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Benson Shum

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BENSON SHUM is an award-winning children’s book author and illustrator who uses watercolor, ink or digital tools to create his art. Among his many books for young readers is Anzu the Great Kaiju, an ABA Kid’s Indie Next Pick and awarded for Outstanding Achievement in Social Emotional Literature by the Children’s Literature Council of Southern California (CLCSC). School Library Journal called Anzu “a triumph” in a starred review. Aside from writing and illustrating, Benson is also an Animation Supervisor at the Walt Disney Animation Studios, where he has worked on such films as Frozen 1 and 2, Big Hero 6, Zootopia 1 and 2, Moana, and Encanto. Originally from Vancouver, BC, Benson now lives in sunny southern California.
 

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Benson’s Bookshelf: 

Visit Benson’s bookshop.org shop to purchase these fun titles…..


Who’s Digging? Big Jobs for Little Babies
by Katrina Moore
illustrated by Benson Shum


We Are Lion Dancers

by Benson Shum
Penguin Workshop | 2024


Mooncakes Mean Family

by Benson Shum
Penguin Workshop | 2024


Imagine You and Me

by Benson Shum
Dial | 2024
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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


First Night of Howlergarten

by Benson Shum
Penguin Workshop | 2023


Cindy and Panda

by Benson Shum
HarperCollins, Clarion | 2023


Anzu the Great Listener
by Benson Shum
Roaring Brook | 2023
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• a 2023 Kid’s Indie Next List selection, American Booksellers Association (ABA)
• an Empathy-Building Books for Kids recommendation, PBS Kids for Parents


Little Seed
by Benson Shum
Little Simon | 2022
• a Canadian Children’s Book Council Best Book for Kids and Teens, 2022

benson shum _anzu the great kaiju cov
Anzu the Great Kaiju

by Benson Shum
Roaring Brook | 2022
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• a 2022 Kids’ Indie Next List selection, American Booksellers Association, Jan/Feb
• a Canadian Children’s Book Council Best Book for Kids and Teens, 2022
• a Texas Library Association Little Maverick Graphic Reading List selection, 2022
• Sakura Medal Award Winner
•  Outstanding Achievement in Social Emotional Literature selection, Children’s Literature Council of Souther California (CLCSC) Award
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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
     “[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


Alex’s Good Fortune

by Benson Shum
Penguin Workshop | 2021
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“Shum leads readers 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
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A Dolly Parton Imagination Library Selection


Sloth Went

by Adam Lehrhaupt
illustrated by Benson Shum
Bloomsbury | pb 2020 | bb 2021
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• Winner of National Parenting Product Award
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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
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Foreign editions available:
Korean | EduNTech Co.


Hide ‘N’ Sheep

by Jennifer Sattler
illustrated by Benson Shum
Little Simon | 2019
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“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


Go To Sheep

by Jennifer Sattler
illustrated by Benson Shum
 Little Simon | 2019
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“Fun to read aloud with a perky cadence…worth snuggling up to for a read.”―Kirkus Reviews

 
Holly’s Day at the Pool

Walt Disney Animation Studios Artist Showcase
by Benson Shum
Disney-Hyperion | 2017
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     “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

 


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Bookmark Literary
Teresa Kietlinski
189 Berdan Ave #101
Wayne NJ 07470

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