We’re delighted to kick off 2025 with a Book Birthday celebration of WE ARE LION DANCERS by author/illustrator Benson Shum (Penguin Workshop) — just in time for Lunar New Year! And there’s a Book Giveaway. (Ooooh!)
You may remember our last chat with Benson Shum about IMAGINE YOU AND ME.
But let’s talk about WE ARE LION DANCERS:
“Shum once again skillfully explains a Chinese tradition in accessible and engaging language filled with a wealth of information. Cute cartoon characters and bright colors create an inviting entree into a significant custom. Fun, informative, and festive.” ~ Kirkus
“With easy-to-read text and energetic illustrations, Shum creates an informative lion-dance primer that emphasizes community and teamwork.” ~ Publishers Weekly
We have Questions!
Q 1. What was the inspiration for We Are Lion Dancers?
Benson Shum: I always wanted to make a book about Kung Fu or Lion Dancing because I used to be part of a kung fu club as well as a lion dance team when I was younger. I loved the art and teamwork community it nurtures.
Q 2. Picture books always seem to be a tiny bit autobiographical. Which of the characters, Lily or her brother Noah, is most like you?
Benson Shum: I would say I’m more like Noah. I’m always curious to see how things work. I always like to ask “why?” And this case, how do you make the lion’s ears blink or their ears flap?
Q 3. Do you have any special ways to celebrate Lunar New Year?
Benson Shum: Going out for Dim Sum is a must! But really, just going out with friends and family for a meal. And if possible, check out the New Year parade.
Q 4. I’ve asked you this before, but I know each project is different so here goes: Which came first for We Are Lion Dancers—the story or the illustrations?
Benson Shum: The text came first for this book. While I was writing, I did some sketches. Trying to figure out how to draw the lion costume. There’s so much beautiful detail in the design that I can’t draw them all. So I have to figure out how to simplify it, which was a fun challenge.
Q 5. What was one of the most surprising discoveries you made in creating this book?
Benson Shum: It was while researching and learning more about the different types of lion dances. There are even more different ones than we listed in the book!
Q 6. You’ve said that in each of your books, “Everything in the book was decided for a reason.” What were some of the decisions you made while working on We Are Lion Dancers?
Benson Shum: Yes, that’s true. The outfits our characters wear, it’s actually the colors of the outfits we wore and performed at the kung fu club! So it was an ode to the club I was part of for many years. I even fashioned some of the characters’ haircuts to my friends.
Q 7. Are you still working as an animation supervisor at the Walt Disney Studios? What are your current projects? How do you manage to juggle both career paths? Does one inspire the other?
Benson Shum: Yes, I’m still at the Walt Disney Animation Studios. I’m currently supervising on Zootopia 2. Juggling both careers is tough at times, but both industries have their busy and not so busy times. So it works out sometimes. But when it doesn’t, I would be stressed out for a bit. But I know it all quiet down again.
Did someone say there’s a #WeAreLionDancers Giveaway?
YES! One lucky recipient (U. S. only) will receive one copy of WE ARE LION DANCERS
by Benson Shum
To be eligible:
Retweet this post with #WeAreLionDancers Giveaway hashtag on…
TwitterX: follow @bshum79 and @ErinDealey and tag a friend!
And/Or Insta: follow bshum79 and erindealey — find the #weareliondancers post on Erin’s insta
and tag a friend!
Deadline January 21st — midnight Pacific.
ONE Winner will be notified on January 22nd –a week before Lunar New Year!
(Penguin Workshop)
Endless thanks to Benson Shum for joining us on the blog today.
To learn more about Benson and his books, check out his website http://bensonshum.com/
And follow Benson Shum on social media:
BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/bshum79.bsky.social
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bshum79/
TwitterX: bshum79
One more ASK… it would be wonderful if you took a moment to review WE ARE LION DANCERS on any or all of the online sites. (Thank you in advance!).
Next up: We chat with author/illustrator Gianna Marino to celebrate her latest picture book,
I LOVE YOU, LITTLE HORSE (Philomel).
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