Anzu the Great Kaiju

A book that reminds us that different is beautiful, Anzu the Great Kaiju by Benson Shum is a sweet and hilarious story about using your gifts.

Anzu is a kaiju (think Godzilla) who was born with the power of flowers, not anything terrifying or menacing like the rest of his family. When it comes time for him to receive his city to terrorize, Anzu learns that the family way may not be the best way.

Benson Shum takes the kaiju theme and turns it on its head. Kaiju’s are terrifying creatures responsible for death and destruction, fear and isolation. Anzu does not strike fear into the heart of his city, he strikes happiness and joy. The citizens of the city want to be together and enjoy the gifts Anzu sends them like flowers, seeds, a playground  and music. It’s certainly a message we need in these times. His family means well, teaching him how to be terrifying but when Anzu uses their techniques he misses the smiles and the laughter of his city. Sometimes our families have the best of intentions but ultimately we need to follow our own hearts.

The illustrations are big and cartoonish making this an excellent story to share as a read aloud or as a quiet bedtime story. It has a real graphic novel/comic feel. To be honest, when I put it on hold at the library I thought it was a graphic novel and was pleasantly surprised when a big picture book ended up in my pile. Anzu the Great Kaiju is a great story to share with younger readers to introduce the graphic novel genre.