Title: Zen Shorts
Author: Jon J. Muth
Illustrator: Jon J. Muth
Publisher: Scholastic, Inc.
Year of Publication: 2005
Genre: Fables, legends and myths
Horn Book Reviews rating: 3
Summary:
This is the story of three siblings (Addy, Michael and Karl) and a panda called, Stillwater. I really enjoyed reading this book because of the lessons of empathy, Stillwater teaches the children. He teaches Addy, Michael and Karl to be kind, generous and forgiving regardless of what other people may do to you.
Summary of Professional Reviews: The CLCD described this book as beautiful because of the watercolors used on the illustrations. Also, the book mentions how ingenious Buddhism is integrated in the story. Next, The Horn Book Guide describes that the book narrates three zen stories woven into a contemporary frame. Lastly, it describes how the panda is able to narrate a story to each child based on their mood.
Review by B. Elizabeth Harclerode
To start, I would like to mention that I was fascinated with the book illustrations. The colors are bright and drawings are very detailed. In addition, this book touches a topic that is very common between siblings, fighting and arguing for silly things. For this reason, I think the author was effective in sending the message that it is wiser to be kind and gentle. Especially, the part in the story where the older monk carried a pretentious young woman on his back and she didn't even say thank you for helping her and then the younger monk asked, "Why did you carry her? Especially when she was so unpleasant. The older monk answered, "I set the woman down hours ago. Why are you still carrying her?" This part of the story is so inspiring since it teaches that we should not hold grudges because at the end of the day it is just a heavy load on one's shoulders. Letting go of negative feelings is more rewarding and effective.
This book would be useful when teaching…
Zen Shorts can be very helpful in teaching children about being kind, generous and forgiving especially with one's siblings. However, it can also be used to teach about empathy in general. This book should be read to children when they are having trouble getting along and understanding each others feelings.
Author: Jon J. Muth
Illustrator: Jon J. Muth
Publisher: Scholastic, Inc.
Year of Publication: 2005
Genre: Fables, legends and myths
Horn Book Reviews rating: 3
Summary:
This is the story of three siblings (Addy, Michael and Karl) and a panda called, Stillwater. I really enjoyed reading this book because of the lessons of empathy, Stillwater teaches the children. He teaches Addy, Michael and Karl to be kind, generous and forgiving regardless of what other people may do to you.
Summary of Professional Reviews: The CLCD described this book as beautiful because of the watercolors used on the illustrations. Also, the book mentions how ingenious Buddhism is integrated in the story. Next, The Horn Book Guide describes that the book narrates three zen stories woven into a contemporary frame. Lastly, it describes how the panda is able to narrate a story to each child based on their mood.
Review by B. Elizabeth Harclerode
To start, I would like to mention that I was fascinated with the book illustrations. The colors are bright and drawings are very detailed. In addition, this book touches a topic that is very common between siblings, fighting and arguing for silly things. For this reason, I think the author was effective in sending the message that it is wiser to be kind and gentle. Especially, the part in the story where the older monk carried a pretentious young woman on his back and she didn't even say thank you for helping her and then the younger monk asked, "Why did you carry her? Especially when she was so unpleasant. The older monk answered, "I set the woman down hours ago. Why are you still carrying her?" This part of the story is so inspiring since it teaches that we should not hold grudges because at the end of the day it is just a heavy load on one's shoulders. Letting go of negative feelings is more rewarding and effective.
This book would be useful when teaching…
Zen Shorts can be very helpful in teaching children about being kind, generous and forgiving especially with one's siblings. However, it can also be used to teach about empathy in general. This book should be read to children when they are having trouble getting along and understanding each others feelings.