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When I bought this book, I expected to get an engaging story with beautiful watercolors. |
| A quiet moment of balance Cherry blossoms drifting softly Zen wisdom for children Jon J Muth calmness Gentle mindfulness before bedtime |
What I got was something rarer: a picture book that quietly slows everyone down, kids included.
When we received the book - the beautiful illustrations became just one of the things that moved us.
Zen Shorts is much, much, more than eye candy.
It is a life philosophy.
It is a life philosophy.
Reading the meditative story aloud or the first time to my kids, I loved it so much that I kept peeking at their faces after turning every single page.
Was it boring?
Were they fiddling with their hair and secretly yawning?
Or maybe even falling asleep?
Was this book doing its wonders only on adults?
Did I miscalculate? Did I miscalculate by relying on my own enthusiasm for a "deeper picture book"?
Was it boring?
Were they fiddling with their hair and secretly yawning?
Or maybe even falling asleep?
Was this book doing its wonders only on adults?
Did I miscalculate? Did I miscalculate by relying on my own enthusiasm for a "deeper picture book"?
Surprise, surprise!
My kids did not even notice me sizing up their expressions.
Not once. That's how good it was.
They seemed to be thinking: "Well, this is a nice change!"
My kids did not even notice me sizing up their expressions.
Not once. That's how good it was.
They seemed to be thinking: "Well, this is a nice change!"
Zen Shorts is a great exercise in giving credit to your kids.
This is a thoughtfully written book that has high expectations of its readers/listeners, yet delivers this expectation in such a low-key manner.
I was taken aback with the maturity of this picture book.
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| Sometimes nothing needs explaining A boy and a panda Quiet companionship at dusk Zen Shorts visual wisdom Jon J Muth stillness |
It's definitely different. Strange.
The book is about an unlikely friendship that is struck between the Stillwater the panda and three normal siblings in a suburb.
They are ordinary neighbors - presented in glorious watercolors.
"Michael," said Karl. "There's a really big bear in the backyard."
They are ordinary neighbors - presented in glorious watercolors.
"Michael," said Karl. "There's a really big bear in the backyard."
And the adventure begins.
Each of the three children forges a special tie with Stillwater.
The panda has a friendly ear and has a special sensibility for the problems troubling the young ones, but he does not impart any direct advice.
Instead, the kids receive presents from Stillwater in the form of individually-tailored soothing Zen stories that externalize the children's problems in the form of timeless yarns.
Instead, the kids receive presents from Stillwater in the form of individually-tailored soothing Zen stories that externalize the children's problems in the form of timeless yarns.
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| Learning does not hurry Kindness pours like tea Stories arrive when ready Stillwater shares patience Mindful picture book moment |
These special stories are illustrated in melancholic black-and white tones, providing a dramatic contrast to the main story.
Zen Shorts (2005) is the first in a series of Zen stories published by author/illustrator John J Muth.
The Zen books are often referred to as the Stillwater and Friends series.
The Zen books are often referred to as the Stillwater and Friends series.
The series also includes Zen Ties (2008), Zen Ghosts (2010), Zen Happiness (2019), and Stillwater and Koo Save the World (2023).
I would recommend that you start with Zen Shorts, as this book will provide the best introduction for Stillwater into your family.
I would recommend that you start with Zen Shorts, as this book will provide the best introduction for Stillwater into your family.
If you take the time to read together with your kids, you will be surprised how they respond.
Yes, this time you will witness responses to mature, though-provoking topics such as the ones raised by Zen Shorts.
A perfect change of pace.
A perfect change of pace.
The over-sized chummy panda is a beloved and wise family friend who brings smiles to the faces of my kids.
I hope he will do the same in your home with your family.
I hope he will do the same in your home with your family.
Stillwater (what a great name!) is now a family friend who introduced life's deeper questions to my twins.
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