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Zen Pig #1
Zen Pig: Volume 1 / Issue 1
"Care for each other As much as yourself And never lose sight, That love is true wealth."
These are the wise words of "Zen Pig" - the critically-acclaimed children's book character that teaches children compassion, gratitude, and mindfulness in easy to understand language and is brought to life in beautiful minimalist art.
"Zen Pig" also teaches the fulfillment that comes with giving back; partnering with the non-profit Know.Think.Act. each PRINT copy sold provides 10 people access to clean water for 1 year! Here's what real, unpaid parents are saying about Zen "Zen Pig is a phenomenal book. The illustrations are beautiful, and the simple, yet powerful message is even more beautiful." -Sean, Franklin, TN "Zen Pig is a fun, modern approach to teaching kids life lessons." -Tina, Chesapeake, VA "Such a wonderful heart-filled message that everyone (from 1 - 100) needs to hear! I absolutely love it and can't wait to gift it to frie nds! -Courtney, Nashville, TN
These are the wise words of "Zen Pig" - the critically-acclaimed children's book character that teaches children compassion, gratitude, and mindfulness in easy to understand language and is brought to life in beautiful minimalist art.
"Zen Pig" also teaches the fulfillment that comes with giving back; partnering with the non-profit Know.Think.Act. each PRINT copy sold provides 10 people access to clean water for 1 year! Here's what real, unpaid parents are saying about Zen "Zen Pig is a phenomenal book. The illustrations are beautiful, and the simple, yet powerful message is even more beautiful." -Sean, Franklin, TN "Zen Pig is a fun, modern approach to teaching kids life lessons." -Tina, Chesapeake, VA "Such a wonderful heart-filled message that everyone (from 1 - 100) needs to hear! I absolutely love it and can't wait to gift it to frie nds! -Courtney, Nashville, TN
30 pages, Paperback
First published April 15, 2015
13 people are currently reading
191 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
September 2, 2020
This is the kind of picture book you get when someone decides they know more than actual picture book authors do about what works for kids.
Brown says he couldn't find appropriate books that capture what he wants to teach his son, so he wrote this. I say he didn't look hard enough, nor does he understand child development. I've been there, so I can speak from experience. I had to learn what works.
Pros: The watercolor illustrations are cute and calming.
Cons:
I have no idea to what age group Brown is targeting this. A toddler, preschooler, early elementary kid does not have the conceptual development to understand much of what he is saying. Always be in the moment? Kids at those ages are ALWAYS in the moment; looking at the past, toward the future is something they learn over time, with many experiences.
So not knowing the age market factor, I have a hard time commenting on his use of higher level language. Always be kind is not hard for kids to understand, when pointed out at critical moments, over and over and over again. But, "Eons ago", "seemed quite whole"? No kid will get that. Being whole is an abstract concept that a kid can't grasp. And that's just the first page.
Brown tries to rhyme, but past/has doesn't really cut it. So while you're trying to follow the abcb pattern, you get jarred out of the rhythm.
There's no story here. It's a lesson/sermon that doesn't serve a kid. Kids, and people, learn through stories, actual sequences of events in one of several formats. This is a Zen version of "Oh The Places You'll Go", and THAT book sells well for college graduations when a person has enough life experience and hope and zeal to get it.
I am all for Emotional Intelligence, and Mindful Listening, and all that. It's critical for all people to learn it. But this attempt is not the WAY to do it. Stick to more established and professional experienced people to do this. As a parent, you can do these lessons with your kid, one on one, aside from a book like this.
I suspect adults are buying this as gifts, because it resonates with them, but they're not understanding what works for kids.
Brown says he couldn't find appropriate books that capture what he wants to teach his son, so he wrote this. I say he didn't look hard enough, nor does he understand child development. I've been there, so I can speak from experience. I had to learn what works.
Pros: The watercolor illustrations are cute and calming.
Cons:
I have no idea to what age group Brown is targeting this. A toddler, preschooler, early elementary kid does not have the conceptual development to understand much of what he is saying. Always be in the moment? Kids at those ages are ALWAYS in the moment; looking at the past, toward the future is something they learn over time, with many experiences.
So not knowing the age market factor, I have a hard time commenting on his use of higher level language. Always be kind is not hard for kids to understand, when pointed out at critical moments, over and over and over again. But, "Eons ago", "seemed quite whole"? No kid will get that. Being whole is an abstract concept that a kid can't grasp. And that's just the first page.
