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96th out of 184 books
—
199 voters
My rating:
add to my books
Zen Ties
by
Jon J. Muth
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 ar
...moreHardcover, 40 pages
Published
February 1st 2008
by Scholastic Inc.
(first published January 1st 2008)
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This is one of those stories that made me feel GOOD inside! Even beyond warm-fuzzies, it seems to speak to something deep and true. A very sweet story about friendship and being kind and thoughtful about others—even if they are a little prickly at first! The story of the children and the old lady's developing friendship is sweet and something that many children can relate to as grandparents are sometimes a bit "cranky" due to aches and pains, but truly do love the influence of child...more
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This follow-up to Zen Shorts has more beautiful, charming watercolor illustrations and Zen wisdom to impart. The story about the children helping their elderly neighbor is simple and sweet, if a little predictable. However, Stillwater (the talking Giant Panda) and his visiting cousin Koo (who speaks only in haiku) add more depth and interest. Since this is a longer story, and the simple language belies some more complex concepts about friendship and compassion, I would suggest this book for elem...more
In Zen Ties, it's summer and Stillwater the panda's nephew, Koo (who speaks in haiku!) has come to visit him. Stillwater takes Koo and the children next door (Michael, Addy, and Karl) to visit a neighbor, Miss Whitaker, who has thus far just been that-mean-old-lady-down-the-street, as far as the children are concerned. With Stillwater's loving-kindness-style help, the children and Miss Whitaker realize that they all have things to offer each other, and to learn from each other. It's a sweet stor...more
Sunhi
rated it
Recommends it for:
Two year olds and parents who love them.
Shelves:
picture-books,
children-s-shelf
Oh, man, oh, man! I've read this book sooooo many times. My son is obsessed with this book. "Read me the daddy and baby panda bear book!" I think I could recite this book from memory and, yet, I still like it.
Though my son, age 2, would insist differently, this is the story of Stillwater the panda, his nephew Koo, his three young friends, and an elderly lady who they all befriend. There is much wordplay that goes on in the book, and even with the title of the book. My h...more
Though my son, age 2, would insist differently, this is the story of Stillwater the panda, his nephew Koo, his three young friends, and an elderly lady who they all befriend. There is much wordplay that goes on in the book, and even with the title of the book. My h...more
The haikus and the balloons and the bright light colors add a little lightness to a book that is actually rich enough to be read over and over again. I honestly don't remember how I responded to/ felt about Zen Shorts so let me just say that this, all by itself, is both layered and accessible, both heartwarming and provocative. I like the author's note and I like the endpapers - do as many of those poses in the endpapers as you can, with or without children; you'll feel both energized and rela...more
In reading this book I loved the pictures and the fact that the people in the book almost looked life like. However, one thing that did bug me throughout the book was Stillwater's porportion to the children in the book. At times, he seemed like this giant panda standing taller than buildings and other times he was barely taller than them.
Also, I noticed that everytime Koo spoke in the book he spoke in a poem, which is better known as a haiku. It was a really different approach of an a...more
Also, I noticed that everytime Koo spoke in the book he spoke in a poem, which is better known as a haiku. It was a really different approach of an a...more
I read this before its predecessor Zen Shorts and, while the illustrations won me over completely, I was left wondering a little what all the fuss was about. This is certainly a nice story about friendship and compassion, but it felt a little lofty. But because of the humour and gentleness of the story, the beauty of the illustrations and the adorable characters - young, old, animal and human - this is still a solid 4 star book in my mind. Just make sure not to miss Zen Shorts!
Stillwater the giant panda receives a visit from his nephew Koo. They take Stillwaters young human friends Addy, Michael, and Karl to visit an elderly neighbor, Miss Whitaker to bring her soup and clean her house. At first the children don’t want to go, they think Miss Whitaker is grouchy. But they are will to help their friend Stillwater. When they meet Miss Witaker, the children learn that she has a lot she can teach them like spelling and how to make apple tea. Stillwater has taught the child...more
A good solid follow-up to the lovely Zen Shorts, but I miss Stillwater's stories with their black and white inked illustrations. This one includes a new Japanese tradition - the haiku. Stillwater's nephew Koo (as in "Hi Koo") comes for a visit. Everything he says is written in haiku format. This is a good lesson for kids on the interconnectedness of things and people, and isn't too didactic.
This is the Giving Tree of my children's generation. Three children meet an amazing, large Panda and become friends with him in their own way. He helps them learn some wonderful human relation concepts without hitting them over the head or losing all his leaves and limbs. If you know a young person, gift this book to them. Young or old - great story.
I loved the illustrations, I loved the kids, I loved Hi, Koo and haiku. But I thought the book was a bit weird, particularly in the beginning. I have not read Zen Shorts but will read it very soon.
