Benson Shum
  • About/Contact
  • Books
  • Illustration
  • Activities
  • Animation
  • Events/Media
  • About/Contact
  • Books
  • Illustration
  • Activities
  • Animation
  • Events/Media

Books

ANZU THE GREAT LISTENER

“A beautiful, simple story about listening, feelings, healing, and empathy…a sweet addition to SEL collections.”―Booklist

“A serene tone and simply delivered lesson…A gentle suggestion that help should always be accompanied by respect.” ―Kirkus

Selected as Kid’s Indie Next List recommend Jan/Feb 2023 ―American Booksellers Association (ABA)

OnceUponATimeBookstore (Signed Copies)
Children’s Book World (Signed Copies)
BookShop.org
Amazon

ANZU THE GREAT KAIJU

“It’s a pleasure to see the monster myth once again turned on its head. Spoiler alert: Goofy, loving monster makes good on his proclivities for joy, and wins his parents’ approval along the way. It’s a triumph, all right.” — School Library Journal, starred review

“More sweet than scary, this heartfelt story naturally incorporates specific elements of Japanese culture into impressive picture-book storytelling.” ―The Horn Book Magazine

“Engaging and heartwarming. . . . A tongue-in-cheek bildungsroman spun around celebrating differences and the underrated superpowers of gentleness and sweetness.” ―Kirkus

“Pulls readers along with cinematic energy, and celebrates Japanese aesthetics―well-told, wholly original tale, which proves humorous, heartfelt, and as sweet as the flowers Anzu conjures.”―Booklist

Selected as Kid’s Indie Next List recommend 2022 ―American Booksellers Association (ABA)

Selected for 2023 Little Maverick Graphic Reading list ―Texas Library Association

Selected as 2022 Best Book for Kids and Teen ―Canadian Children’s Book Centre (CCBC)

OnceUponATimeBookstore (Signed copies)
Children’s Book World (Signed copies)
BookShop.org
Amazon

CINDY AND PANDA

Publishing May 9th, 2023: Pre-order you copy today!

OnceUponATimeBookstore (Signed Copies)
Children’s Book World (Signed Copies)
BookShop.org
Amazon

LITTLE SEED

“A delicate idea, borne on the wind, makes this a peaceful book to share at story hours.” — School Library Journal

Selected as 2022 Best Book for Kids and Teen ―Canadian Children’s Book Centre (CCBC)

OnceUponATimeBookstore (Signed copies)
Children’s Book World
BookShop.org
Amazon

ALEX’S GOOD FORTUNE

“Shum leads reader through the children’s day, teaching cultural outsiders about traditions and symbolism, and sharing familiar details with cultural insiders. Alex’s good fortune is that she gets to share this joyful day with Ethan, and vice versa.” ―Booklist

Selected for Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, 2022 & 2023

OnceUponATimeBookstore (Signed copies)
Children’s Book World
BookShop.org
Amazon

Anzu the Great Kaiju READ tote bag!

Once Upon a Time Bookstore!

SLOTH WENT

“Comic gold. . . . Younger children inspired by Sloth’s courage and independent spirit may likewise be drawn to dance along after their own successful (e)missions.”
— Booklist, starred review

“Extremely endearing.”
―Kirkus Reviews

“Good humored but never at the expense of empathy. Families facing similar toilet trepidation will find plenty of sympathy and wisdom in these pages.” ―Publishers Weekly

―Winner of National Parenting Product Award

OnceUponATimeBookstore (Signed copies)
Children’s Book World
BookShop.org
Amazon

GO TO SHEEP

“Fun to read aloud with a perky cadence…worth snuggling up to for a read.”
―Kirkus Reviews

OnceUponATimeBookStore (Signed copies)
BookShop.org
Amazon

HIDE ‘N’ SHEEP

“This counting book is sure to make both older toddlers and adults giggle. The rhyming text is rhythmic, clever, and fun to read aloud, especially when accompanied by Shum’s laugh-out-loud illustrations.”
―Kirkus Reviews

OnceUponATimeBookstore (Signed copies)
BookShop.org
Amazon

HOLLY’S DAY AT THE POOL

“Useful to share with children who are afraid of the water.”
―Kirkus Reviews

“This story of overcoming fears at the swimming pool will resonate. A swell seasonal addition.” ―School Library Journal

“Engaging tale of confronting fears, feeling brave, and even facing snapping turtles, little ones can giggle, laugh, and cheer Holly to get in the pool.” ―Manhattan Book Review

Amazon

Sign up for Benson's Newsletter

© 2023 Benson Shum