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Zen #2
Zen Ties
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 are as fresh and magical as a summer breeze. Readers of all ages will be disarmed by this tale of compassion and friendship that reaffirms the importance of our ties to one another.
40 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2008
15 people are currently reading
831 people want to read
About the author
Jon J. Muth
141 books348 followersJon 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 Carey'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 in Come On, Rain! by Karen Hesse.
He has also created a version of the Stone soup fable set in China.
He has also created a version of the Stone soup fable set in China.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 248 reviews
January 31, 2021
So yes, the one term that does come to my mind whenever I read Jon J. Muth's Zen Ties is that it truly is "deceptively simple." For on the surface, it is basically just a sweet story of friendship and yes, one that even the youngest children will (or should) easily enjoy and understand. But beneath the seeming simplicity of Jon J. Muth’s narrative, there are in Zen Ties also presented not only delightful haikus and plays on words, but there also exist sparkling flashes of very much and important pieces of wisdom and philosophy. For example, when Miss Whitaker talks about the roots of words, one can see that these roots are not only important for words and plants, as she mentions, but also that real friendships equally require strong roots as well, and that these roots must be nurtured and studied in order for them to flourish. Zen Ties is therefore and also a book I would warmly recommend to and for both adults and children, a wonderful collection of sweetness and wisdom, where both joy and sadness, delight and seriousness are presented in small, enjoyable and easily digested portions (sweet, satisfying and enlightening all at once, all at the same time).
However, I do have to admit that I was not and am not all that keen on some of the accompanying illustrations for Zen Ties. Now I do think that for the most part, the featured pictures work well enough with the presented text, and I do love the way Jon J. Muth depicts/paints landscapes and buildings. Personally though, I actually happen to find the illustrations of the pandas, and especially some of the larger depictions of Stillwater, a bit overbearing, even potentially frightening (and yes, I do think that if I had had Zen Ties read to me when I was a young child, I might indeed have found Stillwater a bit visually creepy at first, at least until I realised what a truly wonderful character he actually is). And well, I do realise that most people seem to really, really love these illustrations, and I honestly believe that this is a very personal preference and reaction towards the Zen Ties artwork, but gigantic Stillwater (and the large, completely opaque, black eyes of both Stillwater and Koo) did require some getting used for me.
However, I do have to admit that I was not and am not all that keen on some of the accompanying illustrations for Zen Ties. Now I do think that for the most part, the featured pictures work well enough with the presented text, and I do love the way Jon J. Muth depicts/paints landscapes and buildings. Personally though, I actually happen to find the illustrations of the pandas, and especially some of the larger depictions of Stillwater, a bit overbearing, even potentially frightening (and yes, I do think that if I had had Zen Ties read to me when I was a young child, I might indeed have found Stillwater a bit visually creepy at first, at least until I realised what a truly wonderful character he actually is). And well, I do realise that most people seem to really, really love these illustrations, and I honestly believe that this is a very personal preference and reaction towards the Zen Ties artwork, but gigantic Stillwater (and the large, completely opaque, black eyes of both Stillwater and Koo) did require some getting used for me.
December 12, 2008
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 children in their lives.
The Zen aspect comes in the soft nature drawings and from nephew panda Koo's speaking in haiku ("Hi, Koo!") Don't miss the thoughtful author's note at the end.
Highly recommended!
The Zen aspect comes in the soft nature drawings and from nephew panda Koo's speaking in haiku ("Hi, Koo!") Don't miss the thoughtful author's note at the end.
Highly recommended!
March 30, 2008
The paintings are beautiful. It’s a lovely story, that includes haiku poetry and wordplay, about friendship. Great message about looking below the surface for what others have to offer and for giving others second chances. Story with bears and children and an old lady, and balloons.
March 19, 2019
Stillwater the panda returns in this sequel to Muth's
Zen Shorts
, this time teaching Addy, Michael and Karl an important lesson about kindness to the elderly and looking under the surface of things... Also features a visit from Stillwater's adorable haiku-quoting nephew, Koo (Hi, Koo!).
Although I enjoyed this story, and found Muth's watercolor illustrations just as luminous and lovely as those which graced the first book, I wouldn't say this was quite as compelling as Zen Shorts. Perhaps my penchant for folktales bumped that one from three to four stars? Whatever the case may be, this is still a wonderful picture book.
