The A*B*Cs of D&D and The 1*2*3s of D&D
A*B*Cs Hardcover | 1*2*3s Hardcover
Written by Ivan Van Norman
Illustrated by Caleb Cleveland
Publisher: Wizards of the Coast
Release Date: November 13, 2018

When I found out that Wizards of the Coast was releasing some awesome little storybook style Dungeons and Dragons primers for kids, I had to reach out to them and have some sent so I could review them. For you see, I just became a grandparent!

My little grandson, Braxton, absolutely had to help me with The A*B*Cs of D&D and The 1*2*3s of D&D. I mean, I have to start him off on the right path, right?

These two books really do go hand in hand. In fact, I cannot imagine having one without the other. They both have the same rhyming format, with short, simple sentences that are perfect for the wee ones. The monsters shown within are neither scary nor comical, they simply seem to be excellent renderings of random encounters with kid friendly appeal. I was even more impressed that there seems to be a very diverse depiction of the children illustrated in both releases, creating a very inclusive couple of books. It made my heart swell to see so much love put into this book so that all kids could feel represented.

Each book tells a few stories, showing adventures that could be had. The piquing of interest is probably the greatest gift of these books. For even if the child decides that D&D is not for them, they are still shown that there are wondrous adventures awaiting them in books, comics, films, and more. Imagination is such a beautiful gift that should be nurtured and celebrated, not just for children but for us all.

Ivan Van Norman penned some simple sentences that will engage kids of all ages while Caleb Cleveland created some spectacular artwork to wow and amaze them, too. I, personally, cannot thank them enough for giving us a starter set of primers that any gamer geeks will be proud to share with the little ones in their lives.

As I am new to this grandparenting gig, I feel I must share that he did not seem to comprehend much of what I was saying. In his defense, Braxton is only a month old, so I guess I can forgive him for that whole lack of comprehension, you know? But he did sit there and listen while I read to him, as always. Now Dungeons and Dragons has always been close to my heart, I am a long time tabletop role-playing nerd. So I feel the timing on these books being released was more than mere mortal luck; it almost seemed like destiny. I hope you will take the time to seek these out, for they are a treasure worthy of any dragon’s hoard.

After note: I would be remiss if I did not include a gratuitous photograph of me and my grandson with the aforementioned books:

The A*B*Cs of D&D

A Dungeons & Dragons children’s book that captures the wonder and whimsy that made you fall in love with the game.

A is for Adventure.
Our journey has begun.
B is for Book,
the source of all the fun!

Start your little gamer on an adventure to last a lifetime with this alphabetical children’s book and introduction to the greatest roleplaying game of all time, Dungeons & Dragons.

Written in the rhyming style of classic children’s books and filled with adorable owlbears and darling beholders, it’s the perfect book to share the joy of Dungeons & Dragons with a new generation as they learn the alphabet””a precursor to every new path in reading.

“¢ Perfect birthday gift or holiday gift for gamers of all ages; great thank you gift for Dungeon Masters
“¢ Must-have for all gaming parents; a great baby shower gift!
“¢ Part of a series with The 123s of D&D, a children’s counting book and companion to The ABCs of D&D.

The 1*2*3s of D&D

A Dungeons & Dragons children’s book that captures the wonder and whimsy that made you fall in love with the game.

We begin with ONE Dungeon Master
telling a story of daring deeds,
the adventure of TWO heroes and
their brave and noble steeds.

Start your little gamer on an adventure to last a lifetime with this numerical children’s book and introduction to the greatest roleplaying game of all time, Dungeons & Dragons.

Written in the rhyming style of classic children’s books and filled with adorable owlbears and darling beholders, adorable bugbears and darling drow, it’s the perfect book to share the joy of Dungeons & Dragons with a new generation as they learn their numbers””a precursor to every new path in counting.

“¢ Perfect birthday gift or holiday gift for gamers of all ages; great thank you gift for Dungeon Masters
“¢ Must-have for all gaming parents; a great baby shower gift!
“¢ Part of a series with The ABCs of D&D, a children’s alphabet book and companion to The 123s of D&D