Anzu the Great Listener

October 15, 2022
A contemplative monster discovers that right action requires more than good intentions. The benevolent behemoth introduced in Anzu the Great Kaiju (2022) loves nothing more than peacefully tending to his bonsai. But when the lamentations of a neighboring city that has lost its own kaiju pull him "out of his zen," he compassionately uses his powers to create a shower of flowers and grow an instant bamboo forest. Unfortunately, the tiny, kodamalike residents need rain more than flowers, and the bamboo wrecks their riverbank--nor are they willing to leave their homes when he invites them to come live with him. Confused, Anzu at last realizes that he should have listened first to find out what they wanted. He returns to hear what they have to say and wait for them to tell him what help they need. So it is that with the same tender care that at last brings his bonsai into bloom, they, too, come to smile once again. Anzu looks less like a scary monster than an outsize Pikachu in Shum's sunny cartoon scenes, and fans of Andy Runton's Owly tales or Jon J Muth's Zen panda Stillwater will be receptive to the similarly serene tone and simply delivered lesson here. The author appends an illustrated introduction to bonsai. (This book was reviewed digitally.) A gentle suggestion that help should always be accompanied by respect. (Picture book. 6-9)

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January 1, 2023
Preschool-Grade 2 Shum has created a beautiful simple story about listening, feelings, healing, and empathy in this follow-up to Anzu the Great Kaiju (2021). The story opens as Anzu, a kind and patient Kaiju, meditatively tends his bonsai, only for the peace to be broken by crying from the neighboring village. When he ventures over to see what's wrong, he learns that their kaiju has left them, much to the villagers' despair. Anzu tries to help them but makes mistakes along the way. After taking a moment to reflect by his bonsai, Anzu understands how he can better help the villagers: "Instead of trying to fix everything, Anzu listened." Together, they rebuild and create physical spaces where villagers can work through their emotions, and Anzu gives them his bonsai tree when it blooms. The paneled artwork showcases cheerful colors, rounded lines, and adorable villagers that look like tiny axolotls. This is a sweet addition to SEL collections with a clear, but not didactic, message. An illustrated "Bonsai Facts" page closes the story.

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