Book 1· Ages 8–12
From Texas Trails to Irish Tales
A stray terrier from Waco. A train that doesn't stop. The first crossing from Texas to the green hills of Cork.
The Adventures of Monty — Every child has an inner compass
A children's book series · Ages 8–12 · By Tracy O'Meara
Trust Your Compass
Follow Monty, a curious Texas rescue dog, on an unforgettable journey to Ireland where children discover courage, friendship, kindness, curiosity, and the confidence to find their own way.
Start here · Book 1
From Texas Trails to Irish Tales
A small sandy-golden terrier with a home on Cowboy Joe's ranch — and a curiosity too big to keep still. A brass compass at his collar. A freight train rolling out of Waco toward Galveston — and a journey across an ocean that nobody planned. The first book in the series, and the perfect place to meet Monty.
- Ages 8–12
- 142 pages
- Hardcover & paperback
Read Chapter 1 & 2 free → with the original illustrations. Or see all three books.
Read in order
The trilogy at a glance
Three books, one unfolding story. Best read in order — but each one stands on its own.
Book 2· Ages 8–12
Western Winds to Irish Whispers
Cowboy Joe crosses an ocean. A compass pulses in the dark. A hundred-year-old secret rises from the Cork tide.
Book 3· Ages 8–12
The Mysterious Mares
A mother and daughter mare separated for eleven years. Cork, the Cotswolds, and a foal born at dawn named Glow.
For young readers
Why kids love Monty
A brave little dog
Monty is small, scruffy, and braver than he looks — exactly the hero kids want to follow.
Real places, real adventure
From Texas ranches to Cork harbours — every location is a real place kids can find on a map.
A mystery that grows
Three books, one unfolding secret. Each volume reveals a little more of the compass's story.
For grown-ups
Why parents & teachers choose Monty
Ages 8–12, short chapters
Middle-grade reading level with chapter lengths that suit bedtime and classroom alike.
Themes worth talking about
Courage, kindness, friendship, belonging — the kind of conversations that outlast the story.
Classroom-friendly
Geography (Texas ↔ Ireland), animal welfare, history, and Irish folklore woven into every book.
Loved by readers
What families & teachers say
From parents, teachers & young adventurers
"My 9-year-old daughter devoured all three in a week and now insists she has her own compass too. Beautifully written."
Sarah M.
Parent · Cork
"A rare middle-grade series with real heart. The Texas-to-Ireland thread gave my class so much to talk about."
Ms. O'Brien
Primary School Teacher
"Monty is the bravest little dog! I loved the part with the compass on the boat. I want a book four!"
Eoin, age 10
Reader
Free for young readers
Get the free activity pack
Printable colouring pages, the illustrated Irish Adventure Map, and sneak peeks of Monty's next book — straight to your inbox.
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Follow the journey
Monty, between the books
Behind-the-scenes moments with the real Monty, sneak peeks of new pages, and a little Irish countryside magic — every week on TikTok and Instagram.
@adventuresofmonty_com
Scan the QR with your camera — or tap to open Instagram and follow along.
Follow on InstagramWatch & learn
Come learn with Monty
A little hello from Monty — press play and come along for the adventure.
Meet the author & the real Monty
Written by Tracy O'Meara, inspired by her rescue dog Monty.
Tracy writes from County Cork, near Cork Harbour. The Adventures of Monty began as a story for her nieces and nephews, so they could learn more about where Monty — a small sandy-golden terrier rescued from Texas — came from, and grew into a series she's still discovering, chapter by chapter.
"You don't need brass and leather to carry a compass. Everyone has one."
Read Tracy's Story