Fans of the increasingly popular Moshi Monsters online game have a new way to interact with the virtual characters with the launch of two books based on the brand.

The Moshling Collector’s Guide and My Moshi Monsters Joke book recently made their debut in the UK with a Moshi-clad Michael Acton Smith, chief executive of the game’s creators Mind Candy, signing books for hundreds of fans.

Penguin’s tween imprint, Sunbird, is the first to partner with Moshi IP owner Mind Candy and has been awarded worldwide publishing rights. The first two books officially hit shelves on October 7.

The Moshi Monsters website, which has reached more than 29 million players since launching in 2008, allows children to adopt their own free pet monster, play games, customize their homes, explore the virtual world and solve educational puzzles.