Although I enjoyed this story, and found Muth's watercolor illustrations just as luminous and lovely as those which graced the first book, I wouldn't say this was quite as compelling as Zen Shorts. Perhaps my penchant for folktales bumped that one from three to four stars? Whatever the case may be, this is still a wonderful picture book.
August 12, 2022
Of special poignancy to me as I age and wish that I knew how to make friends with the neighbor children. Really hard to do if they're never outside playing, though, especially.
Don't miss comparing the front and back cover, for a revelation about how perspective works... and recall that 'perspective' is not just a drawing tool but also a tool for empathy & compassion.
Don't miss comparing the front and back cover, for a revelation about how perspective works... and recall that 'perspective' is not just a drawing tool but also a tool for empathy & compassion.
June 2, 2011
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 husband was reading it out loud to my son when he said, "Oh! Hi, Koo! Haiku!" and I laughed that he had only got that on the second reading. Where as, tonight, after fifteen hundred readings of it, I realized that Koo calls a gift of balloons uplifting, and I laughed again.
There's many a theme in this book that is fun to point out to a child so that they can spot it themselves. For instance, I pointed out in one picture that everyone in it was wearing red ties and now he excitedly points out the fact to me when we read! Additionally, I've tried to get him to point out all the apples in the book to me because I know he can be more observant than I and he's surprised me several times.
I hope that the greater theme of the book, ties within a community strengthen each member of the community, sticks with my son as well. And now, off to buy this book which I got on loan from the library. Because if one little boy in my house doesn't have this to read, I think he might call for my head on a platter.
Reviewed at: http://sunhibooks.blogspot.com/2011/0...
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 husband was reading it out loud to my son when he said, "Oh! Hi, Koo! Haiku!" and I laughed that he had only got that on the second reading. Where as, tonight, after fifteen hundred readings of it, I realized that Koo calls a gift of balloons uplifting, and I laughed again.
There's many a theme in this book that is fun to point out to a child so that they can spot it themselves. For instance, I pointed out in one picture that everyone in it was wearing red ties and now he excitedly points out the fact to me when we read! Additionally, I've tried to get him to point out all the apples in the book to me because I know he can be more observant than I and he's surprised me several times.
I hope that the greater theme of the book, ties within a community strengthen each member of the community, sticks with my son as well. And now, off to buy this book which I got on loan from the library. Because if one little boy in my house doesn't have this to read, I think he might call for my head on a platter.
Reviewed at: http://sunhibooks.blogspot.com/2011/0...
December 28, 2019
For the PandaBat. Pretty good, but the scale of the giant panda shifts all over the place; it's as bad as Clifford for that.
***
2008 December 28
Same as Zen Shorts, only with the addition of Koo. Even better.
***
2008 December 28
Same as Zen Shorts, only with the addition of Koo. Even better.
April 25, 2015
Koo speaking in all haiku makes me super happy. The lessons are more obvious and heavy handed this time, but still beautiful. I especially love the disposable cups.
February 12, 2012
I read this book about a year ago because it was extremely popular and I wanted to see what all the fuss was about. I liked it but I didn’t see what was so special about it.
I re-read this book today with the purpose of assessing how well Muth presented the friendships between the characters. I really enjoyed the bond between Stillwater and Koo, although they are family, they still possess a special friendship and bond. Stillwater is very wise and serves as a mentor to his young nephew. Stillwater also serves as a mentor to the neighborhood children. He encourages them to be helpful and kind to Miss Whitaker even though she has a “rough” exterior. This compassionate message is one that all readers can benefit from. Miss Whitaker reciprocates the children’s kindness by helping Michael prepare for his spelling bee and warming up to the children—she even encourages them to play in her yard when before she shooed them away. Muth’s multiple storylines and peaceful watercolor illustrations help to show that our actions and friendships come full circle.
I also appreciated Muth’s usage of haikus and wordplay. Additionally, the storyline of the reusing the paper cups is one that children can connect to because “going green” is a reoccurring message in our society.