Brown tries to rhyme, but past/has doesn't really cut it. So while you're trying to follow the abcb pattern, you get jarred out of the rhythm.
There's no story here. It's a lesson/sermon that doesn't serve a kid. Kids, and people, learn through stories, actual sequences of events in one of several formats. This is a Zen version of "Oh The Places You'll Go", and THAT book sells well for college graduations when a person has enough life experience and hope and zeal to get it.
I am all for Emotional Intelligence, and Mindful Listening, and all that. It's critical for all people to learn it. But this attempt is not the WAY to do it. Stick to more established and professional experienced people to do this. As a parent, you can do these lessons with your kid, one on one, aside from a book like this.
I suspect adults are buying this as gifts, because it resonates with them, but they're not understanding what works for kids.
May 1, 2019
Incredible book with wonderful life lessons. Rhymes. Simple artwork and short poems on each page. Adults can also learn life lessons from reading this.
September 24, 2020
This is the first selection in the Zen Pig series, entitled "The Art of Gratitude". Full of adorable images of Zen Pig and friends, Zen Pig "teaches others gratitude, presence, and compassion". This is a great book that breaks down the meaning of gratitude and encourages readers to identify sources of gratitude at the end of the book.
April 2, 2019
Awesome
Recommend this for kids and adults all ages . Specially kids though..
It teaches small lessons concisely. Which I can club with a descriptive story or prior yoga class to drive home the message!
Recommend this for kids and adults all ages . Specially kids though..
It teaches small lessons concisely. Which I can club with a descriptive story or prior yoga class to drive home the message!
November 18, 2019
A wonderful little book for kids. Although there are a few words whose definitions are a bit above the child I got this book for, they're easy enough to explain, and I think will be perfect to get conversations started with my grandson about how to be compassionate and helpful to others.
May 19, 2020
"3 and up" does not give me a clue if these books are too young for a 12 year old. Is the author educated/experienced to write/work with children? If so, what are his credentials? I don't mind spending the money, at twice the price of most graditude books for kids, if they are going to be beneficial, but not to line the pockets of some charletan.
May 10, 2021
There has been a real blitz of Buddhism / mindfulness books for kids lately, but this doesn't represent the cream of the crop. It rhymes, the illustrations are just "okay," and I'm sure the teachings could have been delivered in a more engaging (less-preachy) way.
January 1, 2020
It was a cute book. I do believe that it is the first of a series.
March 1, 2021
Lovely messages and endearing characters.
March 14, 2025
An introduction to the Zen concepts from the Zen Pig
April 15, 2025
It’s a nice little rhyme story. I read it with a little beat. Nothing really stand out about this book / story. It’s just ok.
August 9, 2025
Written at a high level of vocab and self awareness. Really more for adults or teens than a CB picture book should be.
September 25, 2022
Too much telling instead of showing. Also, the illustrations are not at all the style I like.
November 6, 2021
Such a Wonderful Gift!
There are a few words that I explained for my 3-year-old grandson, but the text was so charmingly written that he sat listening to me read, enraptured. The illustrations are also lovely. I believe this book will be well-loved by young and older readers.
The basic tenets of Zen were simply and beautifully summed up with examples that will be moving to anyone, of any age. My grandson was particularly affected by the elephant who was in despair because he broke his tusk and how Zen Pig was there to console him.
There's no preachiness to the text; Zen isn't a religion, it's a philosophy. Instead, the book gives touching examples of how to find joy, get along, understand success, and share life's true meaning by being there, and no age is too young or old to learn more about those things.
The hardcover version of this book was a gift to my grandson, and I heartily recommend it!
There are a few words that I explained for my 3-year-old grandson, but the text was so charmingly written that he sat listening to me read, enraptured. The illustrations are also lovely. I believe this book will be well-loved by young and older readers.
The basic tenets of Zen were simply and beautifully summed up with examples that will be moving to anyone, of any age. My grandson was particularly affected by the elephant who was in despair because he broke his tusk and how Zen Pig was there to console him.
There's no preachiness to the text; Zen isn't a religion, it's a philosophy. Instead, the book gives touching examples of how to find joy, get along, understand success, and share life's true meaning by being there, and no age is too young or old to learn more about those things.
The hardcover version of this book was a gift to my grandson, and I heartily recommend it!
