KRKB
Mark Teague
Illustrator & Author Profile

Mark Teague

30 Books
Mark Teague is an acclaimed American author and illustrator of children's books. He is widely recognized for his vibrant, expressive illustrations in the bestselling How Do Dinosaurs series, written by Jane Yolen. Teague has also written and illustrated many of his own beloved picture books, including the hilarious Ike LaRue series about a mischievous, letter-writing dog.
Being related to the most famous ape in the world is not easy for Junior. He desperately wants to be just as big, strong, and special as his giant cousin, King Kong, but he always seems to fall short. While Kong confidently scales massive skyscrapers in the city, Junior is stuck on the ground, terrified of heights. Kong gets to do whatever he pleases, but Junior is always stuck doing his daily chores. He feels small and unimportant in the shadow of his legendary relative. However, when his beloved pet cat accidentally gets stuck high up in a tree, Junior is the only one who can help. He has to summon his courage, face his fear of heights, and prove that you do not need to be a giant monster to be a real hero. This black-and-white illustrated story is a funny and heartwarming look at finding your own kind of bravery.
6-8 Years 40 Pages
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Letters from the Campaign Trail

Ike LaRue is back, and this time he is entering the wild world of politics. When a strict mayoral candidate named Hugo Bugwort threatens to impose harsh rules on the fun-loving dogs of Snort City, Ike decides he cannot just sit by. He throws his own collar into the ring and runs for mayor to protect the rights of his fellow canines. Through a series of urgent letters and local newspaper clippings, Ike details the chaotic ups and downs of his election campaign. He tries to win over voters while dealing with the anti-dog rhetoric of his opponent. But when a sudden accident happens at a major campaign rally, Ike has the chance to prove that he is not just a political underdog, but a true hero. This funny election story offers a clever look at campaigning from a dog's perspective.
6-8 Years 32 Pages
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Postcards from the Vacation

A peaceful cross-country road trip becomes a hilarious ordeal for Ike the dog. When Mrs. LaRue decides to take a vacation, she agrees to bring along the neighbor's two cats while their owner is in the hospital. Ike is absolutely horrified to be trapped in a car with his feline enemies. As they travel from state to state, Ike sends a series of frantic postcards back home, detailing the supposed misery and chaos caused by the cats. From sightseeing disasters to motel mix-ups, Ike documents every bump in the road through his uniquely dramatic point of view. Despite his constant complaining, the journey forces this unlikely trio to figure out how to share the back seat. This engaging travel story uses postcards to deliver a funny look at family road trips and unexpected traveling companions.
6-8 Years
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Jack trades the family cow for magic beans and soon finds himself staring at a massive beanstalk. But instead of wealth and treasure, the beanstalk produces an endless supply of beans. The whole village is forced to eat bean porridge, bean salad, and bean chowder until everyone is entirely sick of them. Ready to chop down the oversized plant, Jack climbs to the top and meets a grumpy giant who is just as tired of eating beans as the rest of the village. Realizing they share the same problem, Jack and the giant team up to completely rethink their harvest. They decide to plant a massive garden filled with corn, tomatoes, and most importantly, russet potatoes. This clever twist on a classic folktale turns a familiar story into a funny adventure about teamwork and the search for the perfect plate of french fries.
6-8 Years 40 Pages
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Edward and his cousin Judy are spending an action-packed day at the local firehouse to learn what it takes to be real firefighters. The two young dogs dive into the daily routines of the station, exploring the equipment and meeting the hardworking crew. Things quickly get out of hand during a practice drill when a slippery slide down the fire pole leads to a wild, chaotic battle with an uncontrollable fire hose. Edward finds himself slipping and sliding all over the station floor. But when a genuine emergency suddenly rings through the alarm bells, the jokes stop and the real work begins. Edward must put his clumsy mishaps behind him and step up to help the crew save the day. This energetic story highlights community helpers while delivering plenty of physical comedy.
