Zen Shorts

Jon J. Muth's "Zen Shorts" introduces readers to Stillwater, a gentle giant panda who befriends three siblings, Addy, Michael, and Karl. Through three beautifully illustrated ancient Zen tales, Stillwater subtly teaches the children, and by extension the reader, about patience, compassion, and finding peace in everyday moments. The stories, like "Uncle Ry's Hat" or "A Heavy Load," offer profound lessons on letting go of anger, understanding others, and appreciating what you have. This book is a wonderful tool for parents seeking to introduce concepts of mindfulness and emotional intelligence in an accessible, non-preachy way, complemented by Muth's exquisite watercolor art. It's also the basis for an Apple TV+ series.

When Stillwater the giant panda moves into the neighborhood, the stories he tells to three siblings teach them to look at the world in new ways. Includes factual note on Zen.