10 best illustrated children's adventures
Jamie Hammond, author of the hilarious and highly illustrated Grumpfort – a story about Mo, the worst monster hunter ever – joins us to recommend even more fantastic illustrated adventure for readers aged 7 to 11.
"I have always loved books which visualise their storytelling. There's something truly special about seeing the characters, worldbuilding, action and humour come to life as you read – and the best illustrated stories harmonise both illustrations and words to create an immersive experience. This was exactly what I wanted to achieve in my debut book Grumpfort, a monster hunt adventure story about finding friends in unexpected places, packed with illustrations of epic fortresses, friendly (and not so friendly) monsters, and action-packed fight scenes. Here are some of my favourite page-turning stories that are filled with fantastic illustrations, extraordinary worlds, and adventures you won't forget." Jamie Hammond
Montgomery Bonbon: Murder at the Museum written by Alasdair Beckett-King and illustrated by Claire Powell
Most mysteries start with a great detective, and Montgomery Bonbon is not just great but hilarious and quirky too. Along with her grandpa sidekick, she sets out to solve a suspicious death at the Hornville Museum. The illustrations brilliantly navigate the twisty story, featuring comical suspects, illustrated clues and diary extracts which help uncover the truth. This mystery will keep you on your toes right until the very end!
Grimwood by Nadia Shireen
Who doesn't love a madcap woodland filled with rogue badgers and a bonkers eagle? Grimwood is full of unforgettable characters who will have you laughing right from the first page. The dynamic illustrations brilliantly heighten the humour, including witty interludes from Eric the woodlouse, and create a sense of escapism that will leave you wanting more and more. A quirky, comedy masterclass!
Small! written by Hannah Moffat and illustrated by Rory Walker
Have you ever pretended to be a giant? Harvey Small is a normal boy who attempts just that, wearing stilts to join Madame Bogbrush's School for Gifted Giants. This story is refreshing, hilarious and fast-paced, as Harvey discovers what it truly means to be a giant – and that friendships can come in all shapes and sizes. The illustrations are amusing and heart-warming and they animate Harvey's world fantastically.
Villains Academy by Ryan Hammond
Everybody wants to be a little bad sometimes and at Villains Academy you've got to be the baddest. But Bram the werewolf doesn’t feel like a villain. In this exceptional book he learns how to be the villain he’s always dreamed of, with illustrations that skilfully imagine the world and take us on the adventure beside Bram as he navigates his new zany school. Full of fantastic characters, heart and imagination, this story is bucket-loads of fun and makes being bad feel so good.
The Cheat Book by Ramzee
A book that will solve all your problems and help you cheat your way to the popular table? Yes please! This book is properly laugh-out-loud funny, as Kamal finds The Cheat Book in his school library which promises to guide him out of trouble. The illustrations and comic-strip style elements are engaging and add another dimension to the storytelling – all with a hilarious, heart-warming message about staying true to yourself.
The Super Miraculous Journey of Freddie Yates written by Jenny Pearson and illustrated by Rob Biddulph
When Freddie and his two best friends sneak off on a secret quest to find Freddie's dad, they can’t help falling into mishap after mishap. There is a real sense of warmth to this hilarious story as we travel through the lows and highs with the gang on their messy epic journey, and the illustrations brilliantly bring their adventure to life. This book is a true joy!
Loki: A Bad God's Guide to Being Good by Louie Stowell
Loki must prove that he’s good, and he's got thirty days disguised as a schoolboy to prove it. This outrageously funny diary-style story has it all, from doodles to comics to witty insights about human life – Stowell is a comedy genius and the illustrations brilliantly entertain while also giving a fun introduction to Norse mythology. Loki is a delightful anti-hero who you'll all be rooting for.
Which Way to Anywhere by Cressida Cowell
Imagine discovering a magical ability that allows you to travel to alternative universes, create maps and embark on amazing adventures. With a vivid cast of characters and illustrations which feed the imagination, this adventure is out of this world and leaves you wanting more – just remember to memorise the way back home!
Peanut Jones and the Illustrated City by Rob Biddulph
A magical pencil which will bring to life your wildest imaginations? Sign me up! This story is packed with twist and turns, and the black-and-white artwork mixed with vibrant oranges brings the world to life in unique style. This book is so intensively illustrated that it feels like a magical and immersive celebration of creativity.
Mr. Penguin: The Lost Treasure by Alex T. Smith
If you're looking for slapstick humour and a thrilling detective adventure, then look no further. Mr. Penguin has been a favourite for many years, with the naïve adventurer embarking on finding lost treasure with his sidekick spider, Colin. Illustrated in black-and-white and orange, the illustrations perfectly bring the world and sense of mild peril to life. It’s imaginative, hilarious and unforgettable.
About Grumpfort by Jamie Hammond
Mo never wanted to be a Warden - protecting the village of Bogfoss from the terrifying monsters in the woods is way too scary. But when he's beaten up by a goblin on his first patrol, he knows he has to prove himself.
So he sets out into the forbidden woods to catch himself a monster and make himself a hero. Instead he stumbles into GRUMPFORT, a secret monster fortress with a very big problem. The fearsome Grumpsnatcher is kidnapping the other monsters – and suddenly Mo's on a monster-hunt with a troll, a gnome and a fire-breathing snotwoggle to stop it!
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