Jon J. Muth

Stillwater, the beloved Zen panda, now in his own Apple TV+ original series!
Jon J Muth, author of the best-selling book, The Three Questions, has crafted another profound and winning picture book.

"Michael," said Karl. "There's a really big bear in the backyard." This is how three children meet Stillwater, a giant panda who moves into the neighborhood and tells amazing tales. To Addy he tells a story about the value of material goods. To Michael he pushes the boundaries of good and bad. And to Karl he demonstrates what it means to hold on to frustration. With graceful art and simple stories that are filled with love and enlightenment, Jon Muth — and Stillwater the bear — present three ancient Zen tales that are sure to strike a chord in everyone they touch.… (meer)

This illustrator is new to me. I'll be sure to find more of his offerings. This is a book of positiveity wherein each day children discover the large panda bear who offers thoughts of Zen teachings and/or simple happy thoughts that make the day bring sunshine. When the girl Addy, finds him in a bright yellow tent, he explains it is a gift his Uncle glad to him/ Stillwater the bear notes that he has enjoyed this gift and today because it makes him happy, he will stay inside the tent, as he inviest Addy to share his happiness and come inside.

When Addy presents Stillwater with a small cake, he tells a story his uncle told him regarding a racoon that came in the house to steal his Unccle By's few possessions. Uncle By does not have anything to give, but because everyone who visits must leave with a gift, he gave the racoon the robe he was wearing. The thought he must be crazy while he ran out the door with the robe.

Uncle By sat and looked at the beautiful silvery mon and thought "Poor Man," "All I had to give him was my tattered robe. If only I could have given him this wonderful moon!" The story proceeds with short stories of tuning sad things into happy occurrences.

One day when the children were playing in a pool of water filled with so many inflatable toys that they crowded out the water. His brother noted that Karl always does this -- brings too many things. As they emplied the pool, leaving only themselves, they had fun playing as Stillwater had bathing trunks on. As Still water helped take the inflatable toys, he told the brother that he spent all day being mad at Karl rather than enjoying the fun they had.

The title of the book, Zen Shorts notes that the bear wears shorts and he tells Zen short stories of goodness and happiness. What a wonderful story to teach both children and adults tht holding on to things does not necesasarilly bring happiness.… (meer)