6-8 Years 40 Pages
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Three little pigs are given money to build their own homes, but they do not all make smart choices. Two of the pigs spend their cash on potato chips and soda pop, leaving them with just enough to build flimsy houses of straw and sticks. The third pig takes her time, eats a healthy meal, and carefully builds a strong house out of bricks. When a hungry and frustrated wolf arrives in the neighborhood after being turned away from the local pizza parlor, the flimsy houses do not stand a chance against his huffing and puffing. He quickly blows them down, forcing the two careless pigs to run for cover. But when the wolf reaches the sturdy brick house, the story takes an unexpected turn. This humorous retelling changes the classic ending into a lesson about sharing and making good choices.
6-8 Years 37 Pages
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Wendell and Floyd are always late for school, no matter how hard they try to get out the door on time. Desperate to avoid another tardy slip, Wendell reveals a secret shortcut that he promises will get them to class in record time. They hop over a fence and immediately find themselves completely lost in a wild, overgrown jungle. Instead of crossing the street, they are swinging from vines, dodging angry monkeys, and trying to escape snapping crocodiles. They must navigate through deep quicksand and thick foliage, turning their morning commute into a desperate race for survival. They have to work together to survive the jungle and somehow find their way back to civilization before the school bell rings. This wildly imaginative adventure turns a simple walk to school into an unforgettable and thrilling journey.
6-8 Years 32 Pages
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Wallace Bleff is standing in front of his class, ready to give his report on how he spent his summer vacation. While other kids went to camp or visited their grandparents, Wallace claims his summer was entirely different. He was supposed to take a quiet trip to visit his Aunt Fern, but instead, he says he was accidentally scooped up by a band of roaming cowboys. Swept out into the Wild West, Wallace had to learn the tough life of a ranch hand. He practiced riding bucking broncos, learned how to toss a lasso, and spent his nights under the open sky. His new cowboy skills even helped him save Aunt Fern's backyard barbecue from a sudden cattle stampede. This hilarious and highly exaggerated tale captures the boundless energy of a child's imagination.
6-8 Years 32 Pages
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High up in a sturdy tree, Mama bird decides it is finally time for her baby to leave the nest. The flock needs to migrate south for the winter, and Baby bird must learn to use his wings. But Baby bird is absolutely terrified of falling and refuses to flap a single feather. Instead of trying to fly, he uses his sharp imagination to come up with completely ridiculous alternative travel plans. He suggests floating away in a hot air balloon, catching a ride in a passing car, or even taking a commercial airplane. Mama bird remains patient but firm as her baby presents one hilarious excuse after another. This expressive, wordless story uses detailed illustrations to capture the anxiety of trying something new and the funny lengths we go to avoid it.
6-8 Years 40 Pages
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Wendell Flutz absolutely refuses to clean his room, and he does not care that it looks like a total disaster zone. His mother warns him that it is turning into a pigsty, but Wendell ignores her and continues to leave his toys and clothes scattered everywhere. He does not even mind when a real, live pig suddenly wanders into his room and sits on his bed. But as the mess grows, more and more pigs arrive, taking over his floor, chewing on his comic books, and making a complete wreck of his space. Wendell soon realizes that sharing a room with a herd of messy farm animals is actually incredibly annoying. He finally decides it is time to take charge and organize his chaotic bedroom before the pigs take over completely. This hilarious story takes the common struggle of a messy room to an outrageous extreme.
6-8 Years 32 Pages
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Letters from the Investigation

Ike LaRue, the world's most dramatic dog, is back in trouble and has been falsely accused of a terrible crime. While his owner, Mrs. LaRue, is away on vacation, Ike is arrested and locked up, accused of kidnapping the neighbor's two missing cats. Desperate to clear his good name, Ike begins writing a series of urgent letters detailing his innocence and his own private investigation. He breaks out of his cell and takes to the streets, tracking down clues to find the real feline culprits and prove he was framed. Along the way, his overactive imagination paints a hilarious picture of his life as a hard-boiled canine detective. This clever mystery combines funny letters with split-screen illustrations to show the wild difference between Ike's tall tales and the real truth.
6-8 Years 32 Pages
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How does a gigantic dinosaur act when it is time for dinner? Does it burp out loud, throw its peas on the floor, or spit out its broccoli? Just like kids, sometimes young dinosaurs have a difficult time learning how to behave at the table. But with a little help from Mom and Dad, these massive eaters can learn to finish everything on their plates with smiles and goodwill. Dive into this hilarious, rhyming adventure that shows exactly what happens when prehistoric creatures sit down for a meal. You will laugh out loud at the silly pictures of giant beasts making a mess, and then cheer as they learn the right way to eat. It is the perfect story to read together before your own family dinner, proving that even the biggest dinosaurs can have excellent table manners!
