Anzu the Great Kaiju
on Goodreads (471)
What’s inside...
An adorable picture book about a tiny monster with a big heart trying to follow in his family's footsteps. All great Kaiju are born with a super power to strike fear in the heart of the city. But Anzu is different. Instead of mayhem, he likes May flowers. Instead of striking fear, he prefers to be sincere. Can Anzu find a way to make his family proud and stay true to his kind self? From Disney animator and illustrator Bensom Shum comes an adorable and heartwarming picture book about making your own way and the unexpected power of gentleness―perfect for fans of Ferdinand the Bull.
Discussion points
How do you think Anzu feels when he tries to make friends? What would you do if you were in his place?
Anzu is different from other creatures around him. Have you ever felt different? How did that make you feel?
What do you think is the most important message of this story?
How would you help Anzu if you were a character in the book?
What did you learn from Anzu's journey about overcoming challenges?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage empathy by prompting your child to put themselves in Anzu’s shoes. Use follow-up questions to explore deeper feelings and perspectives. Highlight themes of friendship, difference, and perseverance as you discuss. Relate the story's messages to your child’s own experiences, making the discussion personal and relevant. Celebrate your child's insights and ideas during the conversation to boost their confidence and engagement.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: In the story, Anzu, despite being a kaiju and different from everyone else, shows kindness and seeks to understand the other creatures around him.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate and empathize with those who are different from them, promoting inclusiveness and understanding in their daily interactions.
Example Lesson: Courage in Face of Fear
Explanation: Anzu often faces situations that are intimidating due to his size and the reactions he garners, yet he chooses to face these challenges bravely.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to confront their fears and to understand that bravery is not the absence of fear but the ability to move forward in spite of it.
Example Lesson: The Importance of Friendship
Explanation: Throughout the book, Anzu makes several friends who help him in his journey, illustrating the value of building relationships.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of friendship in overcoming difficulties and enhancing one’s life, urging them to nurture their relationships.
Example Lesson: Responsibility and Consequences
Explanation: Anzu learns that his actions, intentional or not, affect those around him and he strives to make choices that are considerate of others.
Real-World Application: Kids are taught to be mindful of how their actions impact others, fostering a sense of responsibility towards mindful decision-making.