Friendship, creativity and werewolves: An interview with Benson Shum (CINDY AND PANDA, and FIRST NIGHT OF HOWLERGARTEN)

“Cindy likes to bake, however she doesn’t at all times comply with a recipe! In the future, she runs out to seize elements for a pie and comes again with one thing sweeter—a panda who needs to assist! Their freestyle recipe might result in chaos within the kitchen and a little bit of a messy meltdown, however collectively, the pair have the right elements for a sweet-as-pie friendship. This ebook features a pie recipe within the again with its very personal freestyle part for younger bakers excited to discover!” Discover out extra in regards to the ebook right here.

Due to Benson for answering a few questions for me:

I hope readers will adore and relate to Cindy and Panda. All friendships have ups and downs. We play, we combat, we forgive. You can also make mates wherever. Even by the backyard! There’s a beautiful blueberry pie recipe within the again. It’s a straightforward to comply with recipe you may make with your folks, regardless of the age.

That’s a troublesome one. I might say draw and write what you’re considering.

In the event you’re obsessed with historical past, write and/or illustrate non-fiction tales. In the event you love humor, write humor. In the event you love heartfelt tales, do these.

As a result of once you do, it’ll present up in your work. Draw and paint from life for those who can. Draw what’s round you. It’ll practice your eye to see three dimensionally. And READ READ and READ. It’s the perfect factor you are able to do to be taught the craft.

Thanks for asking. I’m additionally excited for my subsequent ebook, FIRST NIGHT OF HOWLERGARTEN popping out on

Written and illustrated by Benson Shum
Printed by Penguin Random Home (see writer ebook web page right here)
Launches Aug. 08th, 2023.

Most children go to kindergarten, however there’s a particular place for individuals who flip into werewolves. As an alternative of attending college throughout the day, these supernatural college students go to howlergarten at night time! There they follow monitoring scents, listening to whispers on the wind, and extra. However when one pupil named Sophie doesn’t appear to own the essential expertise, she worries she gained’t change into a werewolf in any respect. What’s going to occur if she stays human when the total moon seems? Will she nonetheless be accepted as a part of the pack, or will she be forged apart as an peculiar outsider?


Additionally see different Interviews with Ebook Creators and Recommendation For Younger Writers And Illustrators.