Anzu the Great Kaiju

by Benson Shum

An adorable picture book about a tiny monster with a big heart trying to follow in his family's footsteps.

All great Kaiju are born with a super power to strike fear in the heart of the city.
But Anzu is different.
Instead of mayhem, he likes May flowers.
Instead of striking fear, he prefers to be sincere.
Can Anzu find a way to make his family proud and stay true to his kind self?

From Disney animator and illustrator Bensom Shum comes an adorable and heartwarming picture book about making your own way and the unexpected power of gentleness―perfect for fans of Ferdinand the Bull.

Genres: Picture Books, Monsters, Fantasy, Childrens, Family, Storytime, Japan

40 pages, Hardcover

Published January 11, 2022

About the author

Benson Shum is a children's book Author and Illustrator. The idea that an image or painting can evoke emotions and movement is what brought Benson to the world of picture books and animation.

Benson is also an Animator at the Walt Disney Animation Studios, where he was a part of such films as Frozen, Big Hero 6, Zootopia, Moana, Frozen 2, Raya and the Last Dragon, Encanto and Wish. Originally from Vancouver, BC, Benson now lives in sunny southern California.

Reviews

[Jasmine from How Useful It Is · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just loved the illustrations and I loved how none of the pages were left blank like what we normally see in other children’s books. Every page offered illustrations in this book! Not just the title page but also behind the front cover, before the back cover, even the copyright page! The surprise was when I noticed the cover of the book’s illustrations was different from the book jacket, both front and back! Now I have an itch to go check other picture books because I have never thought to open out book jackets before. Each page gave a cliffhanger until readers turn the page so that was great. It gave readers anticipation and a chance to guess and a chance to get surprise when we turn the page to discover that our guesses was probably wrong.


This book opened up to illustrations about how all kaijus were born with superpowers to strike fear. Then the story began introducing Anzu. He wanted to make his family proud as he tried his best to become one of the great kaijus. The unexpected superpower Anzu possessed was the power of flowers. Anzu couldn’t conjure destructions or havocs to his city. His parents offered him lessons to guide him. His mom and dad each gave Anzu lessons about what a great kaiju usually would do. Then Anzu performed each task, except instead of terrorizing the city, his superpower summoned garlands, joy, and laughter. His grandma even came to his aid. When Anzu eventually succeeded in calling upon destruction to his city, he was happy he succeeded but then he felt unhappy that the result wasn’t what he personally loved.


Anzu the Great Kaiju was a fun read. The illustrations of Anzu were cute. It’s a little dragon but my little ducks looks like it so I put them in the picture. It’s odd of kaijus to be wanting to bring misery and fear to the city. What is the word kaiju means though? I don’t think there’s a definition in the story. One lesson learned for readers was even if generations before Anzu only wanting to cause destruction and mayhem and they saw that as normal, Anzu didn’t let traditions forced him to do what was deemed right. He wanted to make his own decisions of what was right versus wrong. I liked how Anzu tried to be what his parents wanted before choosing what he wanted. He in turn was able to show his parents that a new way could be good too. I recommend everyone to read this book!

xoxo, Jasmine at www.Howusefulitis.com for more details

Many thanks to MacKidsBooks for the opportunity to read and review. Please be assured that my opinions are honest.

[Erin Entrada Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love. A modern Ferdinand. And just as endearing.

[Spencer Orey · Rating 5 out of 5]

A sweet book. Fun drawings of people playing joyfully as the kaiju tries to scare them but brings them happiness instead.

[Erica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kaiju?
More like kawaiiju.

I would like to be terrorized by Anzu.

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

The expressive young kaiju in this story was so adorable, it made me wish he could visit my city! This delightfully illustrated story is imaginative and amusing, while also subtly showing kids the importance of following what is true in your heart. I love how Anzu tried so hard to be a “good” kaiju by following his family’s instructions but ultimately ended up opening their eyes to new possibilities and teaching them an important lesson.

[JaNay Brown-Wood]

Such an adorable book about Anzu, who had to dig deep to figure out who he was and the kind of Kaiju he wanted to be. I appreciated that his family tried to support him the best way they knew how to, but found that Anzu didn't fit the usual mode--and they still embraced him for him. A sweet book about accepting yourself and letting your true self come through, even if it pushes against the norm.

[Paulette · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was cuuuuuuuuute! More books about kaijus, PLEASE!

