"Benson Shum has created a heartwarming story of acceptance and strength all wrapped up in a cute little package named Anzu." --Dan Santat, Caldecott medalist and author of the bestselling book After the Fall *"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 "[E]ngaging and heartwarming. A tongue-in-cheek bildungsroman spun around celebrating differences and the underrated superpowers of gentleness and sweetness. -- Kirkus "Shum's experience as an animator.

is evident in the way he storyboards the narrative, pulls readers along with cinematic energy, and celebrates Japanese aesthetics--with everything from bonsai trees to golden picture frames to tiny creatures that look like adorable walking dumplings. [A] wholly original tale, which proves humorous, heartfelt, and as sweet as the flowers Anzu conjures." -- Booklist.