Zen Happiness (A Stillwater and Friends Book)

by Jon J Muth, Jon J Muth (Illustrator)

Overview

Stillwater, the beloved Zen panda, now in his own Apple TV+ original series!

Resonant sayings to inspire happiness and mindfulness are paired with exquisite artwork by Caldecott Honor Book and New York Times Bestselling author/artist Jon J Muth.

This beautiful, small-format gift book contains twelve inspiring and affirmational sayings that take on deeper meaning when paired with Jon J Muth's profoundly beautiful Zen books, many featuring the beloved panda bear, Stillwater. This is a book to cherish. Every saying inspires delight, and each picture is worth a thousand words!Nourishment for the spirit!

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781338346022
Publisher:	Scholastic, Inc.
Publication date:	03/26/2019
Series:	Stillwater and Friends Series
Pages:	32
Sales rank:	673,404
Product dimensions:	5.90(w) x 6.20(h) x 0.40(d)
Lexile:	430L (what's this?)
Age Range:	5 - 8 Years

About the Author

Jon J Muth is beloved all over the world for his seven books featuring Stillwater the Panda, whose love and balanced approach to life always serve to make the world a better place for his young friends. Muth's many enchanting picture books include his Caldecott Honor Book Zen Shorts, Addy's Cup of Sugar, Stone Soup, and The Three Questions, which the New York Times Book Review called "quietly life-changing." His books have been translated into more than 23 languages and are cherished by readers of all ages. Muth draws inspiration from his life-long interest in Asian Studies, including tai chi chuan, sumi ink drawing, and chado, "the way of tea." Muth is also renowned in the world of graphic novels. He won an Eisner Award for his paintings in the graphic novel, The Mystery Play by Grant Morrison. He's partnered with Neil Gaiman on The Sandman: The Wake, Walter and Louise Simonson, and Kent Williams on Havoc & Wolverine: Meltdown, J. M. DeMatteis on Moonshadow and Silver Surfer, and with Stanislaw Lem on The Seventh Voyage which was nominated for an Eisner Award for Best Adaptation in Another Medium. He lives in New York State with his wife and their four children.

Editorial Reviews

Distinctions and Praise forZen Shorts:

A Caldecott Honor Book

\Book Sense Book of the Year Award

\NAIBA Book of the Year Award

A Kirkus Reviews Best Book of the Year

\New York Public Library's 100 Titles for Reading and Sharing

* "Both an accessible, strikingly illustrated story and a thought-provoking meditation." —Booklist, starred review

* "Every word and image comes to make as perfect a picture book as can be." — Kirkus Reviews, starred review

"Appealing enough for a group read-aloud, but also begging to be shared and discussed by caregiver and child,Zen Shortsis a notable achievement." —School Library Journal

Distinctions and Praise forZen Ties:

NAIBA Book of the Year Award

Children's and Teen Choice Book Award Winner

\Cybils Picture Book Award Finalist

A Washington Post Best Children's Book of the Year

* "Muth's brush is as sure as ever; Stillwater's big, blunt paws and hunched-over listening posture are irresistible, and Miss Whitaker's delicate face and snow-white hair beautifully counterpoint the vignettes of youthful play." —Publisher's Weekly, starred review

"The pleasure, as always, is with Muth's irresistible storytelling, both visual and textual...The story's theme of intergenerational kindness is tender, and the text is infused with bits of haiku, wordplay and small lessons that charmingly avoid didacticism. A welcome return." —Kirkus Reviews

"A rich and wonderful offering." —School Library Journal

Distinctions and Praise forZen Ghosts:

A Notable Social Studies Trade Book for Young People

* "Muth's art remains strikingly beautiful, and Stillwater is perennially charming." —Publishers Weekly, starred review

"A beautiful, contemplative offering." —Booklist

"Breathtaking... The book functions on many levels... and succeeds spectacularly on all of them." — School Library Journal

Distinctions and Praise forZen Socks:

An Amazon Editors' Children's Book of the Year

* "Strikingly beautiful... perennially charming." —Publishers Weekly, starred review

"Lessons of patience, compassion, and sharing, delivered gently." —Kirkus Reviews

Distinctions and Praise forHi, Koo!:

New York Public Library's 100 Titles for Reading and Sharing

A Parents' Choice Award Gold Medal Winner

A Cybils Award Poetry Finalist

* "It's a joyous addendum to the Stillwater books, and it overflows with the same characteristic tenderness." — Publishers Weekly, starred review

* "Yields huge effect; in a word, magical." — Kirkus Reviews, starred review

"Even readers who are not typically interested in poetry will be captivated by Muth's artistry in both words and images." — School Library Journal

From the Publisher

03/01/2019

PreS-Gr 2–This tiny book is filled with suggestions for young readers to achieve happiness and make the world a better place. Throughout, Muth's favorite panda, Stillwater, engages in activities with children, such as drawing, dancing, and playing. His friendly and playful demeanor and warm smile add a comforting touch to the artwork. The perspective changes throughout the narrative, which gives the artwork a realistic, camera-panning effect. Nature is a repeated theme in Muth's artwork. Each scene depicts the characters immersing themselves in and enjoying the wonders of the natural world. The illustrations are done with watercolor, using pastel hues that give each page a soothing look and feel. Readers will be drawn to the text, which magnifies the meaning of the images on each page. Though simple, this title holds powerful messages. Some of its concepts may be considered slightly advanced for the full comprehension of younger readers. VERDICT A book that encourages mindfulness, self-love, and self-awareness. This would also make for a lovely graduation gift in the vein of Dr. Seuss's Oh the Places You'll Go.—Deanna Smith, Pender County Public Library, NC

School Library Journal