"Worldbuilding reminiscent of How to Train Your Dragon is enriched by playful typography and lively b&w illustrations... Slapstick humor and timely lessons about questioning prejudice combine in this bustling jaunt." - Publishers Weekly

Meet Mo, the worst monster hunter ever, in this hilarious and highly illustrated adventure.

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!

Reviews for Grumpfort:

"Grumpfort is brilliant! Thoroughly charming." Louie Stowell, author of Loki

"Perfect for fans of How to Train Your Dragon and Grimwood." Jennifer Bell, author of Wonderscape

Meet Mo, the worst monster hunter ever, in this hilarious and highly illustrated adventure.

About the Author
As well as writing and illustrating his own books, Jamie Hammond is a designer of many famous children's books. He grew up in Sheffield but now lives in Cambridgeshire with his husband and his pug. He began writing his own books to celebrate bravery, friendship, being kind and being unique, and to reflect the characters he wished he'd grown up with.

Reviews
Silly escapism that puts little monsters front and centre. * The Times Children's Book of the Week *
Worldbuilding reminiscent of How to Train Your Dragon is enriched by playful typography and lively b&w illustrations... Slapstick humor and timely lessons about questioning prejudice combine in this bustling jaunt. * Publishers Weekly *
Grumpfort is brilliant! A thoroughly charming tale of found family, friendship and monsters with so many surprises along the way. It's not just an illustrated book - it's a book that gives the pictures freedom to tell the story. * Louie Stowell, author of Loki *
This adventure is packed with brilliant artwork, hilarious jokes and wonderfully wacky characters. It's about bravery, kindness and finding friends in the most unexpected of places. * The Week Junior *
Chaotic, hilarious and full of heart, Grumpfort had me in stitches! Perfect for fans of How to Train Your Dragon and Grimwood, Grumpfort is jam-packed with trolls, gnomes, snotwoggles and sausage rolls! * Jennifer Bell, author of Wonderscape *
A monstrously funny adventure filled with tension, booby-traps and unexpected friendships. * Mel Taylor-Bessent, author of The Christmas Carrolls *
A hilarious adventure in a world where monsters have hearts, heroes have quirks and every page is bursting with fun. * Jenny Pearson, author of Shipwrecked *
A humorous, action-driven book, with plenty of remarkable monsters, fight scenes and slapstick. Complemented by a generous number of fabulous illustrations throughout. * BookTrust *
Bursting with breath-taking illustrations, hilarious jokes, monsters with attitude, a grumpy sidekick and an outrageously fun plot - it's hard not to get sucked into the charm of Grumpfort and I'm not sure I ever want to leave. I loved it! * Ryan Hammond, author of Villains Academy *
This book. WOW. It's this generation's HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON with a sprinkling of Dahl-esque wordplay and humour. But even that is underselling this marvellous debut - for it is wholly original and packed full of snort-inducing giggles and adventure and unexpected friendship and owning up to and learning from your mistakes. I devoured it (monstrously, of course) in one sitting. * Laura Noakes, author of Cosima Unfortunate Steals a Star *
Warm, funny and just the right amount of scary. Grumpfort had me gripped from the very first page. * Rachel Chivers Khoo, author of The Wishkeeper's Apprentice *
This fun-filled adventure combines Hammond's vibrant illustrations and clever storytelling to offer young readers a tale of courage and friendship. * School Reading List *
My favourite part was when Mo did the really funny fight with the dragon he finds in the forest. It is a 10/10 rating. * Darell Primary School Book Club *
I loved reading Dare to Enter Grumpfort I rate it 10/10. * Darell Primary School Book Club *
I really like how it is adventurous and I like adventure stories. * Nina,Year 5 *
It is a really good book and it always surprises me on what comes next. I'm always happy when I pick it up and start. * Darell Primary School Book Club *
My favourite part was when Mo met Norma, it was really funny. * Judi, Year 6 *
It's really funny and the sausage roll part is hilarious! * Finlay, Year 6 *
Lively fun with plenty of illustrations to encourage reluctant readers. * New Statesman *
This illustrated adventure is monstrously fun. * WRd About Books *
A funny, action-packed adventure story filled with superb black and white illustrations and a gorgeous message. * Mini Travellers *


Awards
Short-listed for Spark! Children's Book Award 2026 (UK). Long-listed for The Branford Boase Award 2026 (UK).



Book Information
ISBN 9781836055235
Author Jamie Hammond
Format Paperback
Page Count 288
Imprint Usborne Publishing Ltd
Publisher Usborne Publishing Ltd
Weight(grams) 245g
Dimensions(mm) 198mm * 130mm * 18mm