October 15, 2020
It's a great message, but this book did not capture my 4-year-old at all. It's a lot of telling rather than showing.
For example, "Be thankful for all that you have, There is no need for more. You have everything that's needed/To walk through happy's door." That's a wonderful message for teenagers and adults, who can reflect on that message and apply it to their own lives. Younger kids need to be shown. What does Zen Pig feel thankful for? How does he express that gratitude?
Or "We all make mistakes, So forgive yourself fast. Don't expect to be perfect/Or happiness won't last." Another wonderful reflection for grown-ups, but it means nothing to my kid. What does it mean to forgive yourself? What does Zen Pig say and do to forgive himself? What does letting go of perfection look like?
For example, "Be thankful for all that you have, There is no need for more. You have everything that's needed/To walk through happy's door." That's a wonderful message for teenagers and adults, who can reflect on that message and apply it to their own lives. Younger kids need to be shown. What does Zen Pig feel thankful for? How does he express that gratitude?
Or "We all make mistakes, So forgive yourself fast. Don't expect to be perfect/Or happiness won't last." Another wonderful reflection for grown-ups, but it means nothing to my kid. What does it mean to forgive yourself? What does Zen Pig say and do to forgive himself? What does letting go of perfection look like?
Read
November 5, 2020Zen Pig is a new picture book series that shows kids how to practice gratitude in simple terms, with simple illustrations. It's not busy, which is nice, in this world of fast-paced everything. With a nice rhyming verse, the story is catchy. I found it to be a good choice for reading more than once.
It's not a 'Christian' book, but it doesn't contradict faith in God, teaching forgiveness, kindness, generosity. etc. (set 'eons ago' but with talking animals, that doesn't bother me)
*I received a digital review copy, and chose to share my thoughts here.
It's not a 'Christian' book, but it doesn't contradict faith in God, teaching forgiveness, kindness, generosity. etc. (set 'eons ago' but with talking animals, that doesn't bother me)
*I received a digital review copy, and chose to share my thoughts here.
April 21, 2021
خوانش: در یکی مانده به آخرین روز ماه اول بهار ۴۰۰
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این یه ستاره نه برای تصویرسازی کتابه که واقعا خوب نبود، نه برای متن کتاب که خیلی خیلی بالامنبری و پیشوا پیروی بود...
این یه ستاره برای یه جمله تو آخر کتابه: «ناماسته، یعنی نور درون من نور درون تو رو دوست داره»
و یه سوال از بچه ها که «همین الان برای چی توی زندگیت از همه بیشتر سپاسگزاری؟»
.
.
این یه ستاره نه برای تصویرسازی کتابه که واقعا خوب نبود، نه برای متن کتاب که خیلی خیلی بالامنبری و پیشوا پیروی بود...
این یه ستاره برای یه جمله تو آخر کتابه: «ناماسته، یعنی نور درون من نور درون تو رو دوست داره»
و یه سوال از بچه ها که «همین الان برای چی توی زندگیت از همه بیشتر سپاسگزاری؟»
.
December 26, 2022
As a BCBA, I'm so glad we found this Zen Pig book series. Incredibly useful for planting the seed and implementing concepts of introspection and mindfulness within my clinical setting! Short and simple too!
December 10, 2015
Quick read, nice zen ideas. The drawings are the best part of the book. Will bring a smile to your face.
December 25, 2015
Fun, quick, and deep
Adorable illustrations and beautiful life truths. Take the few minutes to read the zen pig and even longer to apply the principles
Adorable illustrations and beautiful life truths. Take the few minutes to read the zen pig and even longer to apply the principles
December 26, 2015
Cute Story
I fully enjoyed the simplicity and honesty of this story. And, the art was pretty nice as well. I would definitely read more ZP stories.
I fully enjoyed the simplicity and honesty of this story. And, the art was pretty nice as well. I would definitely read more ZP stories.
January 27, 2016
I like this book
This was a great book. The best way to describe how i feel is the following:
This was a great book. The best way to describe how i feel is the following:
February 1, 2016
How cute
It is a nice children's book, very sweet. I think the graphics are simple and sharp, the pig is awesome. Really cute.
It is a nice children's book, very sweet. I think the graphics are simple and sharp, the pig is awesome. Really cute.
May 1, 2021
Enseñemos a los niños a ser como Zen Pig.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews