Jason Blackstone and Erik Johnson have a mania for monsters.

While visiting Mr. Finnwick's book store, Mr. Finnwick agrees to show them the rare book, Realm of Monsters, if they promise not to touch. He opens the book. The page shows a baylax, an ugly shriveled-up he-man with a bad hair day.

But when Mr. Finnwick is called away, suddenly the boys are sucked into the book when they accidently touch it. Finding themselves in the land where the baylax live, Jason and Erik must overcome fear and hopelessness. For if they cannot escape, they will surely end up slaves or a sidedish at a baylax feast.