Monster Hunting Series by Ian Mark 3 Books Collection Set - Ages 5+ - Paperback

Titles in This Set:
Monster Hunting For Beginners
Monsters Bite Back
Just Add Dragons

Format: Paperback
ISBN: 9780755504367; 9780755504374; 9780755504381

Overview:
This lively three-book collection brings together the first three adventures in Ian Mark’s Monster Hunting series for young readers who love fast-paced fantasy, clever tricks, and brave-but-flawed heroes. Monster Hunting For Beginners kicks off the quest with Jack facing an ogre that literally appears in his garden, testing his wits, nerve, and a spluttery spellbook. In Monsters Bite Back, Jack, his friend Nancy, and the curmudgeonly Stoop embark on a Scotland-bound mission filled with fog goblins, mischievous ghosts, and a teasing rivalry with another monster-hunting outfit—plus a possible glimpse of Nessie. Just Add Dragons wraps the trio with a London-wide chase when a dragon eats a bus on London Bridge, drawing the trio into a mystery tied to Jack’s mother’s death. The UK edition format keeps the tone playful, accessible, and perfect for middle-grade readers seeking big adventures and big laughs. This collection is a joyous, family-friendly introduction to a world where imagination and courage go hand in hand with humor.

What This Collection Covers:
Across these three stories, readers follow a growing band of young monster hunters as they learn the craft: planning, teamwork, and quick thinking when things go wrong. The set blends slapstick humor with heart and wonder, inviting kids to lean into problem-solving rather than relying on luck alone. The adventures move from the neighborhood scale—an ogre in a garden—to wider quests that cross seas, lochs, and famous city landmarks, all while maintaining a light aura of mystery and mischief. The recurring themes center on friendship, perseverance, and the idea that courage can be small at first but become heroic through persistence. With approachable chapters and a cheeky spirit, this collection supports early chapter-book readers and invites family discussion about choices, consequences, and the value of teamwork in the face of ridiculous monsters and tricky puzzles.

Book-by-Book Guide:
Monster Hunting For Beginners
Monster Hunting For Beginners opens with Jack’s determined bid to master monster hunting, even as chaos erupts when an ogre intrudes into his garden and aims to eat his aunt. It’s a funny, fast-paced initiation into a world where even the bravest heroes stumble, yet learn quickly through clever ideas and a dash of luck. Jack’s quest is propelled by a mix of courage, curiosity, and the occasional misstep, creating a relatable arc for readers who prefer brains over brawn. The story establishes the tone of the series: light-hearted, adventurous, and still surprisingly human. Young readers will root for Jack as he fumbles toward understanding that real heroism often comes from creative thinking and teamwork with friends who have their own quirky strengths.

Monsters Bite Back
Monsters Bite Back follows Jack, Nancy, and Stoop as they head to Scotland after reports of mysterious creatures disturbing an ancient abbey. The trio confronts fog goblins, disgruntled ghosts, and elusive loch monsters, while a rival monster-hunting agency adds rivalry and tension. The setting expands the world and invites readers to imagine grand-scale quests while maintaining the charm of the first book’s humor. The mystery deepens as the team uncovers clues that point to a bigger picture about monsters and their motives. The camaraderie among the friends—and their willingness to improvise when plans fail—offers a satisfying, high-spirited middle-grade adventure that’s easy to dive into and hard to put down.

Just Add Dragons
Just Add Dragons sends the team on a London-wide chase after a dragon that literally eats a bus on London Bridge. As the mystery unfolds, readers learn how dragons and humans intersect in unexpected ways, and why dragons are treated as “D” for Don’t Exist in some manuals. The story moves toward a deeper emotional current as Jack confronts connections to his mum’s death, weaving a through-line that adds poignancy to the action. The pace stays brisk, the humor remains bright, and the stakes feel personal enough to keep readers invested while still delivering exuberant adventures with familiar characters who grow with each page.

Who This Set Is Perfect For:
This collection is ideal for children aged approximately 8 and up who enjoy humorous fantasy, buddy comradery, and fast-moving quests. It’s a strong pick for reluctant readers who respond to short chapters, brisk pacing, and clear stakes wrapped in wit. The trio also makes a fantastic gift set for birthdays or holidays, a family read-aloud option for weekend storytelling, and a ready-made series starter for classrooms exploring humor and adventure in contemporary children’s fiction. Fans of Shrek-like humor and light fantasy will feel right at home, while parents will appreciate the accessible language and age-appropriate humor that invites engagement without overwhelm.

Key Benefits:

• Engaging three-book collection that builds a cohesive fantasy world
• Accessible, chapter-based storytelling that supports confident reading
• Humorous monsters and warm friendship dynamics that appeal to kids and parents
• Perfect gift set for young readers and budding collectors
• UK edition paperback format compatible with school reading lists
• Encourages imagination, problem-solving, and teamwork
• Consistent tone across a through-line while offering distinct adventures

About the Author:
Ian Mark is an Irish debut author known for voice-rich, playful fantasy that invites young readers into a world where monsters and mayhem mingle with heart and humor. The Monster Hunting series marks Mark’s first major foray into middle-grade fiction, delivering breezy, fast-paced chapters that balance mischief with moments of genuine warmth. Mark’s storytelling approach emphasizes character-driven plots, accessible language, and a nimble sense of whimsy that makes complex ideas feel approachable for emerging readers. His work has resonated with families and schools seeking lively, pager-turning adventures that celebrate curiosity and resilience in young heroes.

Why You’ll Love This Set:
With three interconnected adventures in one affordable collection, readers can binge the complete Monster Hunting experience from start to finish. The humor, heart, and heroism are consistently engaging, while the escalating challenges keep readers eager for the next page. Owning the full set offers a complete reading journey that’s perfect for gifting, classroom sharing, or a family reading ritual—providing hours of entertainment and a sense of accomplishment as kids move from beginner to confident reader through laughter and imagination.

Please Note: The individual books included in this listing will be dispatched as per the original UK ISBN and UK edition cover image shown in the image.