From bestselling author-illustrator Mark Teague comes a laugh-out-loud, black-and-white picture book introducing Junior, King Kong’s cousin!

Junior wants to be as big and as strong and as special as his cousin, Kong, but he always seems to come up short. Kong climbs skyscrapers; Junior is afraid of heights. Kong does whatever he wants; Junior does chores. When Junior’s beloved cat gets stuck in a tree, will this be his chance to save the day?

About The Author

Photo courtesy of the author

Mark Teague

Mark Teague is an award-winning author and illustrator whose books include Fly!, King Kong’s Cousin, We Are Going to Be Pals!, and You Are Not Sleepy!. He is also the illustrator of Cat Dog, written by Mem Fox; the Bat, Cat & Rat series, written by Ame Dyckman; and the New York Times bestselling How Do Dinosaurs…? series, written by Jane Yolen.

About The Illustrator

Photo courtesy of the author

Mark Teague

Product Details

Publisher: Beach Lane Books (August 30, 2022)
Length: 40 pages
ISBN13: 9781665912310
Ages: 4 - 8
Lexile ® AD530L The Lexile reading levels have been certified by the Lexile developer, MetaMetrics®

Raves and Reviews

"This is a cozy family read to enjoy together and reiterates the vital lesson that even small people can do great things. A timeless lesson combined with vintage vibes for a comforting read-along."

– Kirkus Reviews, 06/01/2022

"Teague (Cat Dog) tells his story with elegance and emotional authenticity; grayscale acrylic art winks at the classic film with details that reward close reading."

– Publishers Weekly, 6/6/2022

"Teague’s engaging text, which introduces the cousins through a series of contrasts, leads readers to admire Kong and to love Junior. A rewarding picture book that's fun for reading aloud."

– Booklist, 8/1/2022

"In a charming nod to black-and-white films, Teague’s illustrations depict sharp contrasts between Kong’s heroic and exciting life and Junior’s normal one. Young readers will love seeing that Junior can be a hero in his own right. This story would work well for a preschool read-aloud and will be welcomed on the shelves by children who strive to be taller and stronger. An easy purchase for public libraries."

– School Library Journals, 8/12/2022