldest Dragon
By: Isaac Asimov, Janet Asimov
1990Amazon.com
13Norby and the Court Jester
By: Isaac Asimov, Janet Asimov
1996Amazon.com
14Norby and the Terrified Taxi
By: Isaac Asimov, Janet Asimov
19974.8Amazon.com

Norby Series Books Description

The Norby Chronicles is a series of science fiction novels co-written by Isaac Asimov and Janet Asimov. The series follows the adventures of a boy named Norby and his quirky robot companion, Norby. The books blend elements of humor, science fiction, and adventure, making them accessible to younger readers and fans of the genre alike. Here is a brief overview of each book in the series:

  1. Norby, the Mixed-Up Robot (1989) - This is the first book in the series, introducing readers to Norby, a robot that gets a bit mixed up in his programming and often misunderstands the commands given to him. The story follows Norby and his human friend, a boy named Jeff, as they embark on a series of adventures that highlight the challenges and joys of friendship and teamwork.

  2. Norby's Other Secret (1990) - In the second installment, Norby and Jeff face new challenges as they explore more of the universe. They encounter different planets and a variety of alien species, leading to exciting escapades that further examine the relationship between humans and robots. The book features humor and imaginative scenarios typical of Asimov's writing.

  3. Norby and the One-Minute Mysteries (1991) - The third book in the series sees Norby and Jeff delve into a variety of mysteries, using their wits and the peculiarities of Norby's programming to solve problems. As they navigate different situations, the duo learns valuable lessons about logic and deduction.

  4. Norby and the Lost Princess (1992) - In this adventure, Norby and Jeff embark on a quest to rescue a lost princess from a different dimension. They face odd challenges, strange creatures, and puzzles that test their friendship and resolve. The story emphasizes courage, cleverness, and the importance of camaraderie.

  5. Norby and the Earthquake (1993) - This book brings new excitement as Norby and Jeff find themselves involved in an earthquake scenario. They must use their intelligence and teamwork to help others and find a solution to the crisis. The book combines elements of real science with imaginative storytelling.

  6. Norby and the Time Travel (1996) - In the final book of the series, Norby and Jeff travel through time, encountering historical figures and events. This installment showcases the potential and ramifications of time travel, all while maintaining the playful tone of the previous books.

The Norby Chronicles is a delightful blend of adventure, science fiction, and humor, making it an engaging read for both children and adults. The series is notable for its exploration of themes related to friendship, the role of technology in society, and problem-solving—all wrapped in entertaining narratives.

Who are the main characters of Norby Series

The "Norby Chronicles" is a series of science fiction books written by Isaac Asimov and Janet Asimov. The series features several main characters, including:

  1. Norby: A highly intelligent and endearing robot, Norby is the primary character of the series. With a personality that often exhibits childlike curiosity and a penchant for adventure, he serves as both a companion and helper to the human characters. Norby's unique abilities often make him central to the plot's development, as he navigates various challenges and mysteries.

  2. Timothy ("Tim"): Tim is a young boy and one of Norby's closest human friends. He is curious, resourceful, and adventurous, frequently joining Norby on his escapades. Tim’s relationship with Norby is central to the story, as they work together to solve problems and explore new worlds.

  3. Dr. E. M. (Emmett) D. Norby: Tim’s father, Dr. Norby is a scientist who creates Norby. He plays a key role in the background of the series, serving as a voice of reason and scientific insight. His work and inventions are important to the technological aspects of the story.

  4. Other Supporting Characters: Various other characters appear throughout the series, including friends, foes, and alien beings. Each character contributes to the storyline, whether through conflict, companionship, or unexpected alliances.

The series is known for its blend of humor, adventure, and moral lessons, all centered around the relationship between humans and artificial intelligence, with Norby representing the whimsical side of robotic capabilities.

Interesting facts about Norby Series

"The Norby Chronicles," a series co-written by Isaac Asimov and his wife, Janet Asimov, is a delightful blend of science fiction and young adult literature. Here are some interesting facts about the series:

  1. Character Focus: The protagonist of the series is a young boy named Norby, who is an android. The character of Norby serves as a unique vehicle for exploring themes of intelligence, emotion, and what it means to be human.

  2. Target Audience: Unlike much of Isaac Asimov's work, which often targeted adult audiences, "The Norby Chronicles" is aimed at younger readers, making it a great entry point for children interested in science fiction.

  3. Humorous Tone: The series is known for its light-hearted and humorous style, often incorporating clever wordplay and whimsical scenarios. This adds a distinctive charm to the stories and makes them enjoyable for both children and adults.

  4. Exploration of Science: The books include elements of real science, introducing young readers to concepts in physics, robotics, and space exploration, all while engaging them in a fun narrative.

  5. Collaboration: The partnership between Isaac and Janet Asimov represents a significant collaborative effort in the realm of science fiction. Janet, a psychiatrist, brought her knowledge of human emotions and behaviors to the writing, enriching the characters' development.

  6. The Series: "The Norby Chronicles" consists of several books, including "Norby, the Mixed-Up Robot" (1983), "Norby's Other Secret" (1984), and others. Each book continues to build on Norby's adventures and his relationships with different characters.

  7. A Unique Approach to Androids: Norby is not just a typical robot; he has quirks and a personality that allow readers to relate to him. The depiction challenges traditional views of robots as purely mechanical, exploring themes of friendship and loyalty.

  8. Asimov's Legacy: The series reflects Isaac Asimov's broader philosophy about the importance of education and the positive role of science fiction in expanding imagination and knowledge, especially for younger generations.

  9. Inspiration from Real Life: The dynamic between Norby and his human friends mirrors the relationships that can be formed between humans and technology, a topic that remains increasingly relevant today.

  10. Cultural References: The books sometimes reference Asimov’s other works, creating a shared universe that fans of his adult science fiction can appreciate, thus extending the appeal of the series.

Overall, "The Norby Chronicles" is a captivating series that combines enjoyable storytelling with insightful themes, making it a remarkable part of the Asimov literary legacy.