I re-read this book today with the purpose of assessing how well Muth presented the friendships between the characters. I really enjoyed the bond between Stillwater and Koo, although they are family, they still possess a special friendship and bond. Stillwater is very wise and serves as a mentor to his young nephew. Stillwater also serves as a mentor to the neighborhood children. He encourages them to be helpful and kind to Miss Whitaker even though she has a “rough” exterior. This compassionate message is one that all readers can benefit from. Miss Whitaker reciprocates the children’s kindness by helping Michael prepare for his spelling bee and warming up to the children—she even encourages them to play in her yard when before she shooed them away. Muth’s multiple storylines and peaceful watercolor illustrations help to show that our actions and friendships come full circle.
I also appreciated Muth’s usage of haikus and wordplay. Additionally, the storyline of the reusing the paper cups is one that children can connect to because “going green” is a reoccurring message in our society.
April 18, 2021
The second book about Stillwater, the giant panda, introduces his young nephew Koo, who only speaks in haiku. Koo has come to visit for the summer, and Stillwater's young friends, Addy, Michael, and Karl, find a new playmate in Koo, and a new friend in the curmudgeonly Miss Whitaker.
Like Muth's first book about Stillwater, this magnificently-illustrated story tells so very gently of the ways of the panda's soft affections for his world and everyone in it. It is particularly close to my heart as I am nearing that age were, like Miss Whitaker, I fear becoming unneeded and unheeded. When Michael tells Stillwater of his nervousness in an upcoming spelling bee, Stillwater explains that Miss Whitaker used to teach English, and she helps Michael understand words, their roots and origins, to prepare him for the spelling bee. In a world where the old are more often stashed away somewhere, so that no one has to look at them, we forget how they might yet be of some value after all.
Another delightful tale of discovery and openness, told without the slightest condescension or being preachy. It's about being. It's a state of grace I long to find, so I turn to Stillwater to help. He's quite encouraging.
The giant panda
brings his heart and tenderness
to mine -- we love us.
Like Muth's first book about Stillwater, this magnificently-illustrated story tells so very gently of the ways of the panda's soft affections for his world and everyone in it. It is particularly close to my heart as I am nearing that age were, like Miss Whitaker, I fear becoming unneeded and unheeded. When Michael tells Stillwater of his nervousness in an upcoming spelling bee, Stillwater explains that Miss Whitaker used to teach English, and she helps Michael understand words, their roots and origins, to prepare him for the spelling bee. In a world where the old are more often stashed away somewhere, so that no one has to look at them, we forget how they might yet be of some value after all.
Another delightful tale of discovery and openness, told without the slightest condescension or being preachy. It's about being. It's a state of grace I long to find, so I turn to Stillwater to help. He's quite encouraging.
The giant panda
brings his heart and tenderness
to mine -- we love us.
September 23, 2015
Zen Ties is a whimsical book packed with hidden messages to the reader. Upon my first read of the text, the story seemed overly simplistic and unoriginal. Reading the "Author's Note" greatly enhanced my second reading of the story. I gained a new appreciation for the word play and symbols throughout the book.
The illustrations are warm and playful. The second time I read the story, I noticed the red neckties throughout the story and their significance. This is a book that could be read over and over again as the reader uncovers new meanings.
The author crafted a text that could be enjoyed by children and adults alike. While many children might not pick up on the nuances of the wordplay or zen undertones, adults can enjoy decoding the many meanings in the story. At the same time, children can appreciate the message of kindness and friendship, as well as the colorful illustrations.
I might use this book to challenge my high performing students in their observational and critical thinking skills. I appreciate that this text is complex enough to engage and challenge a multi-level classroom.
The illustrations are warm and playful. The second time I read the story, I noticed the red neckties throughout the story and their significance. This is a book that could be read over and over again as the reader uncovers new meanings.
The author crafted a text that could be enjoyed by children and adults alike. While many children might not pick up on the nuances of the wordplay or zen undertones, adults can enjoy decoding the many meanings in the story. At the same time, children can appreciate the message of kindness and friendship, as well as the colorful illustrations.
I might use this book to challenge my high performing students in their observational and critical thinking skills. I appreciate that this text is complex enough to engage and challenge a multi-level classroom.
