Dungeoneer Adventures by Ben Costa and James Parks (Land of Eem, Rickety Stitch and the Gelatinous Goo) is a highly illustrated middle-grade fantasy series set in the magical Land of Eem. In this richly illustrated world, readers follow Coop Cooperson, the only human at the Dungeoneer Academy, as he learns what it takes to be a true adventurer. Coop, along with his best friends—Oggie the bugbear, Daz the boggart, and Mindy the imp—faces magical creatures, tricky puzzles, and daunting quests to earn his Junior Dungeoneer Badge. This series introduces readers to a fun and magical world, blending the spirit of TTRPGs with themes of friendship, courage, and belonging.
Published by the Aladdin imprint at Simon & Schuster, the series is the brainchild of Ben Costa and James Parks, the creators of the Land of Eem TTPRG and the graphic novel series Rickety Stitch and the Gelatinous Goo. The series was inspired by Ben and James’ history together as gamers, but also middle school students! Ben and James have been pals since the second grade and in many ways, Dungeoneer Adventures is their tribute to growing up…just with a dash of epic fantasy adventure and peril.
Here’s why Dungeoneer Adventures is the perfect read for young TTRPG fans, reluctant readers, and aspiring tabletop gamers:
A Perfect Introduction to TTRPGs for Kids
- Inspires Creative Play and Roleplaying: Dungeoneer Adventures reflects the excitement and camaraderie of TTRPGs, introducing kids to the idea of going on quests, working as a team, and embracing imaginative storytelling. For kids new to TTRPGs, the series offers a way to experience adventure in a way that feels approachable and fun.
- Character Classes and Creatures: With its diverse cast of characters like bugbears, boggarts, and imps, Dungeoneer Adventures introduces readers to the types of characters and creatures, each with their own problems and conflicts to solve. Readers will love seeing Coop and his friends navigate challenges and dangers with teamwork and creativity, inspiring their own adventures in a relatable way.
- Teamwork and Problem-Solving: Just like a good TTRPG campaign, Coop’s journey involves collaboration, problem-solving, and no small amount of courage. For young readers, these elements make Dungeoneer Adventures fun and immersive.
Why Young TTRPG Enthusiasts Will Love It
- Immersive World-Building: Much like a TTRPG campaign, Dungeoneer Adventures transports readers into a richly detailed world filled with magic, lore, and discovery. The Land of Eem feels like a living, breathing setting that inspires curiosity, exploration, and storytelling.
- Relatable Quests and Challenges: Coop and his friends face quests, magical creatures, and tricky obstacles that feel much like a real TTRPG adventure. Young TTRPG fans will connect with the adventurous spirit of the series, which mirrors the joy of tackling challenges and making discoveries in a game.
- Inspiration for Game Play: Dungeoneer Adventures is full of creative elements that young readers can bring to their own games. From magical creatures to clever puzzles, the series provides endless ideas for TTRPG campaigns and encourages kids to think like adventurers.
- A Glimpse into the Land of Eem Setting: Since Land of Eem is already a full blown tabletop roleplaying game, Dungeoneer Adventures can be a really fun entry point to learn about the world.
Why Dungeoneer Adventures is Perfect for Reluctant Readers
- Highly Illustrated and Visually Engaging: With its large number of illustrations, Dungeoneer Adventures draws readers into the story visually. The artwork keeps readers engaged and makes the world of Eem feel accessible and exciting, especially for those who might feel overwhelmed by traditional novels.
- Fast-Paced, Exciting Plot: The story is filled with action and adventure, keeping the pace lively and engaging. Coop and his friends tackle new challenges, make discoveries, and face personal conflicts in a way that is relatable and keeps the story moving, making it great for readers who need an extra push to get into the habit of turning pages.
- Relatable Themes of Belonging and Friendship: Coop’s experience as the only human at Dungeoneer Academy and his desire to belong are themes that resonate with many middle-grade readers. The loyalty and friendship between Coop, Oggie, Daz, and Mindy make the story emotionally compelling, giving reluctant readers a story they can connect with on a personal level.
- Humor and Heart: Like Ben and James’ first series, Rickety Stitch and the Gelatinous Goo, Dungeoneer Adventures blends humor and heart, making it both fun and emotionally compelling. The lighthearted tone invites readers to enjoy the story without pressure, while the friendship and bravery Coop’s team shows add emotional depth.
- Short, Manageable Chapters: With short, readable chapters, Dungeoneer Adventures is structured in a way that’s easy to read in bite-sized sections, helping reluctant readers build confidence and keep track of their progress.
A Gateway to Fantasy, Storytelling, and Adventure
With Dungeoneer Adventures, young readers can explore a magical world, meet fun characters, and face perilous challenges alongside Coop and his friends. It’s the ideal blend of fantasy, humor, and adventure, introducing young readers to the rewarding nature of books and creativity of making stories your own with tabletop roleplaying.
For young adventurers, TTRPG fans, and reluctant readers, Dungeoneer Adventures offers a really good entry point into a fun and immersive world.