[Katelyn Aronson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anzu wants to be a fierce and powerful kaiju, striking fear into the heart of the city in his charge. But his one super power is far from destructive: he can't help but produce flowers, music, and happiness! His mother, father, and grandmother all try to guide him in asserting his great and terrible power, sending rain and thunder, and fear on his city. But scaring the little city-dwellers leaves Anzu feeling awful and empty inside. He decides, instead, to remain true to himself, in bestowing flowers, music, and joy on his city and receiving love and praise from his city-dwellers in return. By the end of the tale, even Anzu's family has to admit--he isn't a great kaiju. He's an extraordinary one!
This picture book, illustrated in comic/graphic novel style shares the wonderful lesson that being a great and respected isn't about wielding fear over 'the little people.'

[Kaitlyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

ANZU THE GREAT KAIJU is one of the most adorable books I've read! I hope many children and adults will fall in love with this sweet monster as much as I did. From finding yourself to flower power to family love, there's something for everyone in this sweet story.

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5

So cute. This story, in a similar vein as The Story of Ferdinand or The Storybook Knight, introduces Anzu. Anzu's family expects him to grow up to terrorize cities, destroy towns, strike fear into the hearts of millions. But he simply does not live up to his family's expectations, and he is crushed.

And then in one massive effort Anzu does cause some massive destruction, and both he and his city are devastated. So he turns it around and finds power in his own creative -- instead of destructive -- talents.

[Phaea Crede · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this story about a monster who needs to monster in his own way! Anzu may not be the scariest kaiju but he figures out how to be the best kaiju he can be - his way.

[Sandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Benson Shum's Anzu the Great Kaiju is a beautiful celebration of differences! All Great Kaijus strike fear in the hearts of their cities. That is their one and only job. Some have the power of atomic breath. Some have the power of lightning. Some have the power of tornados. And Anzu? He was born with the power of . . . flowers. How was he ever going to create terror? How was he ever going to make his strong and frightening Kaiju family proud? Well, I don't want to spoil things for you, but I will say that Anzu becomes great in his own, original way--and his family blooms with pride. You'll want to share this sweet, feel-good book with the entire family.

[Helen Wu · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anzu's families are made for chaos and destruction, but Anzu is different, he is made of flower powers. Can Anzu find a way to make his family proud and stay true to his kind self? This heart-warming picture book portraits a protagonist with the unexpected power of gentleness, with a nice balance of humor and heart, and an important message of being true to your self. Benson Shum's vivid art perfectly matches the text and brings the character and his whole family to life. I can't wait to read another Anzu book!

[Tara Strosnider · Rating 5 out of 5]

All great Kaiju are born with a super power to strike fear in the heart of the city.
But Anzu is different.
Instead of mayhem, he likes May flowers.
Instead of striking fear, he prefers to be sincere.
Can Anzu find a way to make his family proud and stay true to his kind self?

From Disney animator and illustrator Bensom Shum comes an adorable and heartwarming picture book about making your own way and the unexpected power of gentleness—perfect for fans of Ferdinand the Bull.

[Martha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anzu a young Kaiju, must find his superpower to strike fear and power in his community. Yet young Anzu creates beautiful flowers instead. This is not the destiny his parents desired. Finding his own way and pleasing his family is a challenge. Perhaps a little advice from his Grandma can help him find a solution. This is a beautifully illustrated tale with lots of subtle action, that will encourage youngsters to think for themselves.

[Sophia Gholz · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a sweet and fun book! Themes include self-empowerment, staying true to yourself, and embracing your differences. Shum’s illustrations are extraordinary and full of excitement. Kids of all ages will delight in this adorable book!

[Jeni Chen · Rating 5 out of 5]

My 11-year-old son said “It’s cool. I like it.” in a very cool tone. The pages with the different superpowers grabbed his attention.
It is a lovely story with a different and much needed take on the superpower of a hero.
The illustrations are super cute and fun!

[Kim-Hoa Ung · Rating 5 out of 5]

A sweet and adorable story about a little Kaiju learning to love who he truly is. A beautiful story for kids and adults. The illustrations are colorful, fun, and sweet. A must-have! Benson is such a talented author/illustrator. <3

[Amy Howard · Rating 5 out of 5]

52K stars!!
This one makes my heart smile.

[Sara Hodorowski · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another library review. Wonderful story and bright colored pictures make this a fun read about self acceptance.

