Zen Shorts (Caldecott Honor Book)
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Book Reviews of Zen Shorts (Caldecott Honor Book)
Book Review: Philosophy, art and story telling, all in one package
Summary: 5 Stars
We bought Zen Shorts last year when our son was only 3 years old and were delighted that he enjoyed it as much as he did even though he was so young. It provides for good story telling and make me feel good about reading him literature that will enable him to become a better person as he grows up. The illustrations are fantastic but that just seems to be a bonus. The story is about a panda who befriends 3 siblings and develops a friendship with them. As the story unfolds, the wise but absolutely adorable panda spends time with each of the three siblings and shares stories or makes observations that are steeped in Buddhist philosophy. The characters are appealing to all ages and the narrative is just right for little kids to wrap their little heads around these concepts. The book has important lessons to teach and imparts valuable Buddhist philosophy in a way that is entertaining, subtle and not preachy. We love Stillwater and after enjoying the fun story, we almost feel the sense of well-being settling on us as we sit to talk about the stories and what Stillwater shared with the kids in the book. We subsequently bought Zen Ties and Zen Ghosts as well, both of which are really good books, but I think Zen Shorts is our favorite.Book Review: Simply lovely
Summary: 5 Stars
"Zen Shorts" by Jon J. Muth contains stories within a story. Stillwater the giant panda lives up the hill from three children. As each child pays a visit to the panda, he offers them a story. These tales are zen shorts (short meditations) that offer ideas to ponder. If you're not familiar with zen, let me assure you it's not a religion -- it's a philosophy based on meditation or "thinking without thinking." The stories are thought-provoking, all right, even at a child's level.
My young friends like the big, friendly panda and the beautiful watercolor illustrations of Stillwater and the children. These pictures are simple, quiet and peaceful. When the three stories are told, the illustrations become brush-and-ink sketches that reveal movement and emotion. The stories are ancient conundrums people have puzzled over for centuries, and I recommend them for children over about the age of 5, as they are a tad over the heads of the younger children. But I do think it's good to introduce thought-provoking ideas to children early, to get them to practice thinking!
Book Review: I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE THIS BOOK!!!!
Summary: 5 Stars
this book has it all, great watercolor paintings (i am a classically trained artist so this is important to me), great story, and meaningfull messages. i read this to my two year old daughter who is a book fanatic and can sit quietly for more than an hour and listen to long stories. for those of you with very small kids who may just be begging to read longer stories hear is some advice 1.don't give up if your child does not sit through the whole book the first time you read it small children, like my daughter, like farmiliar things and sometimes it just takes a few passes for them to reconize and chose a certain story, 2.don't chose to read a book when your child is bubbling over with energy, and 3.with longer stories it can also help to use a lot of inflection and tone to create intrest before your little one starts turning the page. this book is moderate in wording, not super long but not as simple as short verses or ryming stories. this book has a certain eligance to it that reflectes its message. it is just beautiful.Book Review: Delightful!
Summary: 5 Stars
Who knew? Zen can be fun. Well, I thought so, but it sure is wonderful to come across a book with a terrific sense of humor (both visually and in the text) that also conveys values. Other reviews do a terrific job capturing what's great about this book, so I will only add that I have found this book to be valuable while trying to teach my pre-K child about managing anger and disappointment: the juxtaposition of the classic zen tale about "carrying" anger with the child's experience of it could have been heavy-handed, but the joyfulness conveyed by the illustrations and Stillwater's gentle, gentle guidance combine to make the lesson resonate without coming down like an anvil. We now talk of "putting down our anger" in our house and it has made all of us (kids and adults) more centered. A perfect, quiet bedtime read. And the covers of Muth's books, when matted and framed, make for great bedroom posters!Book Review: Wounderful images, thoughtful text
Summary: 5 Stars
While this book clearly doesn't need any more positive postings, I'll add my 2 cents. It's just a wee bit on the long side for my 2-1/2 year old boy, but he loves it just as much as my 5yr old girl. The images are wonderful & the three "life lessons" are simple enough that kids get the point (with maybe just a bit of parent explaination, like was is a "robber"?). I must say that I learned from it to, reminding me to let things go, as one of the stories explains that it's not useful to hold onto anger. If you liked this book, you will like "The Three Questions"; similar theme in teaching what you don't learn in school.... I highly recommend this book! You simply can't go wrong -- for a girl or boy. And the other parents will think you are so clever for giving such a thoughtful book! ;)