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The World of Grumpfort #1
Grumpfort
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!
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!
288 pages, Paperback
First published February 27, 2025
About the author
Jamie Hammond
7 books2 followersAs 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.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
February 27, 2025
This is a great story for kids and big kids like myself. It's a funny adventure about doing your best and friendship. With a great cast of characters, Gnorman the gnome, and Bork the Snotwoggle were just a couple of my favourites.
I loved the warning that if you ever find a suspicious solitary sausage roll - no matter how golden and delicious it may look - do not approach. 😂
I loved the warning that if you ever find a suspicious solitary sausage roll - no matter how golden and delicious it may look - do not approach. 😂
March 14, 2026
read this with my 9 year old daughter Dotty. had a cute message about not judging others before you know them and being yourself. the story didn't grab me as an adult much but she enjoyed it and loved the voices I did 😂
Dotty gave it a 5 cos it was Great
Dotty gave it a 5 cos it was Great
December 28, 2025
Сладурска история за необичайните приятелства и чувството на принадлежност!
December 2, 2024
Firstly thanks to Fritha at Usborne books for the advance copy of this book.
Grumpfort is fabulous fun. The story pulls you in from the start and the illustrations are perfect. Every double page has at least one illustration so those children who like books with pictures are going to be very happy. I certainly think a lot of children at school will love this.
The book starts with a map of Bogfoss, and then a newspaper article about the death of Monday the Fifteenth, respected warden in Bogfoss and brilliant Monster slayer. Then we meet Monday the Sixteenth - Mo - who very definitely does not want to be a warden. He doesn't mind reading about monsters with a hot chocolate in hand but he does not want to be expected to kill them or protect Bogfoss!
Problem is none of the townspeople of Bogfoss think he'll be any good either, and nor do the other wardens!
But the alarm goes off on his first day! Chief tells him to make the kill. It's a goblin (but Mo knows there will be more) and they appear quickly - but so does Sunday the Fourteenth, and she gets rid of the Goblins, the townspeople are not happy with Mo.
Mo decides there's only one thing for it. He has to go to the Forbidden Forest and bring back a monster. His Beginners Guide to Monsterology tells him what to expect, but is it accurate? In the Forbidden Forest Mo finds a Monster Hideout- Grumpfort - filled with booby traps and a monster problem, The Grumpsnatcher.
But there's another person in the forest - Fry - but who is he? He ensures Mo and some Monsters go to look for the Grumpsnatcher, but what is it that the Grumpsnatcher really wants? When Mo finds Fry's journal he is very interested, but can he expose Fry?
Brilliant fun, not out until March, but get that pre-order in because you won't regret it. I would personally very much like an Edna! 2nd book please!
Grumpfort is fabulous fun. The story pulls you in from the start and the illustrations are perfect. Every double page has at least one illustration so those children who like books with pictures are going to be very happy. I certainly think a lot of children at school will love this.
The book starts with a map of Bogfoss, and then a newspaper article about the death of Monday the Fifteenth, respected warden in Bogfoss and brilliant Monster slayer. Then we meet Monday the Sixteenth - Mo - who very definitely does not want to be a warden. He doesn't mind reading about monsters with a hot chocolate in hand but he does not want to be expected to kill them or protect Bogfoss!
Problem is none of the townspeople of Bogfoss think he'll be any good either, and nor do the other wardens!
But the alarm goes off on his first day! Chief tells him to make the kill. It's a goblin (but Mo knows there will be more) and they appear quickly - but so does Sunday the Fourteenth, and she gets rid of the Goblins, the townspeople are not happy with Mo.
Mo decides there's only one thing for it. He has to go to the Forbidden Forest and bring back a monster. His Beginners Guide to Monsterology tells him what to expect, but is it accurate? In the Forbidden Forest Mo finds a Monster Hideout- Grumpfort - filled with booby traps and a monster problem, The Grumpsnatcher.
But there's another person in the forest - Fry - but who is he? He ensures Mo and some Monsters go to look for the Grumpsnatcher, but what is it that the Grumpsnatcher really wants? When Mo finds Fry's journal he is very interested, but can he expose Fry?
