
The Tale of Scrawny Billy J.
Andrew Biel(Author)
Histria Kids (Publisher)
Published on 17. March 2026
Book
Hardback
36 pages
978-1-59211-694-2 (ISBN)
Description
A joyful, confidence-boosting picture book for ages 4–8, Billy J. at the Circus celebrates inner strength, self-acceptance, and the magic of movement.
Meet Billy J., a small but mighty hero who discovers that true strength comes from within! Join him at a magical circus where muscles and confidence grow together.
Billy J., known to everyone as "Scrawny," wishes he could be big and strong like the performers at the summer circus. When he stumbles into a mysterious tent, he meets the incredible Ms. Muscles, who shows him something amazing - he has muscles too! In fact, he has over 650 of them, each with its own special job.
Through Ms. Muscles' guidance, Billy learns about the wonderful ways his body already works. From his jaw muscles that help him chew to his leg muscles that help him jump, Billy discovers that being strong isn't just about looking muscular. As his confidence grows, he faces the ultimate test - the High Striker bell at the circus.
Will Billy find the courage to lift the mighty hammer? Can he prove to himself that believing in your own strength is the first step to achieving great things? This heartwarming tale teaches children about self-acceptance, the joy of movement, and the power of believing in yourself. Get ready to flex those reading muscles and discover the champion within!
Meet Billy J., a small but mighty hero who discovers that true strength comes from within! Join him at a magical circus where muscles and confidence grow together.
Billy J., known to everyone as "Scrawny," wishes he could be big and strong like the performers at the summer circus. When he stumbles into a mysterious tent, he meets the incredible Ms. Muscles, who shows him something amazing - he has muscles too! In fact, he has over 650 of them, each with its own special job.
Through Ms. Muscles' guidance, Billy learns about the wonderful ways his body already works. From his jaw muscles that help him chew to his leg muscles that help him jump, Billy discovers that being strong isn't just about looking muscular. As his confidence grows, he faces the ultimate test - the High Striker bell at the circus.
Will Billy find the courage to lift the mighty hammer? Can he prove to himself that believing in your own strength is the first step to achieving great things? This heartwarming tale teaches children about self-acceptance, the joy of movement, and the power of believing in yourself. Get ready to flex those reading muscles and discover the champion within!
More details
Language
English
Place of publication
United States
Publishing group
Histria LLC
Target group
Children/juvenile
US School Grade: Preschool and over, Interest Age: From 5 to 8 years
Product notice
Picture book
sewn/stitched
Cloth over boards
Dimensions
Height: 221 mm
Width: 282 mm
Thickness: 10 mm
Weight
431 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-59211-694-2 (9781592116942)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions

Andrew Biel
The Tale of Scrawny Billy J.
E-Book
04/2026
Simon + Schuster LLC
€9.88
Available for download
Persons
Like Billy J., author Andrew Biel was a skinny kid convinced he had no muscles—until he accidentally discovered one under his armpit! Over the years, he learned more about muscles, wrote the best-selling textbook Trail Guide to the Body, and now uses his muscles to kayak, cross-country ski, and hike.
Robin Dorn is a painter and scientific illustrator specializing in human anatomy. She enjoys keeping in touch with her whimsical side in the company of such characters as Ms. Muscles.
Robin Dorn is a painter and scientific illustrator specializing in human anatomy. She enjoys keeping in touch with her whimsical side in the company of such characters as Ms. Muscles.