6-8 Years 32 Pages
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Meet Poppleton, the most charming and polite pig in the neighborhood! In this delightful collection of three funny stories, Poppleton is tackling a few tricky new challenges with the help of his very best friends. First, he plants a beautiful dogwood tree in his yard, but he needs some advice when its leaves start to wilt. Next, poor Poppleton catches a sniffly cold and has to figure out how to rest and feel better. Finally, he takes on a major home improvement project: hanging brand-new wallpaper in his house! Of course, his friends are eager to help, even if their ideas turn out to be a little more silly than useful. Read along to find out how this lovable pig handles sneezing fits, sticky glue, and the joy of good friends.
6-8 Years 48 Pages
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Even the biggest, stompiest dinosaurs have a soft side! How does a giant dinosaur show its parents that it loves them? Does it roar as loud as it can, or does it give a gentle, sweet smile? From cleaning up a huge mess in the playroom to giving a giant, scaly hug, there are so many wonderful ways for a dinosaur to say I love you. Jump into this heartwarming and hilarious story filled with bouncy rhymes and beautiful pictures of your favorite prehistoric pals. You will love seeing these enormous creatures acting just like you, turning their grumpy moments into sweet surprises. It is the perfect read-aloud to share with your family, proving that no matter how big you grow, there is always room for a little more love.
6-8 Years 40 Pages
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When the sun goes down and it is time for bed, how does a massive dinosaur say good night? Does he slam his heavy tail on the floor, throw his favorite toys across the room, and pout? Or does he give a giant hug and a sweet kiss? Step inside the homes of some very large, sleepy dinosaurs to find out! Brimming with silly humor and familiar bedtime antics, this playful story shows that even the biggest creatures can sometimes fuss when it is time to sleep. With bouncy, rhyming words and hilarious pictures of giant dinosaurs tucked into human-sized beds, this book will have you giggling all the way to dreamland. You will even get to hunt for the hidden dinosaur names on every page! It is the perfect nighttime adventure to share before you close your own eyes.
6-8 Years 40 Pages
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The air is getting crisp, and autumn has officially arrived in Poppleton's neighborhood! In this cozy collection of fall adventures, our favorite polite pig is ready to enjoy the changing season. First, Poppleton takes a stroll and chats with a flock of geese who are preparing for their long journey south for the winter. Next, he realizes the weather is getting chilly, so he heads to the store to shop for a brand-new, warm coat with a little help from his fashionable friend, Cherry Sue. Finally, Poppleton's big appetite leads him to the Lion's Club, where he tries his best to order a gigantic, delicious pancake breakfast. Filled with humor and gentle life lessons, this sweet story celebrates the crisp weather, good food, and the joy of spending autumn with great friends.
6-8 Years 52 Pages
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Spring has officially arrived, and Poppleton the pig is ready to celebrate the season in his own unique way. You will join this cheerful pig as he tackles a series of warm weather activities, starting with a very ambitious attempt at spring cleaning that does not quite go exactly according to plan. Next, Poppleton decides it is the perfect time to buy a brand new bicycle, only to discover that picking out the right one requires a bit more effort than he anticipated. Finally, you get to experience the thrill of the great outdoors as Poppleton sets up a tent in his very own backyard, planning to stay up all night under the stars. Bursting with gentle humor and delightful situations, these short adventures capture the excitement of a new season. You will love watching Poppleton navigate his daily challenges with the help of his good friends.
6-8 Years 48 Pages
New
Even an ordinary day in the neighborhood can turn into a fantastic adventure when you are a pig with a great attitude. Poppleton is always ready to try something new and enjoy the simple pleasures of life with his wonderful group of friends. You will join him for a magical evening of stargazing alongside his buddy Hudson, searching the night sky for sparkling constellations. Then, the excitement continues when Poppleton decides it is time to shop for a brand new bed, a task that requires extensive testing and plenty of funny moments. Finally, you get to experience the open water as Poppleton sets sail on a boat for the very first time with his friend Fillmore. Filled with humor and gentle lessons, these three charming stories celebrate the joy of trying new experiences and the comfort of having excellent neighbors to share them with.