September 30, 2021
Another aesthetically beautiful, understated text in the Stillwater series[1]. This one includes a visit from Stillwater's nephew, Koo (who speaks in haiku), and a cranky old lady neighbor whose surface anger is rooted in loneliness and feelings of uselessness.
The pace of these books is slow, rewarding slow read aloud and pausing to gaze at the artwork before turning the page.
I like how Stillwater speaks to the children in these books... he doesn't chide or harangue or overtalk an issue. Suspect I'd be a better mom if I could adapt this pattern.
Note: rendering of the Kindle edition isn't great... the zoom feature doesn't work & the layout is 2-page spread per page break. The font choice is intentionally unobtrusive, which I like, but hard to see in this situation. We managed, since my son was listening & could focus on the artwork -- but hard copy is probably preferable.
[1] See also Zen Shorts
The pace of these books is slow, rewarding slow read aloud and pausing to gaze at the artwork before turning the page.
I like how Stillwater speaks to the children in these books... he doesn't chide or harangue or overtalk an issue. Suspect I'd be a better mom if I could adapt this pattern.
Note: rendering of the Kindle edition isn't great... the zoom feature doesn't work & the layout is 2-page spread per page break. The font choice is intentionally unobtrusive, which I like, but hard to see in this situation. We managed, since my son was listening & could focus on the artwork -- but hard copy is probably preferable.
[1] See also Zen Shorts
September 30, 2012
Zen Ties by Jon J. Muth is the sequel to Zen Shorts. Stillwater helps Michael prepare for his spelling bee while teaching the neighborhood children the importance of perspective.
The book opens with a visit from Stillwater's nephew, Koo, who speaks only in haiku. Stillwater has offered to help a neighbor who is feeling poorly. He invites the children along to help. Although they go, they are reluctant, believing the neighbor is too grumpy to want them visiting. It turns out she is a retired English teacher. She ends up being both a new friend and the perfect person to help Michael.
Zen Ties like Zen Shorts is a very quiet book. It's also as many of the reviews have noted, "deceptively simple." On the surface the story's just about preparing for a spelling bee, meeting a nephew and helping out a neighbor. But each of these scenes are lessens that can be expanded through conversation in the classroom.
The book opens with a visit from Stillwater's nephew, Koo, who speaks only in haiku. Stillwater has offered to help a neighbor who is feeling poorly. He invites the children along to help. Although they go, they are reluctant, believing the neighbor is too grumpy to want them visiting. It turns out she is a retired English teacher. She ends up being both a new friend and the perfect person to help Michael.
Zen Ties like Zen Shorts is a very quiet book. It's also as many of the reviews have noted, "deceptively simple." On the surface the story's just about preparing for a spelling bee, meeting a nephew and helping out a neighbor. But each of these scenes are lessens that can be expanded through conversation in the classroom.
April 7, 2008
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 elementary school and up.
CIP: “When Stillwater the panda encourages Koo, Addy, Michael, and Karl to help a grouchy neighbor, their efforts are rewarded in unexpected ways.”
Favorably reviewed in Kirkus (“irresistible storytelling, both visual and textual”) and SLJ, which called it a “rich and wonderful offering.”
CIP: “When Stillwater the panda encourages Koo, Addy, Michael, and Karl to help a grouchy neighbor, their efforts are rewarded in unexpected ways.”
Favorably reviewed in Kirkus (“irresistible storytelling, both visual and textual”) and SLJ, which called it a “rich and wonderful offering.”
September 17, 2015
This is a wonderful tale, full of good moral lessons, humor and zen philosophy. I love that Zen's nephew, Koo, spoke only in Haiku and that Stillwater had an opportunity to say, "Hi, Koo!" So corny, yet so perfect. Our girls really have enjoyed these stories and so have I. We've read this book a couple of times.
This story was selected as one of the books for the February 2012 - Friendship reads at the Picture-Book Club in the Children's Books Group here at Goodreads.
This story was selected as one of the books for the February 2012 - Friendship reads at the Picture-Book Club in the Children's Books Group here at Goodreads.
May 28, 2008
All of Jon Muth's books are wonderful. I loved this one because the panda is doing Tai Chi on the inside front (and back ) covers of this book & it reminded me of my friend Cordel. It is a wonderfully illustrated children's book, but I know a few adults who could learn some from it as well. This is on my currently reading shelf, as my kids won't let me keep it on an actual bookshelf right now!
