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Monkey King and the World of Myths cover by Maple Lam

MONKEY KING AND THE WORLD OF MYTHS:

THE MONSTER AND THE MAZE

Written and illustrated by Maple Lam

G.P. Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers, April 2, 2024

240 pages, Full-color

Ages 8-12

Hardcover ISBN-13: 978-0593524633

Paperback ISBN-13: 978-0593524640

Also available as an ebook

Monkey King and the World of Myths: The Monster and the Maze is a Kirkus-starred middle grade graphic novel by Maple Lam, published by G.P. Putnam’s Sons Books for Young Readers. This funny, action-packed adventure blends Chinese mythology and Greek mythology as Sun Wukong, the Monkey King, enters the world of ancient Greek myths.

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Monkey King and the World of Myths artwork by Maple Lam
Monkey King and the World of Myths artwork by Maple Lam

Percy Jackson meets Dragonball in the first book of this adorable, funny, and action-packed graphic novel series! Follow along as the legendary Monkey King tries to save the world from a mysterious new threat—and smashes his way through the world of ancient Greek mythology in the process!

A long-forgotten evil has reemerged, determined to transform everyone—humans, beasts, and gods alike—into monsters. And there’s only one being who can stop it, or at least that’s what he thinks. Sun Wukong, aka the Monkey King, is said to be the mightiest of all beasts, and he’s made a deal with the gods. They will grant him his greatest wish and make him a god too. All he has to do is battle these monsters, defeat this evil, and basically save the world. What could possibly go wrong?

Wukong must first journey to Greece, where he’ll have to figure out how to escape the underworld alive, be a good pet-sitter for a three-headed dog, and ultimately find his way through a labyrinth. But when he comes face-to-face with the Minotaur, will he have what it takes to slay the monster . . . or will the Monkey King’s story end up a Greek tragedy?

Awards and Recognitions:

Monkey King and the World of Myths artwork by Maple Lam

★ Kirkus Starred Review

2027 Illinois Bluestem Award nominee

2025 CALA (Chinese American Librarian Association) Award Winner

2025 Maryland Black-Eyed Susan Book Award Nominee

2025 Golden Dragon Awards Shortlist

2024 Cybils Awards Finalist

2024 SCBWI Golden Kite Awards Finalist

2024 Kirkus Reviews Best of Middle Grade Pick

"A humorous and heartfelt series opener… packed with exciting action scenes… Lam seamlessly weaves together threads from Chinese and Greek mythology… A thrilling, wholesome remix of a classic Chinese tale.”

– Kirkus, starred review

"With plenty of humor, adventure, and heart, this first book in a projected graphic novel series makes for a rousing read."

– The Horn Book

"The artwork vibrates with action and humor… [in] this colorful, zippy graphic novel."

– The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

"A fantastic retelling of an old classic tale from the East."

– Dan Santat, Caldecott Medalist and New York Times

bestselling creator

“Maple Lam does not monkey around. Monkey King is action-packed, heartfelt, and funny from start to finish!”

– James Burks, creator of the Agent 9 and Bird & Squirrel series

Continue the adventure:

Book 1: The Monster and the Maze

Book 2: The Battle of the Beasts

Download the Activity Worksheets.

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© 2026 Maple Lam. All rights reserved.

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