6-8 Years 52 Pages
New
Poppleton is a polite, thoughtful pig who has just moved from the busy city to a quiet little small town. As he settles into his new, charming house, he begins to explore his neighborhood and build a new life. He quickly becomes friends with Cherry Sue, a very friendly llama who lives next door and loves to offer him treats. Every Monday, Poppleton visits the local library to lose himself in exciting adventure stories. When his friend Fillmore the dog gets sick, Poppleton steps up to help him take his medicine, proving what a loyal and caring friend he can be. These gentle, connected short stories follow the daily routines and small, humorous adventures of a pig finding his place in a new community. It is a warm and inviting introduction to chapter books.
6-8 Years 48 Pages
New
What happens when a gigantic dinosaur catches a terrible case of the flu? Does he whimper and whine with every giant sneeze? Does he fling his medicine right out the door and refuse to rest? Just like kids, little dinosaurs absolutely hate being sick, and visiting the doctor can feel pretty scary. But these prehistoric pals are about to show you exactly how to handle a scratchy throat and a runny nose. Dive into this hilarious, rhyming story that captures all the fussing and fears of feeling under the weather. You will laugh out loud at the silly pictures of massive dinosaurs trying to fit on the doctor's exam table. Best of all, you will see how drinking plenty of juice and getting lots of rest is the perfect way for anyone to get well soon!
6-8 Years 32 Pages
New
Mr. Potter has always lived a very quiet, predictable, and remarkably boring life. Now that he is finally living entirely on his own, he decides it is the perfect time to buy the pet he has always dreamed of. But instead of picking out a normal, quiet dog or a cuddly cat, he ends up with Everest, an incredibly grumpy mynah bird who knows exactly how to talk back. Before long, Everest is calling the shots, and the two of them turn their bachelor pad into a total disaster area. Realizing they desperately need some help keeping the house in order, Mr. Potter places an advertisement. To his absolute shock, the person who applies for the job is none other than his long-lost childhood sweetheart. As Everest the bird continues to cause hilarious trouble around the house, Mr. Potter quickly discovers that his dull routine is gone forever. This charming, funny story proves that the best companions are often the most unexpected.
6-8 Years 128 Pages
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Three-and-a-Half Stories

By Ame Dyckman Pictures by Mark Teague
Packing your bags for a getaway is exciting, but agreeing on the perfect destination can be a real challenge. Bat, Cat, and Rat share a cozy home, and they have finally decided it is time to take a well-deserved vacation together. However, picking a place that makes everyone happy proves to be much harder than they expected. Bat wants a dark, quiet spot to hang upside down. Cat is looking for sunny patches and plenty of soft places to nap. With such wildly different ideas of what makes a trip fun, their grand travel plans are quickly turning into a frustrating argument. Just when it seems like they might have to stay home, Rat steps up with a brilliant idea that might just satisfy all three of them. This charming and funny story explores the tricky balance of compromise and teamwork. You will love seeing how these three unlikely roommates navigate their differences to plan an unforgettable adventure.
6-8 Years 9-12 Years 48 Pages
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Enormous dinosaurs face a gigantic challenge: learning how to handle books and read them properly. At first, these massive prehistoric creatures make every mistake possible. They soak their books in the bathtub, chew on the pages, and even throw them at the family cat. It seems like learning to read is just too frustrating and overwhelming for a giant reptile. But with gentle guidance and patience from their human parents, the dinosaurs slowly figure out the right way to treat a story. They learn to turn the pages carefully, listen quietly, and eventually read the words out loud. This heartwarming and rhyming story shows that even the biggest, wildest dinosaurs can settle down for a good bedtime book. It offers a funny and reassuring approach to the sometimes tricky process of becoming a reader.
6-8 Years 8 Pages
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The chilly weather has arrived, and Poppleton the pig is ready for all the frosty fun that winter brings. When a surprising accident with a sharp icicle happens, it leads to the wonderful discovery of a brand new friend. Poppleton also decides to get creative indoors, working hard to sculpt a beautiful bust of his kind neighbor, Cherry Sue. As his birthday approaches, he is not quite sure how to celebrate during such a cold season. Fortunately, his loyal group of pals has planned a fantastic wintry surprise just for him. From snowy crafts to unexpected parties, Poppleton discovers that the coldest days are actually filled with the most warmth when you share them with others. This gentle, funny collection of stories is full of charm, showing how friendship makes every season brighter.
