Zen Shorts by Jon J Muth. New York: Scholastic Press, 2005.

ISBN: 978-0-439-33911-7

Annotation: A Giant Panda moves into the neighborhood and tells amazing Zen stories (Buddhist Tales). The title of the book, “Zen Shorts” refers to short meditations, or mental puzzles to think and challenge oneself about fears, habits, desires and concepts.

The book was nominated or won over 11 national awards including a Caldecott Honor in 2006, ALA Notable Books for Children 2006.

Media: watercolor and ink

Rating: 5Q/4P

RAC 7.28.09

Muth, J. (2005). Zen shorts. New York: Scholastic Press.

ISBN:  0439339111

Art:  Watercolor illustrations, some done in the style of traditional Japanese art.

Genre and Themes: Fiction, Religion, Friendship

Age Range:  Grades 3 -7

What the book is about: The three siblings, Michael, Karl and Addy wake up to find a large friendly panda playing on their lawn.  Soon the panda befriends them and shares three tales adapted from Zen Master primary sources. This is an excellent introduction, beautifully illustrated with creative and expertly rendered watercolor paintings, to the philosophy of Zen. 

Awards the book has won: This book is a Caldecott Honor Book.

Notes:  Jon J. Muth has provided beautiful watercolor illustrations for other books such as Old Turtle and The Broken Tooth and I Will Hold You ‘til You sleep.

Rating: P4/Q5

JMB 05/06/08