[Carmela Coyle · Rating 5 out of 5]

The day arrives and young Anzu is finally old enough to receive his very own city to rule. The thing is, all kaijus are born to rule with fear and mayhem. His adoring family attempts to teach him the terrifying ways of the kaiju, and he tries, he really tries to become a menacing force of destruction. Yet, Anzu just can’t seem to be what they want him to be. Instead of spreading fear, Anzu’s heart just wants to spread flowers, joy, and delight. Children will cheer Anzu on as he discovers what being “a great kaiju” really means. The author/illustrator creates a wonderful new universe of unique characters with vibrant, splashy colors. Don’t miss the book’s endpapers!

[Claire · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this. It is beautifully illustrated and is such a wonderful story. Beyond adorable. My new favourite book!

[Alyssa · Rating 5 out of 5]

So so so cute and a wonderful lesson.

[Corinne Colbert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great recommendation from a delightful little child.

[Andrew · Rating 5 out of 5]

All great Kaiju have a special power that separates them from the rest in their reign of terror, but Anzu's power for flowers aren't exactly made for chaos and destruction. Is it really okay for a Kaiju to be kind? Anzu the Great Kaiju is a vibrant and adorable story of embracing the gifts that make you who you are.

[Lynn B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gravity beam! Atomic breath! Flowers?!! In ANZU THE GREAT KAIJU, by Benson Shum, all young Anzu wants is “to be a great kaiju and make his family proud.” But whereas most kaiju are born with superpowers that “strike fear into the heart of their city,” Anju’s superpower is…flowers. When he receives his city assignment, he’s eager to cause some mayhem. But instead of a terrible storm, he summons garlands. Instead of shaking the earth, he grows flowery seesaws. And instead of cowering in fear, his city “radiate[s] with joy and laughter.” When he finally unleashes havoc rather than happiness, Anzu’s family is proud, but Anzu begins to understand that he might be better following his own path, after all. Brightly-colored, expressive, cartoony illustrations help ensure this will be a kid-pleaser. Monsters! Superpowers! Pew! Pew! Pew! Give this book a try!

[Margaret · Rating 5 out of 5]

When we enter this world, we have undiscovered potential. Those closest to us, our family members, may try to steer us toward a generational family tradition or occupation. They may see us as the next great beekeeper, politician, educator, doctor, grocer, carpenter, chef, clothing designer, gardener, or musher. Even though the choices seem limitless, the path we follow, according to them, is already defined.

Our gift or gifts do not always align with their desires. Sometimes, they are the exact opposite of family expectations. If we are fortunate, we will be supported regardless of which direction we take. As the monster in Anzu The Great Kaiju (Roaring Brook Press, January 11, 2022) written and illustrated by Benson Shum discovers, sometimes such approval is not quickly or easily earned.

My full recommendation: https://librariansquest.blogspot.com/...

[Austin Diamond · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a wonderful book. :) Besides being beautifully written and illustrated, just so many design choices were wonderful—using the panels to simulate manga/anime, the child-drawn look (like someone is creating Anzu's tale—maybe Anzu himself!), the conscious decision to have the story take place entirely in its own world (the "city" is not filled with human beings, but fantastical tiny people), and—my favorite—one one of the spreads, Anzu's cheek rubs against the grandmother's cheek, right in the middle of the two pages, like the two pages are rubbing their cheeks. And the soft feel of the paper made me rub against the page and do the same. :)

Anzu, you are amazing! :D

[Elizabeth Bedia · Rating 5 out of 5]

So adorable! This inspiring story of being true to oneself is perfect for kids everywhere. Anzu wants to be like his ancestors – a great and powerful kaiju, But Anzu’s power is to produce flowers, happiness, and music – which makes his city-dwellers happy. His family is very disappointed and tries to help Anzu find his “fierce” powers. In the end, Anzu stays true to himself – and even his family realize he isn’t just a great kaiju, he is an extraordinary one! Shum does it again – combining his amazing illustrations and sparse, engaging text to create a story sure to be read again and again!

[Lindsay Bonilla · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the words of my 4 year old and 7 year old, a "perfect book!"

Shum's bright illustrations immediately draw you in! Anzu is a kaiju with flower powers! He wants to strike joy in the heart of his city instead of fear. However, he worries about disappointing his family who insists that a kaiju must wreak havoc not happiness.
A beautiful story about being yourself despite what others think with the added layer of family learning to accept a child for who they are, even if it doesn't match up with their own expectations.