Zen Shorts

Bibliography
Muth, Jon J. 2005. Zen Shorts. New York: Scholastic Press. ISBN:9780439339111

Plot Summary
Stillwater, who is giant panda, moves into Addy, Michael, and Karl’s neighborhood. Addy, Michael, and Karl each go to visit Panda and the wise Panda tells them stories that they love to hear.
Critical Analysis
Jon Muth, the author and illustrator of this book, has delivered a well written story with deep meaning. Panda is shown as a very lovable yet wise character that gently attempts to make children understand the deeper meaning in life. Panda tells Addy, Michael, and Karl stories that touch their different personalities. Panda tells Addy a story about giving even when you don’t have anything. Panda tells Michael a story that teaches that luck cannot be predicted or judged. And Panda tells Karl a story that tells him to not carry his anger from the past but enjoy the moments in the present.

At the end Jon Muth provides an author’s note that explains the meaning of Zen Shorts and provides a background about Zen method of meditation and learning the deeper meaning life. The story has a didactic tone, but at the same time is presented very gently. Any child would love a big, round cuddly Panda and enjoy hearing stories from Panda. The relationship between the siblings and the Panda has been explored very well in the book. The soft water color illustrations are pleasant to watch. Each story is painted in black and white brush stroke to introduce it differently from the main story. The illustrations are just calm and soothing as the messages in the story.

Although the book is suggested for Kindergarten to fourth grade readers younger readers might have a difficult time understanding the underlying meaning in the story. Inspite of this, children will still enjoy reading this story. Zen Shorts is also a 2006 Caldecott Honor Book.