Despite feeling that the pandas were a bit weird, I really liked the story and its message. Recommended for elementary students at all levels.
Despite feeling that the pandas were a bit weird, I really liked the story and its message. Recommended for elementary students at all levels.
Stillwater the Panda is a great Uncle to his nephew, Koo and to others as well. He helps to care for the elderly Ms. Whitaker and encourages the local kids to befriend her as well. Stillwater's compassionate and patient attitude help the students realize that Ms. Whitaker is not to be feared and that goals can be reached with help.
Cheryl/Aradanryl
rated it
Shelves:
in-ep-library,
panda,
haiku,
poetry,
childrens-literature,
fiction,
childrens-fiction,
buddhism,
picture-book
Recommend to first read Zen Shorts since this builds on the first book. Loved the play (Hi, Koo) for the little Haiku spouting panda. Wonderful moral tale. Beautifully illustrated, calming book.
Love the illustrations and the clever plays on words in this book. It also has a great but subtle message that we are indeed all tied together and that as we get to know others, we can learn to like them...even those who seem grumpy or weird or different from us.
I really enjoy looking at Jon J. Muth's illustrations. They seem to flow in such tranquil and soothing ways. I also love the soft color style. As far as the story, I didn't like it as much as Zen Shorts but I still found myself entertained. I would recommend this book.
*Taken from my book reviews blog: http://reviewsatmse.blogspot.com/2009/01...
*Taken from my book reviews blog: http://reviewsatmse.blogspot.com/2009/01...
Love the illustrations in this one! The story also makes for a warm-fuzzy sort of book! One of the characters in this one is studying for a spelling bee; that made me smile, since the National Spelling Bee crowned a new champion yesterday. Neat book!
Sweetest illustrations ever. Really. The panda is super cute and lovable. I don't know why I didn't like this book. I'm glad I borrowed it from the library before spending money on it. Have the other one on order so I hope it's better.
As if his illustrations and ability to write a children's book in haikus wasn't brilliant enough, the message that we are all interdependent and connected whether we recognize our neighbor's face or not is brilliantly delivered.
How can you not like a book with a character named Ku? When he shows up, someone invariably says, "Hi, Ku!" ha ha ha Is this English teacher humor?
Anyway, thanks to Kendal Grant for a mighty fun little read.
Anyway, thanks to Kendal Grant for a mighty fun little read.
This was a beautiful book and story. Little Koo speaks in haiku which is wonderful. I learned sometimes we have to reach out and we will learn from our actions. I loved the pandas on the back page doing Tai Chi.
This is a wonderful story by a gifted children's book author. The pictures will delight every age. The story will touch your soul, and the light humor and play of words in the Haiku will make you smile.
Such great pictures, all in beautiful watercolor, and the nephew, Koo (Hi, Koo!)says everything in haiku! Cool. A sweet story that emphasizes helping others, even when they seem unloveable, among other things.
Another incredible book by Jon Muth. This book follows the same three children from "Zen Shorts" as they develop a friendship with their grouchy neighbor. I'll read this book to Lily over and over!
Stillwater is back to impart even more wisdom about interdependence and the connection between all things. The author incorporates haiku and disposable cups as symbols of greater meaning and value.
I loved the quiet, detailed illustrations and the message of the story. And the incorporation of haiku by Stillwater's nephew, Koo. But I was also hoping for something more like Zen Shorts.
Sandybear76
added it
read this recently new book to the 3rd graders today. They liked it. I don't think they got the hiakus and I probably didn't read the little poems properly. They did enjoy the story.
Published: 2008, Scholastic Press
Age:5+
A little panda, Koo comes to visit his uncle Stillwater, a great big panda. They play with Stillwater's frends who are 3 children. Stillwater wants to visit another friend, a sick old lady that the children think is mean. The old lady doesn't like the children either. Stillwater coaxes the children to go to her house and bring her soup. The old lady gets to like the children and helps the young boy. Stillwater teaches the children that wh...more
Age:5+
A little panda, Koo comes to visit his uncle Stillwater, a great big panda. They play with Stillwater's frends who are 3 children. Stillwater wants to visit another friend, a sick old lady that the children think is mean. The old lady doesn't like the children either. Stillwater coaxes the children to go to her house and bring her soup. The old lady gets to like the children and helps the young boy. Stillwater teaches the children that wh...more
Kim
added it
This is a dear, dear book. Everyone should read it (even if you don't have kids!) My middle daughter introduced me to it after reading another by the same author at Open Connections!
When Stillwater the panda encourages Koo, Addy, Michael, and Karl to help a grouchy neighbor, their efforts are rewarded in unexpected ways.
Beautiful illustrations.
Beautiful illustrations.
Lovely mix of haiku, zen, and lessons about the interdependence of all beings, the significance of compassion, and the importance of appreciating the natural world.
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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 Cary'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...more
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