Brilliant fun, not out until March, but get that pre-order in because you won't regret it. I would personally very much like an Edna! 2nd book please!
March 4, 2025
When the monsters attack the village of Bogfoss, the Wardens are supposed to defend it, and there's a different one for, and named after, every day of the week. But the new Monday? He's hopeless, a wimp, a wet rag who will never match his grandma, who he's inherited the job from. Just his first minutes at work prove that – he's not chosen a weapon before he's bested by some goblins. There's only one thing for it, then – to daringly break the law and enter the forest where all the monsters come from, nab one, and fetch it back as a sign of his bravery. Hard luck then that the monster he meets seems a simpleton and only wants to be best friends with Monday… Even tho it's a Tuesday now, and the monsters' home is beset with monstrous troubles of their own...
This was that rare beast – a book approaching wackiness, that I thought might actually have done more with it. There is a touch of it on display, from the characters and their names to the Warden bestiary measuring every bad critter on the scale of a watermelon. A lot of the artwork features glimpses of monsters in subterranean caverns with pathways to match Piranesi – pathways, I said, not detail – but they're not really doing enough to add wacky world-building.
So it's left to the exuberance of the story to keep these pages turning. It proves to be a legend about finding yourself, how we're all peculiar (at the best of times), and how the pacifist can win against prejudice and misconceptions about the other – fairly standard stuff, but boosted here by the liveliness and the fact there is just a dusting of freshness about proceedings. There probably wasn't enough freshness and brio to make me rush for the author's next, but this was not too bad. I won't be the monster who pretends this is not worth the time, and give it three and a half stars.
This was that rare beast – a book approaching wackiness, that I thought might actually have done more with it. There is a touch of it on display, from the characters and their names to the Warden bestiary measuring every bad critter on the scale of a watermelon. A lot of the artwork features glimpses of monsters in subterranean caverns with pathways to match Piranesi – pathways, I said, not detail – but they're not really doing enough to add wacky world-building.
So it's left to the exuberance of the story to keep these pages turning. It proves to be a legend about finding yourself, how we're all peculiar (at the best of times), and how the pacifist can win against prejudice and misconceptions about the other – fairly standard stuff, but boosted here by the liveliness and the fact there is just a dusting of freshness about proceedings. There probably wasn't enough freshness and brio to make me rush for the author's next, but this was not too bad. I won't be the monster who pretends this is not worth the time, and give it three and a half stars.
February 21, 2026
Monoday the Fourteenth, or “Mo” for short, is descended from a long line of monster hunters, which means that he has to take up the mantle when his grandmother passes away. Unfortunately, Mo has no desire to be a Warden and fight monsters, as is evidenced by a mightily unsuccessful first mission. In an attempt to regain his dignity, Mo ventures into the forbidden forest to find a monster to bring back, but what he discovers there turns everything he has come to regard as truth upside down. This amusing, early middle grade chapter book is ideally suited to young readers who appreciate graphic storytelling and are ready for the challenge of having more text on each page. The narrative is accessible to young readers, incorporating humor, onomatopoeia, and engaging phrasing throughout. Brief chapters, ample white space, a range of font sizes, and frequent illustrations all serve to propel the story while making it well designed for its target audience. Though some of the reveals in the novel are predictable, others are less so, enhancing the unpredictability and overall enjoyment of the novel. With parallels to How to Train Your Dragon, this book encourages readers to look past what they have always been taught in an effort to discern the real truth. Good for fans of fantasy storytelling that challenges the status quo, this fast-paced short book is a positive addition to library collections for young middle grade readers.
March 5, 2026
The Standouts
• Illustrations: The artwork throughout each chapter is a major highlight, adding significant depth and enjoyment to the reading experience.
• Meaningful Themes: Beyond the action, the story carries a great message about self-discovery and finding out who you truly are. It teaches children that it’s important to experience things for yourself and form your own opinions rather than just believing what you’ve been told.
• Well-Written Adventure: The story is engaging and polished, making it a fun read for its target audience.
Narrative Observations
• Familiar Territory: The story has strong shades of How to Train Your Dragon, featuring wacky characters and wild adventures. While it might not feel entirely novel to readers familiar with that series, it executes those familiar tropes.
