| Zen Shorts | |
|---|---|
| Author(s) | Jon J. Muth |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
| Publisher | Scholastic Press |
| Publication date | March 1, 2005 |
| Pages | 40 |
| ISBN | 978-0439339117 |
| OCLC Number | 53084041 |
| Dewey Decimal | [E] 22 |
| LC Classification | PZ7.M97274 Ze 2005 |
| Followed by | Zen Ties |
Zen Shorts is a 2005 children's picture book by Jon J. Muth. The book was followed by Zen Ties in 2008.
Contents |
3 kids, Karl, Michael and Addy, encounter a panda named Stillwater. The panda carries a red umbrella and he also speaks in a "slight panda accent". For the next three days, the three kids visit Stillwater. The panda rewards each with instructive anecdotes.
Bruno Navasky, of The New York Times, reviewed the book saying, "Muth attributes the third to a Taoist tradition, but for me it calls to mind most vividly the popular picture book Fortunately, by Remy Charlip, with whom Muth has also worked. In any case, the cultural blurrings won't reduce the pleasure with which this book is received, and most children would surely vouchsafe Jon Muth the pleasure of a one-handed round of applause for his elegant tale."[1] A Kirkus Reviews review says, "The Buddha lurks in the details here: Every word and image comes to make as perfect a picture book as can be."[2] A Publishers Weekly review says, "Readers will fall easily into the rhythm of visits to Stillwater and his storytelling sessions, and many more will fall in love with the panda, whose shape and size offer the children many opportunities for cuddling."[3]