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Zen Shorts (精装)
by Jon J Muth (Illustrator)
| Category:
Award-winning books, Story, Zen tales, Ages 9-12, Children's books |
| Market price: ¥ 178.00
MSL price:
¥ 168.00
[ Shop incentives ]
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| Stock:
In Stock |
MSL rating:
 Good for Gifts |
| MSL Pointer Review:
Graceful art and simple Zen stories that are filled with love and enlightenment. |
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AllReviews |
1 2   | Total 2 pages 11 items |
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Andrew Meikle (MSL quote), USA
<2006-12-26 00:00>
I first overheard my wife reading this book to our children; then I realized what I was listening to and became captivated; Zen stories made accessible to all as they are related by a panda to his neighbors. Then I saw the pictures; the illustrations are of a world you'll long to inhabit-and you may be jealous of the children that they have a neighbor like Stillwater. Tears of joy and satisfaction welled up as I read it, and I realized that I had in my hands a truly wonderful book. The stories that Muth tells through Stillwater (the perfect name for the Zen panda) speak to all of us-I am sure I get something different from their telling than my eight-year-old and four-year-old, but the stories spoke to all of us. There is also tremendous subtlety in the relationship between the story that the children are in, and the ones that they hear from Stillwater. That subtlety was not ultimately lost on me nor my eight-year old, as we shared the wonderful experience of reading this book together. Every so often, when I discover a book, a movie or a CD, I have the impulse to go out and buy as many copies as I can get my hands on, and share it with everyone I know; that impulse hasn't driven me more than a handful of times. Zen Shorts is one of those books. If I don't know you though, you'll have to buy your own copy-but you won't regret it. |
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K. Williams (MSL quote), USA
<2006-12-26 00:00>
I bought this book purely because I loved the cover picture. Luckily for me, the text was just as appealing. My three year old daughter sits quietly through a reading; I just shorten the words. My eight and ten year old sons have sat through several readings. My 14 year old thumbed through it said "this is a cool book." The words speak to the heart. So no matter what your age is, you take something with you from the stories. It's a beautiful book and I recommend it for anyone. It's not your typical book which makes this a book you would treasure for ages. I know I plan to keep it around to read to my grandchildren one day. |
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Steph (MSL quote), USA
<2006-12-26 00:00>
The watercolors are beautiful, but more amazing than that is the way the stories are told. Zen Shorts has really caught my kids. Even my youngest, (7 years) who is drawn to all things panda, is requesting the stories again and again because they make her wonder. There are some wonderful kid's books out there, but this is something special! |
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Charles Rickard (MSL quote), USA
<2006-12-26 00:00>
This book is just beautiful. I have been telling these stories to my martial arts students for years so it's nice to have this book as another resource to share these stories with children. Children love the illustrations and the way the lessons are told within the context of the larger story. |
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A reader (MSL quote), USA
<2006-12-26 00:00>
Zen Shorts by Jon J. Muth contains stories within a story. Stillwater the giant panda lives up the hill from three children. As each child pays a visit to the panda, he offers them a story. These tales are Zen shorts (short meditations) that offer ideas to ponder. If you're not familiar with Zen, let me assure you it's not a religion - it's a philosophy based on meditation or "thinking without thinking." The stories are thought-provoking, all right, even at a child's level. My young friends like the big, friendly panda and the beautiful watercolor illustrations of Stillwater and the children. These pictures are simple, quiet and peaceful. When the three stories are told, the illustrations become brush-and-ink sketches that reveal movement and emotion. The stories are ancient conundrums people have puzzled over for centuries, and I recommend them for children over about the age of 5, as they are a tad over the heads of the younger children. But I do think it's good to introduce thought-provoking ideas to children early, to get them to practice thinking! |
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A reader (MSL quote), USA
<2006-12-26 00:00>
A simple, beautiful, meaningful story with rich, evocative illustrations. Am I going too heavy on the adjectives? I'm a bit at a loss to express how wonderful this book is; and I don't mean just for children. The lessons that it teaches and the beauty of Muth's watercolors are for everyone with an open mind and an open heart. |
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R. DelParto (MSL quote), USA
<2006-12-26 00:00>
Jon J. Muth shares with young and not so young readers the enlightenment of storytelling with Zen Shorts. The book is a short collection of Japanese Zen stories that will engage those who read as well as listen to the tales that are told by the imaginative and wise Giant Panda named Stillwater. He pays three children a visit, Addy, Karl, and Michael, and shares with them three stories about obedience, patience, peace, and kindness: "Uncle Ry and The Moon," "The Farmer's Luck", and "A Heavy Load." Zen Shorts is an attractive looking picture book. The enchanting stories as well as its watercolor and ink paintings accompany each story, and provide a gentle painted canvas of stories derived from Zen Buddhist Literature. Muth illustrated the pictures and based the character Stillwater from Zen artist and teacher Sengai Gibbon. For those who are familiar with Aesop Fables, this may be an interesting book to add to one's collection. The fascinating part of Zen Shorts is that the stories have a universal meaning that is possessed in folklore that have been passed down from generation to generation. And as with folk tales, this particular book is best read aloud where one can hear the tone and enthusiasm of the characters. It will leave an impression for those who encounter this fruitful book. |
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A reader (MSL quote), USA
<2006-12-26 00:00>
There is something about the quiet way in which this book unfolds that is appealing to adults and, apparently, to young children as well-my four-year-old leafs through the pages on his own every day since the day I bought it, and sleeps with it, too. There is gentle wisdom here that is sure to foster thoughtful discussion about how we should treat ourselves and others. |
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A reader (MSL quote), USA
<2006-12-26 00:00>
The author has taken these gifts of Zen Wisdom and transformed them into lessons for all his readers. This story is about gifts, and giving. Literally. And also philosophically. And I love everything about it. The imposing Panda, Stillwater, is making friends with three siblings while celebrating with understated humor the birthday of his absent Uncle Ry. The neighborhood scenes are as quiet as some of Ryokan's poetry; the watercolors are deft, and the sketches reminiscent of delicate Japanese ink drawings. These combine to become a masterpiece of teaching, altogether in the Zen way, and already a classic. The respect and love brought to the re-telling of the stories in an appropriately reflective style impresses even some restless children. They seem to appreciate the humor, gentleness and inspiration. The children, Addy, Michael and Karl, are at the perfect time for learning these truths and what is more needed today? As the author notes: "When our minds are agitated, we cannot see the true world." |
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A reader (MSL quote), USA
<2006-12-26 00:00>
Zen Shorts is a touching, humorous book for ages 8-11. Stillwater, a panda, drops into a family’s front yard and has some fun with the children. While they are playing he tells them interesting Zen stories. It was cool how Jon Muth switched the art for the stories. It should have won the Caldecott. |
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1 2 | Total 2 pages 11 items |
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