• Target Audience: With its chapter-based structure and themes, this is a perfect fit for upper elementary school children.
Final Verdict
Grumpfort is an exciting journey that balances humor with heart. While it treads some familiar ground in the "unlikely hero" genre, its strong character growth and excellent illustrations make it a winner. It’s an enjoyable pick for kids who love quirky creatures and big adventures.
ARC provided via Netgalley. Opinions are my own.
• Illustrations: The artwork throughout each chapter is a major highlight, adding significant depth and enjoyment to the reading experience.
• Meaningful Themes: Beyond the action, the story carries a great message about self-discovery and finding out who you truly are. It teaches children that it’s important to experience things for yourself and form your own opinions rather than just believing what you’ve been told.
• Well-Written Adventure: The story is engaging and polished, making it a fun read for its target audience.
Narrative Observations
• Familiar Territory: The story has strong shades of How to Train Your Dragon, featuring wacky characters and wild adventures. While it might not feel entirely novel to readers familiar with that series, it executes those familiar tropes.
• Target Audience: With its chapter-based structure and themes, this is a perfect fit for upper elementary school children.
Final Verdict
Grumpfort is an exciting journey that balances humor with heart. While it treads some familiar ground in the "unlikely hero" genre, its strong character growth and excellent illustrations make it a winner. It’s an enjoyable pick for kids who love quirky creatures and big adventures.
ARC provided via Netgalley. Opinions are my own.
September 28, 2025
Review from my 6 yo son (I’m paraphrasing):
I loved the different monsters and how they all became friends with the warden. Friday the 13th was very funny and I liked the grumpy monster the best.
From the POV of the grownup reading every other page:
This was a really fun book to read together. I liked the themes of the main character not feeling like he fits in and ending up on a wild adventure of exploration (Ultimately learning along the way that things are not always what they seem and just because the monsters are different it doesn’t mean they can’t work together and become friends). It had just the right amount of action and intrigue to keep my son interested each night when we would read the next chapter together.
I loved the different monsters and how they all became friends with the warden. Friday the 13th was very funny and I liked the grumpy monster the best.
From the POV of the grownup reading every other page:
This was a really fun book to read together. I liked the themes of the main character not feeling like he fits in and ending up on a wild adventure of exploration (Ultimately learning along the way that things are not always what they seem and just because the monsters are different it doesn’t mean they can’t work together and become friends). It had just the right amount of action and intrigue to keep my son interested each night when we would read the next chapter together.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 19, 2026
Full of make-believe and silliness, Grumpfort is an enjoyable tale of a young boy who just wants to find out who he is meant to be. I loved the absurdity of some of the interactions and laughed at the situations Mo gets himself into. The illustrations and creative layouts on each page make the story pop, creating an engaging tale for all ages. Kids will connect with the fun names and made-up monsters, laughing at the interactions and adventures the characters experience. While the plot is somewhat predictable (as an adult), readers will empathize with many of the characters, particularly understanding when things are not always as they seem. I can see kids wanting to read it again and again.
February 9, 2025
When you end up with the last job in the world that you want, what can you do? Because, just as you think that being a Monster Hunter really can't get any worse you are beaten up by a goblin and realise that in order not to become a total laughingstock you must prove yourself.
The problem is, that means venturing into the depths of the forest and doing even *more* things that you don't want to do! And you are about to discover that the situation is even worse than you thought...
Packed with weird creatures and hilarious events, this book is not to be missed! Its charm and humour win it 3.5 stars.
I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
The problem is, that means venturing into the depths of the forest and doing even *more* things that you don't want to do! And you are about to discover that the situation is even worse than you thought...
Packed with weird creatures and hilarious events, this book is not to be missed! Its charm and humour win it 3.5 stars.
I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
April 26, 2026
Such a lovely kid’s book. I love the pictures spread throughout the story. I also love the message of taking time to learn about things for yourself. Having a book that tells you something doesn’t always tell you the whole story. I think that kids are really going to fall in love with this fun story. It is perfect for readers who love graphic novels who want to try branching out into chapter books.
Thank you so much to Usborne Publishing and Netgalley for allowing me to read an advance copy of this title.
