Ten Speed Press, an imprint of Penguin Random House, will be releasing a new series of introductory guides to Dungeons & Dragons aimed at middle grade readers. The first two books will launch on July 16.

Jim Zub (Skullkickers, Wayward, numerous Dungeons & Dragons comics for IDW), designed the series with Ten Speed Press Editor Aaron Wehner after making a proposal to Wizards of the Coast. The books will focus on the key elements of D&D is, and show young readers (or just potential new players) what they can use to create their own characters and stories.

The first two books in the D&D Young Adventurer’s Guides series will be Monsters & Creatures and Warriors & Weapons. Zub had the help of Stacy King (Manga Classics) and Andrew Wheeler (Freelance, Another Castle) in writing, editing, and art description.  Monsters & Creatures is an illustrated guide to the worlds of D&D, with insights and descriptions of some to the most dangerous beasts and monsters. It also includes an introductory “Encounter” story for readers to practice their problem-solving skills. Warriors & Weapons presents entries on the different types of warriors, and weaponry fighters need for adventuring. It offers tools to young players to build their own characters and brainstorm the challenges they’d like to take on with friends and fellow players.

Both guides are 112-page hardcovers aimed at middle grade readers (8 – 12). MSRP is $12.99. The books are currently available for preorder on Amazon, Target, Walmart, Barnes & Noble, and more.