New wisdom from Stillwater the panda bear: Zen Socks
by eapearce
When the picture book Zen Shorts was published in 2005, my family and I immediately fell in love with the beautiful illustrations and the simple, yet infinitely wise lessons taught gently to three young siblings by Stillwater, the giant panda bear. When the three children are confronted with the daily tribulations that life so often presents to us, Stillwater turns these situations into learning opportunities about the importance of generosity, when to express frustration, and the boundaries of good and bad. Author John J. Muth continued enlightening us with Stillwater's wisdom in Zen Ties in 2008 and Zen Ghosts in 2010, and now I am thrilled that Stillwater is back in Zen Socks, published this year. In Zen Socks, siblings Leo and Molly are excited about their move to a new neighborhood, and are particularly excited about their new giant panda neighbor (Stillwater, of course)! As the three become friends, the kids learn about patience, sharing and compassion, prodded serenely along by Stillwater.
The tenderness with which the lessons are taught in these books, the hints of Japanese philosophy and the gorgeous illustrations make them wonderful for all ages. My mom has bought Zen Shorts for a holiday gift for kids AND adults for years now. Muth has really given us all a treat to add to our book collections with this series.
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