Photo by Bonus Action
When it comes to bringing up the youngest generations of Dungeons & Dragons players, reading a standard sourcebook is a bit of an intimidating undertaking. Thankfully, the Young Adventurers series written by Jim Zub, Stacey King, and Andrew Wheeler is the perfect resource for kids rolling their first dice.
In the Young Adventurer’s collection set 2, players will find four essential sourcebooks with vibrant illustrations, clear breakdowns, and exciting scenarios perfect for encouraging children to learn about Dungeons & Dragons.
Key Details
- Publisher: Ten Speed Press
- Brand: Dungeons & Dragons/Wizards of the Coast
- Authors: Jim Zub, Stacey King, Andrew Wheeler
- Volumes: Places & Portals, Artificers & Alchemy, Dragons & Treasures, Beasts & Behemoths
- Reading Level: Ages 10+
- Where to Buy: Penguin Random House/Amazon
- Price: $34.99
- Sample Provided: Yes
Perfect For Bedtime Stories or Independent Reading
While not designed as storybooks, the Young Adventurer series offers simplified language and descriptions that are much more digestible than the standard 5E sourcebooks adults usually use. These condensed, young reader-friendly volumes are perfect for adults to read to children, or for kids to pick up and read in their own time.
Descriptions of items, people, places, and mechanics are assisted by colorful images, often illustrating how things might be used, or how they could look depending on the situation. These vibrant images not only help children understand what can sometimes be complex concepts but offer tangible ideas for young imaginations to build on.
As a parent, I can pull any of the four books out and sit down with my young son, pointing to pictures of dragons or characters, and he will listen with delight as I read the descriptions on the page that accompany them. It’s really a wonderful bonding experience and a way to share my love of D&D with him as he grows.
The Young Adventurer’s Collection is The Best Way To Get The Books
From Percy Jackson collections to Wings of Fire, kids love the ability to collect and display books they care about. This makes the Young Adventurer’s Collection perfect for any bedroom window or bookshelf. The box itself is sturdy and colorful, displaying a green dragon on the front. It houses the four softback volumes perfectly, ensuring their pages and covers aren’t damaged between reads.
This little set won’t take up much room either, with a footprint just a few inches deep. The box is about as tall as a standard book, allowing it to fit snuggly alongside any other volumes displayed.
I love box sets like these. They make the best gifts for kids or adults, combining the useful information of each volume with a level of collective showmanship that Dungeons & Dragons sourcebooks are known for. This will make even the youngest players feel like expert dungeon masters.
I particularly appreciate that the art hasn’t been “cartooned”, with the imagery and designs very similar to what has been used in recent sourcebooks. I think this makes them particularly appealing to kids getting into D&D, as it won’t feel as if the content has been altered to match a young reading level. I know I never liked it when an adolescent fantasy book had a kid’s television show vibe for a cover. I wanted the books to be like the ones my parents read, with the fancy illustrations. These Young Adventurer books provide this perfectly, and I love it.
Short Stories Act As Learning Opportunities
One of the best elements of the Young Adventurer’s books is the mini-stories inside. When certain mechanics, scenarios, or creatures are described, readers will occasionally find a page beside the description detailing a scenario where they must think like a character in a campaign.
For many children, this will be their first introduction to the roleplaying and problem-solving of Dungeons & Dragons. Whether they are asked to take on the role of a character and respond to a situation, or are made to think about how they might use an item as a specific Class, these are critical opportunities to illustrate what a campaign might be like.
As the adults reading these books alongside the children in our lives, we can help walk these young party members through the challenge, imagine outcomes, and even advance the story provided in a mini-session.
I absolutely love this, as it offers the reader the chance to take what they have learned and apply it. This sets the kids reading these books up for success and creates an interactive and engaging experience.
Final Score – 9/10
The Dungeons & Dragons Young Adventurer’s Collection set 2 is a fantastic resource for young D&D players. It is the perfect gift for a birthday or holiday and will be both an opportunity for adventure as well as a learning experience.
For any parents with D&D-curious kids, this is the perfect tool. It’s an age-inclusive introduction to otherwise complex materials and will nurture young imaginations with the limitless possibilities a gameplay session can create.
**A sample copy of the D&D Young Adventurer’s Collection set 2 was provided to Bonus Action for the purpose of this review**
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