Zen Shorts

Shirley J.                 Juvenile Fiction                         Stories told in a very calm and respectful way 

 Zen Shorts by Jon J. Muth        40 pages

Like Kung Fu Panda this Panda named Stillwater tells 3 children stories that like parables teach them lessons they need to know.  The illustrations in this book are beautiful.  All the stories are depicted with birds and animals as the characters that are familiar in Asian countries.  They dress in komonas with obis and wear the triangular hats often depicted in films that offer shade to the head and shoulders, worn predominantly in Asian countries.   The stories are so soothing you can picture and almost hear the serene tones of Stillwater as he takes his neighbor children on verbal adventures.   Their imaginations take them along with Stillwater almost like a guided meditation.   Very enjoyable stories here.  I recommend this book to all ages from those too young to read who will be soothed by the sounds they are hearing to the elderly who could also benefit from being read such a lovely story.  Good book.