March 10, 2022
I liked this one even better that Zen shorts. So simple and beautiful in prose and so rich in wisdom. It was like reading a book, and meditating at the same time. This warm and wise book teaching us about inner peace and compassion won my heart for sure. The water-colour illustrations are beautiful, and so is the story.
July 14, 2011
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.
February 3, 2009
This is a cute book. I love that they met and befriended an elderly neighbor who seemed grouchy. Great lesson for kids.
July 7, 2016
Super sweet story about friendship and helping each other out.
June 10, 2020
The moral of the story was hard to understand and it didn’t have little stories like zen shorts but it still made me zen and I eventually got the moral and I absolutely love the pictures
December 7, 2020
An important example and lesson, beautiful illustrations, and fun-to-read words makes this book very readable. I love the haiku word play. Ku only speaks in haiku of course. Very good.
September 27, 2021
Haikus are not my favorite form.
November 6, 2024
Simple yet profound. This book is a delight to read and beautiful to look at. Jon Muth's engaging story offers a message of compassion, friendship, and acceptance that is essential in today's world.
August 1, 2024
This book was so sweet!
Stillwater (the uncle panda) teaches three children that they could benefit from a relationship with an elderly woman whom they thought was mean. She also benefits from their company!
Stillwater (the uncle panda) teaches three children that they could benefit from a relationship with an elderly woman whom they thought was mean. She also benefits from their company!
September 7, 2021
I picked this up because it was on deal and looked cute. I am very much not the target audience, nor do I have kids, so I was mostly curious about what someone would do with 'Zen' in a kid's book. It's a well-crafted, though fairly typical, story about kids learning that an adult they were afraid of isnt that scary, and actually needs their help. Two of the MCs are talking pandas, the younger of which talks in haiku.
I enjoyed the haiku, and the taiji-esque sequence pictures at the beginning and end (not story-relevant). I don't feel competent to evaluate how well it works as a kid's book, but it has the feel of kid's books I remember reading as a kid? (I started on things like Agatha Christie at the age of 7, so my frame of reference is a bit warped)
I enjoyed the haiku, and the taiji-esque sequence pictures at the beginning and end (not story-relevant). I don't feel competent to evaluate how well it works as a kid's book, but it has the feel of kid's books I remember reading as a kid? (I started on things like Agatha Christie at the age of 7, so my frame of reference is a bit warped)
April 13, 2018
My Review: We had enjoyed the original book in this series, Hi, Koo! and it's introduction into Haiku poetry. This one has a couple in them but isn't written in it entirely, and without knowing that is how Koo talks from the previous book it would have been a bit confusing. I did like the message of the story, that Stillwater gives the children without actually saying anything specific. With that said it was much more enjoyable as an adult than as a kid, it was a bit too long for Munchkin and lacked much of anything to hold his attention.
March 10, 2017
I ADORE this book. You know those nights when the kids are all riled up and jumping around and saying they're not tired?? Those are the nights I snuggle in with this book. It is so calm, so sweet, so gorgeous that I'm not kidding you... they simmer down and pay attention and are calmed by it. Go figure, with a title like Zen Ties.
I love this book a lot. It's sweet and kind, and one I'll hang onto forever.
I love this book a lot. It's sweet and kind, and one I'll hang onto forever.
February 2, 2020
Very different from the first book, but still good. I like the use of Haikus, though I didn't get they play on rhyming "Hi, Koo" until I read the author's note at the end.
I found the author's note to really add a bit of depth and insight into the story and love the concept of the disposable cup that was used daily.
The pace and plot of the story were good. I also liked the illustrations. Great book that I would recommend to others.
I found the author's note to really add a bit of depth and insight into the story and love the concept of the disposable cup that was used daily.
The pace and plot of the story were good. I also liked the illustrations. Great book that I would recommend to others.
November 2, 2017
I read this at my chiropractor's office while I was waiting. I'm not sure my 4 year old would appreciate this but I liked the message: people are not always what they seem. The kids in the book learned that once you get to know someone, they may be a completely different person than you thought they were. A little bit of compassion and kindness truly go a long way.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 248 reviews