Zen Shorts Reviews

Okay, all you wannabe philosophers, moralizers and purveyors of "message" books, here's how you do it: — You leave it to Muth. — The author of this New York Times' bestseller dispenses Zen wisdom wrapped in an engaging story of three siblings who befriend a giant panda named Stillwater. Not as in "... runs deep." Imagine water placid enough to reflect the moon. Now that's deep. — Each child seeks out their new neighbor, who opens their minds like so many lotus blossoms with fables culled from Buddhist legends. A poor man gives to a robber, a farmer muses on the fickleness… read full review »

This clever, well-written book is presented in a manner appealing to both children and the adults who love them.  The enormous Panda named Stillwater provides a zen-like presence that is felt throughout the book. — The story encourages imagination as Stillwater comes to visit 3 human children - Addy, Michael, and Karl.  During his vist to the children, Stillwater tells each of the children a different short story or 'Zen Shorts', much in the manner a wise Monk might teach his young students.  — The stories themselves are actually from Zen Buddhist and Taoist… read full review »