Books

“Shum once again skillfully explains a Chinese tradition in accessible and engaging language filled with a wealth of information. Cute cartoon characters and bright colors create an inviting entree into a significant custom. Fun, informative, and festive.” —Kirkus Reviews

“A winning tale that warmly depicts the excitement of discovery, the fun of being part of a team and the value of learning about and participating in important traditions.” —BookPage

“Young readers will enjoy the simple prose layered with sound and movement words, as well as the gentle way in which the book teaches […] This simple story about lion dances makes a great read-aloud.” —School Library Journal

“With easy-to-read text and energetic illustrations, Shum creates an informative lion-dance primer that emphasizes community and teamwork.” —Publishers Weekly

“Shum’s adorable watercolor-and-ink illustrations are bright and cheery. Information about lion dancers and the various celebrations in which they take part is explained throughout the simple tale.” —Booklist

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“Shum masterfully conveys mood . . . The limited color palette of the watercolor and ink scenes and spartan design emphasize facial expressions. The narrative reads on two very different levels, keeping adults from tiring of the story; the emotional cues are all spot on. Few picture books ring so true in so few words. An essential work on making friends, being brave, and dealing with the inherent emotional turmoil of growing up.” — School Library Journal, starred review

“Shum crafts a narrative that tenderly revels in the emotional support and the exciting play an imaginary friend can provide, and the torn, nostalgic feelings of growing apart from one’s make-believe pals . . . A loving meditation on friendships new and old, found on the playground or playing pretend, Randall and Parker’s adventure is sure to be a hit with shy bears and daring dreamers alike.” —The Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books (BCCB)

“This gentle, matter-of-fact tale will appeal to children longing to make new friends but a bit uncertain about doing so . . . A thoughtful look at making new friends.” —Kirkus Reviews

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“A playful, funny, and heartfelt tale to soothe the back-to-school blues.” —Kirkus Reviews

“[A]n empathetic telling of first-day jitters with a diverse cast of young werewolves…reinforces the axiom to accept and celebrate differences.” —The Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books (BCCB)

“Readers drawn in by the supernatural elements at play will stick around for a feel-good story line that involves very human concerns.” —Publishers Weekly

“A feel-good story of solidarity and acceptance, this first day (or night) of school story offers the lesson that things are not always as they appear.” —School Library Journal

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“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 Reviews

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

Selected as Empathy-Building Books for Kids.” ―PBS Kids for Parents

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“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 Reviews

“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 ―American Booksellers Association (ABA)

Selected for Little Maverick Graphic Reading list ―Texas Library Association

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

Winner of Sakura Medal Award

Outstanding Achievement in Social Emotional Literature (SEL) Award ―Children’s Literature Council of Southern California (CLCSC)

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“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

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