Zen Shorts and Zen Ties are two beautifully illustrated books for children. The main character of each of the books is a kindhearted panda named Stillwater. The author artfully provides a narrative that enables a reader to think from a different perspective and, more importantly, to actively question and think about the choices we make and the world in which we live.
Zen Shorts
"Michael," said Karl. "There's a really big bear in the backyard." This is how three children meet Stillwater, a giant panda who moves into the neighborhood and tells amazing tales. To Addie he tells a story about the value of material goods. To Michael he pushes the boundaries of good and bad. And to Karl he demonstrates what it means to hold on to frustration. With graceful art and simple stories that are filled with love and enlightenment.
Summer has arrived - and so has Koo, Stillwater's haiku-speaking young nephew. And when Stillwater encourages Koo, and his friends Addy, Michael, and Karl to help a grouchy old neighbor in need, their efforts are rewarded in unexpected ways. "Zen Ties" is a disarming story of compassion and friendship that reaffirms the importance of our ties to one another.
Cheers,
L
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