Thank you so much to Usborne Publishing and Netgalley for allowing me to read an advance copy of this title.
January 19, 2025
This is a lovely story all about finding who you are and being you. Just because you're not the 'best' warden, doesn't mean you can't be a good one. Being true to you and not trying to confirm to stereotypes will always win in the end. You might even find that along the way you help people AND make new friends. I loved this story and there were so many wonderful characters that I couldn't put it down.
March 2, 2025
This book is hilarious, I loved it so much. Wonderful storytelling and such fantastic illustrations throughout. The comic strip elements made me laugh out loud repeatedly. There's so much to love here from the fun characters and engaging plot to the enjoyable world building.
I would love a whole series of these including a spinoff all about Bort because he's the best! (... now I wish I had some sausage rolls)
I would love a whole series of these including a spinoff all about Bort because he's the best! (... now I wish I had some sausage rolls)
May 8, 2025
A book that sounded like oodles of fun, had quite a few great moments and the illustrations were just fab, but I also felt like I had read it all before. I was just like, oh and then this will happen, and behold, it did. Oh, that person will end up being that, and yes it was.
Hazel was just an utter bitch. I am so done and tired of that trope. MC meets girl. Girl is always angry (often for not the right reasons) and girl never listens, girl loves using violence. Welcome to Hazel.
Hazel was just an utter bitch. I am so done and tired of that trope. MC meets girl. Girl is always angry (often for not the right reasons) and girl never listens, girl loves using violence. Welcome to Hazel.
February 21, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and Usborne Publishing for an ARC of this book!
Grumpfort was such a fun children’s book! My son and I loved the adventuring, learning about the different monsters and seeing Mo enter into his new position as Warden as he learned his own bravery. This book is great for kids that enjoy the How to Train Your Dragon series. It had lively humor and the break downs of the mythical creatures were really creative paired with the illustrations!
Grumpfort was such a fun children’s book! My son and I loved the adventuring, learning about the different monsters and seeing Mo enter into his new position as Warden as he learned his own bravery. This book is great for kids that enjoy the How to Train Your Dragon series. It had lively humor and the break downs of the mythical creatures were really creative paired with the illustrations!
December 15, 2024
This was a joy from the first page! Gorgeous characters: a brave lad who doubts himself more than anything and a bevy of monsters more wonderful and strange than you can imagine! Jamie’s story and illustrations made me smile so much. I think kids are gonna adore this! Lovely messages about bravery, friendship and being your own person.
March 25, 2025
This didn’t wow me as much as I hoped it would. Some great moments and I did enjoy meeting Mo. The monsters were great with some good moments. I just felt that it was padded out and didn’t really live up to the hype!
March 18, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I’ve been incredibly excited for this book for what feels like forever and it did not disappoint!! The illustrations, the story, the messages! I was just obsessed. It’s the perfect choice for BOTM and I’d recommend it to every single child (and adults obviously!). It has monsters, found family, overcoming fear, booby traps and a whole ton of chaos! It’s fully illustrated throughout which makes it the perfect read aloud for younger readers but is also a great read for both confident and reluctant readers too since it’s utterly engaging! I cannot recommend this enough!!!
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I’ve been incredibly excited for this book for what feels like forever and it did not disappoint!! The illustrations, the story, the messages! I was just obsessed. It’s the perfect choice for BOTM and I’d recommend it to every single child (and adults obviously!). It has monsters, found family, overcoming fear, booby traps and a whole ton of chaos! It’s fully illustrated throughout which makes it the perfect read aloud for younger readers but is also a great read for both confident and reluctant readers too since it’s utterly engaging! I cannot recommend this enough!!!
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March 19, 2025
3.5 stars. Sweet story about making friends on unusual places and that things might not be as they seem.
March 26, 2025
Rating: 7.5/10
April 10, 2025
Fun kids’ monster book about friendship and protecting your family and friends.
Story⭐️⭐️⭐️
Illustrations ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Story⭐️⭐️⭐️
Illustrations ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
June 26, 2025
I truly enjoyed this story and laughed a lot while reading. It definitely helped with m reading slump!!
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews