Zen Shorts
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| Abstract |
Ages 4 and Up. Beautifully illustrated in two distinct styles, this book introduces readers to a Zen approach to the world, wrapped in a story about three siblings and their new neighbor, a panda. One by one, the children visit Stillwater, enjoying his company and listening to him tell a brief tale that illustrates a Zen principle. Each time, there is a link between the conversation shared by Stillwater and his visitor and the story he tells. The tales invite the children to consider the world and their perceptions from a different angle; for Karl, the panda’s story gently but pointedly teaches the benefits of forgiveness. Taken simply as a picture book, Zen Shorts is interesting and visually lovely. As an introduction to Zen, it is a real treat, employing familiar imagery to prod children to approach life and its circumstances in profoundly "un-Western" ways. Appealing enough for a group read-aloud, but also begging to be shared and discussed by caregiver and child, Zen Shorts is a notable achievement. (Amazon.com)
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| Year of Publication |
2005
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| Publisher |
Scholastic Press
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| City |
New York
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| ISSN Number |
978-0439339117
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Reviews
Please login to review this resourceZen Shorts by John J Muth
Zen Shorts is a beautifully illustrated picture book by John J. Muth about a Pamda named Stillwater. Stillwater meets three children, and befriends them. He then uses stories to teach these children valuable life lessons. This is a fantastic read aloud book for students. The illustrations are beautiful and appealing, and the lessons taught through the stories that Stillwater tells are applicable for and interesting for students.
Zen Shorts - Great resource illustrating Zen wisdom to students - all ages
Zen Shorts by Jon J. Muth
Review by Kathy Austin
Art & Enrichment Teacher: LaSalle Academy and Montessori Country Day School
Grade levels: K-8
Zen Shorts is a beautifully written and illustrated children’s book by Jon J. Muth. It is a wonderful and practical resource for the elementary and secondary classroom. Although it is written for children, it summarizes a few classical Zen classics and gives the reader a true sense of the respectfulness that the Buddhist religion has for humankind.
Jon Muth combines two artistic styles in this book. He uses his colorful, contemporary artistic style for his story about three siblings getting to know their Panda neighbor, Stillwater. When Stillwater gently shares the wisdom from classic Zen stories, Muth engages the reader with artistic renderings that are in a traditional black-and-white style called sumi ink.
The lessons supplied in this book are eternal and appropriate for all age levels. They inspire respect, patience and tolerance of one another. This story is a “good read” regardless of your age, culture or religious beliefs.
