Zen Shorts received a Caldecott Honor!Format: Paperback book & CDNarrator: David Pittu"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.
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"Stillwater is a very cool bear who speaks "with a slight panda accent" and moves next door to Addy, Michael, and Karl. They take turns visiting him, and he tells them stories. I love how the illustrations change while Stillwater is telling the stories. And if you look closely in the illustrations after he tells Addy the story of "Uncle Ry and the Moon," Stillwater and Addy are painting the pictures that illustrated that story." — Luann (4 out of 5 stars)
"Stillwater is a very cool bear who speaks "with a slight panda accent" and moves next door to Addy, Michael, and Karl. They take turns visiting him, and he tells them stories. I love how the illustrations change while Stillwater is telling the stories. And if you look closely in the illustrations after he tells Addy the story of "Uncle Ry and the Moon," Stillwater and Addy are painting the pictures that illustrated that story."
“The story is quiet and direct…with moments of understated humor.”
“Pittu distinguishes the characters, realistically voicing the children and infusing Stillwater with calm, tranquil tones. His pacing is slow, thoughtful, and deliberate.”
“David Pittu reads his dialogue with the vaguest hint of an Asian-influenced accent…A mellow soundtrack accompanies the narration, and the overall effect is a peaceful, rather than energetic, listening experience.”
" A wonderful introduction to some basic principles of Tao or just important life lessons in general. I love the stories and the illustrations, plus my daughter likes it too. (20 mo) "
" This is a great book with a very good message. The illustrations are also very cool as they switch between two very different styles. "
" Muth's lovely artwork charmingly accompanies the telling of a few Zen tales (shorts). "
" What a cool way to introduce young children to zen concepts! I loved the idea of a giant panda showing up in these kids lives and teaching each one something about themselves. What a positive message and beautifully illustrated story. "
" Great book! Can't wait to buy it and read it again; lovely watercolors and deep/simple sentiments. "
" Written as a children's book, which most children will engage in and understand, but truly most enjoyable as an adult with the Buddhist philosophy of inner peace and stillness are portrayed through simple acts and character traits. Very beautiful watercolors! "
" Another pick from my book club. I loved this book. It's a short children's book with three great "Zen shorts". They really left me with something to reflect upon and the illustrations are also beautiful. If I had kids, I'd buy it for them (and me!). "
" This book presents three stories about Zen philosophy in a manner easily accessible to children. It has just beautiful pictures and great messages. "
" This children's book is so poignant and really makes you think! I love the art work and the character StillWater is brilliant. "
" I love this book. The zen stories are so simple and useful, and most of all beautiful. The illustrations are just perfect. "
" zen lessons at children's level. beautiful pics too. "
" Zen Shorts is an exceptional children's book. Very well illustrated and wonderfully written, too. This was enjoyable for me, as well as for the kids. I'm always happy to read this one to the kids again. "
" Audrey received this for her birthday and it is simply lovely. Lessons her mom might need more at this point than she does! "
" Zen stories within a simple story. Beautiful pictures, edifying messages. "
" I love the humorous way this is written, the charming and endearing pictures of both the panda and the kids, and the message of each Buddhist story the panda tells. When we first read it (I think L was 3) I think his main interest was the cute panda. But now he likes the whole story. "
" Stillwater the panda brings karl and Michael some "zen' The get along better with each other and learn valuable lessons. "
" Again, Love this book! Has a great message of patience and caring. Parents will love the lessons and kids will love the illustrations. Another great book for the home library. Your kids will not out grow this book. "
" includes the stone cutter story "
" Seriously, this book was amazing. I had a hard time getting through it without crying! The three stories in this book are so powerful, and really made me evaluate the way I respond to different situations. Pretty impressive for a short childrens' book! "
" This book was cute but not what I expected. I thought it would just be a compiling of poems. It was on ong poem written in a series of short poems. I would use this for a poetry unit as well as in a unit on other cultures or about China. "
" I love this book. It's cute, sweet, thoughtful. And, it teaches a positive way for kids to see things. I bought this to read to my son but I read it before reading it to him and I think I enjoyed it more - at least as much - as he did. "
" I think this is an adult book, posing as a book for children. L loves the pictures, but the story is at a depth that some adults I know would have a hard time engaging completly with. I'd give it, as an adult book gift to the adults in a child's life ;) "
" A story of friendship and gentle life lessons told through the breathtaking illustrations of Jon Muth. "
" A beautifully illustrated book for children. It includes three short stories, told by a panda named Stillwater, that may make you think about things in a slightly different way. "
" This book has three morals that students can think about. The teachings of Zen come from Buddha passed down teachings. Stillwater, the panda, teaches a kid he spends time with a lesson through a short story. This book is good for a read aloud. "
" One of my very favorites. It's beautifully illustrated and has captivated my three year old since we bought it two years ago. "
" My favorite childrens book of all time (to date)...;) Highly, highly recommended. Sweet story about a Zen panda who gives advice to 3 children. "
" Molly brought this home and it looked cute - it's a delightful little book. Good wisdom. :) "
" okelah, Zen storynya bagus, ilustrasinya tidak sebagus yang dibayangkan, tapi konsep bukunya ok.. :) "
" I love the Zen illustrations of a budding friendship between a panda named Stillwater and three neighborhood kids. Three tales about materialism, luck, and anger are sweetly to the point. This is my current favorite picture book. "
" What a wonderful way to introduce philosophy to children! Love the illustrations. "
" I love the basic Buddhist philosophy behind the Zen series of books, and I love the beautiful water color illustrations. These are books we come back to over and over again. "
" I especially enjoyed The Farmer's Luck and I pass that story along to others to encourage mindfulness and acceptance. "
" "Zen Shorts" (Uncle Ry and the Moon,The Farmers Luck, A Heavy Load) are interspersed through the story of how the children meet Stillwater, and challenge the reader to examine their habits, desires, and fears. "
" In three gentle parables illustrated beautifully with an Asian flavor Jon Muth brings three siblings into harmony. "
David Pittu, a two-time Tony Award nominee, has narrated dozens of audiobooks, including Donna Tartt’s The Goldfinch, which earned two prestigious Audie Awards for best narration. He has also won three Earphones Awards. Well-known for his work in theater, he has appeared off-Broadway in LoveMusik and Is He Dead, for which he received his Tony nominations, as well as Parade, for which he earned a National Broadway Award for Best Actor in a Musical. He is also a writer, member, and director of the Atlantic Theater company.
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