6-8 Years 48 Pages
New
What would you do if a gigantic dinosaur stomped right into your classroom? Would he roar during storytime, jump on top of his desk, or refuse to share the playground equipment? Come along and join the fun as we find out exactly how dinosaurs behave during a typical school day! From riding the yellow school bus to reading their favorite books and playing with friends, these massive prehistoric students are ready to learn. Filled with entertaining details and familiar classroom scenes, this hilarious story proves that even the biggest creatures know how to be on their best behavior. You will laugh out loud at the silly pictures and have a blast hunting for the hidden dinosaur names on every page. Going to school has never been so much fun!
6-8 Years 29 Pages
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What happens when a giant dinosaur wants to play with its friends? Does it hog all the toys, refuse to share, and stomp around the playground? Of course not! Step into a playful world where enormous prehistoric pals show us exactly how to be the best playmates ever. From taking turns on the slide to sharing their favorite games, these massive creatures know that playing fair is the most fun of all. With bouncy, rhyming words and hilarious pictures of giant dinosaurs having a blast, this delightful story will have you giggling from start to finish. You will love seeing how these towering reptiles romp and stomp the friendly way. It is the perfect read to share with your own best friends before heading out to the playground.
6-8 Years 15 Pages
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Even the biggest, wildest dinosaurs have to learn how to tidy up their spaces. When it is time to clean their rooms, these massive prehistoric creatures could easily make an even bigger mess. But instead of causing chaos, they learn exactly what it takes to put everything back in its proper place. They figure out how to toss their garbage into the trash cans, carefully put their favorite toys back into the bins, and sweep the floor with dusters and brooms. Through simple rhymes and funny illustrations, this story shows young dinosaurs turning a dreaded chore into a manageable, everyday activity. It offers a playful and encouraging look at picking up after yourself, proving that if a giant dinosaur can clean their room, anyone can.
6-8 Years 12 Pages
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Gigantic dinosaurs are ready to practice their numbers in this playful counting adventure. From one to ten, these massive, colorful creatures use their favorite toys and everyday objects to learn how to count. They stack their blocks, line up their stuffed animals, and count out their belongings with big, prehistoric enthusiasm. As the numbers go up, the dinosaurs show off their silly antics, making learning feel like a game rather than a lesson. The simple, rhyming text guides readers through each number, while the lively illustrations capture the funny contrast of giant reptiles doing very human activities. This engaging story turns basic counting into a gigantic amount of fun.
6-8 Years 12 Pages
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Gigantic dinosaur children have some very big ideas about what makes a good pet. Instead of bringing home a normal animal, they surprise their parents with a wild assortment of completely inappropriate creatures. A tiger, a boa constrictor, an elephant, and even a kangaroo suddenly appear in the living room, causing absolute panic for the human parents. The dinosaurs quickly discover that keeping a wild animal in the house is much harder than it looks. With a bit of guidance, they learn that the best companions do not come from the jungle or the savanna. They discover the importance of visiting an animal shelter or a proper pet store to find a friend that actually fits in their home. This funny, rhyming adventure gently guides young readers toward understanding responsible pet ownership.
6-8 Years 40 Pages
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Letters from Obedience School

Ike LaRue, a very dramatic dog, has been sent to the Igor Brotweiler Canine Academy for bad behavior. From his "prison," Ike writes a series of desperate letters to his owner, Mrs. LaRue, begging to come home. He exaggerates the hardships of obedience school, contrasting his sad, black-and-white tales of woe with the bright, cheery reality of the actual school. He claims he is being unjustly punished and deprived of his favorite foods. As the days pass, Ike's tales grow taller and his pleas more urgent. Will his dramatic letters convince Mrs. LaRue to rescue her beloved, misunderstood pet, or will Ike have to plan an incredible escape? This clever epistolary tale blends humor with split-screen illustrations to show the hilarious difference between a dog's imagination and the truth.
6-8 Years 32 Pages
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