 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
Zen Shorts
- By Jon J Muth
- Genre: Picture Book
Common Sense Media says
A beautiful introduction to Zen thinking.
Parents say
Kids say
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this lovely, gentle book provides an introduction to Zen thinking. These retellings of classic Buddhist stories will get kids thinking about topics they can relate to, from sharing with others to letting go of grudges.
What's the story?
New neighbor Stillwater shares Zen wisdom with his new human friends, retelling three classic Buddhist stories.
Is it any good?
Stories within a story give readers many layers to enjoy and explore. Jon Muth writes about three siblings with a new neighbor -- a giant panda named Stillwater with the wisdom of an ancient Buddhist monk. Stillwater doesn't lead his listeners to any conclusions, which guarantees that each reading can lead to new ideas and epiphanies.
The beautiful watercolor and ink illustrations are -- like the stories they accompany -- deceptively simple. But a careful examination will reveal small details that reinforce the Asian inspiration. On the last page, Muth gives more details about Zen, the real people behind his imaginary characters, and shares the origins of the stories. Kids who are ready to think about complicated ideas about justice, kindness, and retribution will value the book, and even younger kids who just want entertainment will be pleased.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about the complex ideas presented in these simple fables. Parents and kids can talk about the advantages of generosity in the face of greed, the true meaning of luck, and the burdens of bearing a grudge.
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AGE
Great book for the whole family
We love reading these beautiful little stories.
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| Author: | Jon J Muth |
| Illustrator: | Jon J. Muth |
| Book type: | Fiction |
| Genre: | Picture Book |
| Publisher: | Scholastic Inc. |
| Publication date: | March 1, 2003 |
| Number of pages: | 40 |
| Hardcover price: | $16.95 |
| Publisher's recommended age(s): | 4 - 7 |
| Read aloud: | 4 |
| Read alone: | 8 |
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