King Kong's Cousin

Junior's quest to rescue his cat Bernice during the Thanksgiving parade is a genuinely warm underdog story — and Mark Teague's grayscale acrylic art, winking at the classic Kong film, gives it a visual identity that's all its own. Multiple major trade reviewers praised both its emotional authenticity and its read-aloud rhythm, which is exactly what you want in a picture book. Kids who've ever felt overshadowed by a bigger personality will feel seen here.