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Zen
Series · 4 books · 2005-2015

Books in series

Zen Shorts book cover
#1

Zen Shorts

2005

Jon J Muth, author of the best-selling book, The Three Questions, has crafted another profound and winning picture book. "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 Addy 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, Jon Muth—and Stillwater the bear—present three ancient Zen tales that are sure to strike a chord in everyone they touch.
Zen Ties book cover
#2

Zen Ties

2008

Summer fading new friends' faces lighten the way home. Summer has arrived—and so has Koo, Stillwater the Panda's haiku-speaking young nephew. When Stillwater encourages Koo and their friends Addy, Michael, and Karl to help a grouchy neighbor in need, their efforts are rewarded in unexpected ways. Jon J. Muth's warm, engaging story and his luminous watercolors are as fresh and magical as a summer breeze. Readers of all ages will be disarmed by this tale of compassion and friendship that reaffirms the importance of our ties to one another.
Zen Ghosts book cover
#3

Zen Ghosts

2010

Stillwater, the beloved Zen panda, now in his own Apple TV+ original series! It's Halloween. The trees are ablaze in fiery reds. Excited children don colorful costumes. And there's mystery and fun around every corner!When Addy, Michael, and Karl finish trick-or-treating, their bags are brimming with treats. But the fun isn't over yet. Their good friend Stillwater the panda has one more special surprise in store for them. A mysterious visitor is about to tell them a spine-tingling story —- one that will fill each and every reader with wonder.
Zen Socks book cover
#4

Zen Socks

2015

The wisdom of Zen in an exciting new book by Caldecott honoree Jon J Muth! Leo and Molly love their new neighborhood. Best of all is their friend Stillwater, a giant panda who lives across the way! And the three friends are quite a team! Stillwater teaches Molly about patience. Leo teaches Stillwater about sharing. And Molly shows how one act of kindness can make a world of difference. Jon J Muth's warm, compassionate stories and light-filled pictures are tinged with the wisdom of Zen. Whether young or old, we all learn from one another in the most surprising ways...

Author

Jon J. Muth
Author · 13 books

Jon J. Muth is an American comic artist. His works include J. M. DeMatteis' graphic novel Moonshadow, Neil Gaiman's The Sandman: The Wake (along with Michael Zulli, Charles Vess), Mike Carey's Lucifer: Nirvana and Swamp Thing: Roots. Muth has gone on to an award-winning career as a children's book writer and illustrator. He received a Gold Medal from the Society of Illustrators for his illustrations in Come On, Rain! by Karen Hesse. He has also created a version of the Stone soup fable set in China.

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