The Gravity Falls universe, developed by Alex Hirsch, has enthralled viewers with its mix of mystery, humor, and supernatural adventures. Although the animated series ran from 2012 to 2016, it continues to endure in the form of a series of Gravity Falls novels that continue the story, explore its characters, and reveal the mysteries of the offbeat town. The books, from journals to graphic novels and even interactive guides, are essentials for fans of all ages. This blog post gives an in-depth guide to the Gravity Falls books, reading order, summaries, and why they are a must-read for everyone who is fascinated by the show’s spooky charm.
What Are the Gravity Falls Books?
Gravity Falls books are a series of companion books that go alongside the animated show, which is about twins Dipper and Mabel Pines as they search for secrets in the bizarre town of Gravity Falls, Oregon. Written or edited by series creator Alex Hirsch, these books provide the fans with greater insight into the show’s lore, characters, and secret secrets. Ranging from replica journals to original tales and activity books, Gravity Falls books are available to fans who wish to explore further the world of Dipper, Mabel, Grunkle Stan, and mysterious Bill Cipher.
The books are particularly appealing because they maintain the show’s signature blend of humor, heart, and creepiness. Whether you’re a young reader, a longtime fan, or a collector of Gravity Falls merchandise, these books offer something for everyone—be it decoding ciphers, exploring character backstories, or enjoying new adventures in the Gravity Falls universe.
Gravity Falls Books in Order
Here is the full list of the primary Gravity Falls books, listed by publication date for an optimal reading experience. Although there are some standalone books, others are a reference to the show’s events, so it is useful to read them in sequence to be able to fully take in the links to the series.
Gravity Falls: Tales of the Strange and Unexplained (2016)
This anthology novel contains short stories within the universe of Gravity Falls, exploring the odd residents and paranormal activity of the town. Composed in the manner of bedtime tales, it does justice to the program’s playfulness but also creepiness. Ideal for readers who crave more experiences beyond the television show, the book is an excellent place to begin reading the Gravity Falls books.
Gravity Falls: Journal 3 (2016)
One of the pillars of the Gravity Falls book series, Journal 3 is a facsimile of the cryptic journal penned by Ford Pines, Dipper’s great-uncle. Full of in-depth notes on the creatures, artifacts, and mysteries of Gravity Falls, the book also contains observations from Dipper and Mabel. Its complex layout, secret ciphers, and connections to the series’ lore make it a collector’s dream. The blacklight-activated secrets edition, in particular, is a favorite among collectors.
Gravity Falls: Lost Legends (2018)
This graphic novel, which was written by Alex Hirsch, features four new stories involving Dipper, Mabel, and other favorite characters. Each story explores various facets of the Gravity Falls universe, including time-travel disasters and supernatural hijinks. The novel also features secret codes and Easter eggs, ensuring that fans are hooked with puzzles to crack. Lost Legends is a must-have for fans due to its new stories and colorful artwork.
Gravity Falls: Don’t Color This Book! It’s Cursed! (2017, Re-released May 2025)
This interactive coloring book, authored by Emmy Cicierega and Stephanie Ramirez with contributions from Alex Hirsch, invites fans to color scenes from the Gravity Falls universe while avoiding “cursed” elements tied to the show’s supernatural themes. Originally discontinued in 2022, its re-release in May 2025 has sparked excitement among fans, as noted in posts on X. It’s a fun, creative addition to the series, perfect for younger fans or those who enjoy interactive books.
The Book of Bill (2024)
Published in July 2024, The Book of Bill is a book that delves into the mind of the series’ beloved antagonist, Bill Cipher. Told through the eyes of Bill, the book delves into his past, his anarchic multiverse escapades, and his contribution to the things that have happened in Gravity Falls. Filled with dark humor, mysterious messages, and interactive features, it’s intended for mature fans and directly correlates with the show’s “Weirdmageddon” storyline. X posts point to its success, with pre-orders revealed in December 2023 and digital copies being released in July 2024.
Why Read the Gravity Falls Books in Order
While most Gravity Falls books can be enjoyed independently, reading them in publication order enhances the experience by aligning with the show’s timeline and lore. For example, Journal 3 references key events from the series, making it more rewarding after watching the show. In the same way, The Book of Bill includes spoilers for the series finale and should be read after Journal 3 and Lost Legends to understand Bill’s contribution to the narrative. Reading in chronological order also makes fans enjoy how the mysteries of the universe unfold and how its characters evolve.
Why Fans Adore Gravity Falls Books
There are various reasons why the Gravity Falls books are adored by fans. They first expand the show universe, providing new tales and information that continue the magic of Gravity Falls. The fans enjoy the interactive features, like the ciphers and puzzles in Journal 3 and The Book of Bill, which invite active participation and replicate the theme of code-breaking used in the show. The novels also have broad appeal—kids love the humor and graphics, and adults enjoy the more in-depth lore and references to the series mythology.
The high-quality production of the books, ranging from the elaborate illustrations in Lost Legends to the blacklight secrets contained within the deluxe edition of Journal 3, render them collectible gems. X posts mirror the buzz surrounding new releases such as The Book of Bill, delving into the madman’s view of Bill Cipher and enriching one of the series’ most beloved characters. Don’t Color This Book! It’s Cursed!’s re-release also demonstrates the long-standing interest in Gravity Falls material.
Themes and Appeal of the Gravity Falls Books
The Gravity Falls books preserve the same themes that made the television show popular: the strength of family, the excitement of solving mysteries, and the delicate balance of humor and emotion. Journal 3 appeals to viewers who enjoy the show’s supernatural aspects, providing elaborate entries on gnomes and the Shape Shifter. Lost Legends carries on the Pines family adventures, while The Book of Bill goes into darker, more adult material, becoming a sensation among adult fans. Don’t Color This Book! It’s Cursed!’s interactive mode draws young readers in with its fun, spooky atmosphere.
The novels also stimulate creativity and problem-solving. The codes and secret messages in Journal 3 and The Book of Bill challenge readers to crack codes, similar to Dipper’s sleuthing in the series. This interactivity has contributed to the books being a common sight in school and library classrooms, where they challenge struggling readers to become engrossed in reading.
Conclusion
Alex Hirsch’s Gravity Falls books are a treasure chest for the fans of the favorite animated show. From the lore-filled Journal 3 to the crazy The Book of Bill and the wondrous Lost Legends, these books extend the secrets and magic of Gravity Falls. Be it cracking ciphers, reading new tales, or coloring out cursed pages, there is something for every fan. Begin with Journal 3 or Lost Legends and enter the strange and fantastical realm of Gravity Falls today!