Zen Socks

Zen #4

by Jon J. Muth

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







On life's journey...kindness is the key.Leo and Molly love their new neighborhood. Most of all they love their friend Stillwater. The three friends are quite a team! From Caldecott Honoree Jon J Muth comes a story about sharing, another about patience, and a third about compassion. With warmth and fun, they learn from one another in the most surprising ways....

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Animals, Friendship, Fiction, Philosophy, Zen

40 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 29, 2015

About the author

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 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.

Reviews

[Sheri · Rating 5 out of 5]

A less cohesive flow in this book makes for a slightly disconnected feel, but Stillwater comes through with his gentle lessons on patience, persistence, selflessness, and compassion.

[Dave Schaafsma · Rating 4 out of 5]

Leo and Molly, their cat Moss, and their panda friend Stillwater return in this fourth picture-book devoted to their Zen-centered adventures. I've read the others, but I'll just briefly review them. This story has lovely watercolors and lots of space for contemplation as the Zen storytelling bear Stillwater tells two tales that we an al learn from: The Tale of Banzo's Sword, which teaches patience and persistence, and The Star Thrower by Loren Eiseley, a story of faith, kindness and compassion.

[Abigail · Rating 4 out of 5]

Leo and Molly, their cat Moss, and their panda friend Stillwater return in this fourth picture-book devoted to their Zen-centered adventures. Much like the first book, Zen Shorts , we see Stillwater gently offering his young friends some lessons here, whether through story or example. When Molly is eager to become a skilled ballerina, Stillwater shares the tale, "The Taste of Banzo's Sword," which emphasizes the importance of patience, in any new venture. When Leo attempts to assign Stillwater the role of "bad guy" in their games, Stillwater uses a plate of cookies to teach him a lesson, showing him that it is unkind and ungenerous to try to keep the best of everything for oneself. When the four companions head to the beach, they end up throwing stranded starfish back into the sea, lest they perish...

Much like its predecessors, Zen Socks pairs a gently entertaining and subtly thought-provoking text with gorgeous artwork. Jon J. Muth has created another winner here, and I finished the book with a deep sense of satisfaction. I appreciate the use of stories as teaching tools, so these books always appeal to me, and I was especially pleased to see the tale of "The Star Thrower," as it is one my father once used, in one of his most memorable sermons. As the author notes in his brief afterword, it is truly a tale with significance for people of many different faiths and belief systems. The illustrations, done in watercolor, are just lovely, with a luminous quality that holds the eye. I particularly enjoyed seeing Moss, as Muth captures his inimitable feline charm. Recommended to those readers who have enjoyed previous tales of Stillwater and his two human friends, or to anyone looking for children's stories with a Zen Buddhist background.

[Melki · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lovely watercolors highlight this story of a philosophical bear and his human neighbors.

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not quite my favorite in the series but still lovely and highly recommended to all fans. My favorite story is the last, the starfish, because it's totally and currently relevant, makes it easier for all of us to do good right here right now. The middle story is apparently Muth's own, and it's neat because it has two of my favorite motifs: empathy (another point of view), and teamwork (vs. conflict).

[Kinga (oazaksiazek) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jaka to jest uczta dla oczu. Te ilustracje są przepiękne! Po prostu wymiatają.

Leo i Molly wprowadzają się do nowego domu a ich sąsiadem zostaje pan Tafla, czyli niesamowicie mądra panda. Jakie losy spotkają tę trójkę? Czego się od siebie nawzajem nauczą?

Piękna, pouczająca historia o dobroci, współczuciu, wierze w siebie i cierpliwości.

"Ktoś, komu tak bardzo się spieszy, rzadko osiąga dobre wyniki."

[Nadine in NY Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

I ADORE all things Muth, his art is so very beautiful. So of course I adored looking at this. Maybe Stillwater has lost a bit of magic though, now that I "know" him, so this book didn't blow me away like the first few, but it's still a good read with lovely messages about persistence and patience, with beautiful art, and ... no socks. Nobody wears socks. Nobody is named "Socks."

[Mitchell Friedman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another pleasant somewhat zen children's book with nice art. A bit preachy. But the parables work. And it's nice to see the Karate Kid story in yet another form - presumably a more original version. And the "it makes a difference to him" line is always worth driving home.

[Turrean · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely lessons, wrapped up in a beautiful, quirky package, illustrated with Muth's signature watercolors. A winner!

[Ms. B · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fans of the earlier books about Stillwater the Panda will enjoy this latest installment. Lessons about patience, greed, and hopeless causes are told through story and delightful illustrations.

[Shiloah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not an original idea, but it was cute!

[Alexandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

*received*

[Claire · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a beautiful story. And then there is the story within the story. So impressed with this book. Lessons on patience, sharing and being kind or helping others. I really liked the starfish section as well.. Moss the cat is considered a friend not just an animal which is fantastic.

Love it!

The only disappointment I have is that my library doesn't have the full series.

[Renee · Rating 5 out of 5]

3 lovely zen stories with beautiful illustrations

[Dodie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have read other books in the Zen series. Good book for kids.

[Deb · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like Jon Muth's illustrations in particular.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an absolute sweet story!
Love Stillwater the panda and his cute costumes.

[Viviane Elbee · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is full of fabulous watercolor illustrations, and the artwork deserves 5 stars.

The book itself appears to be three stories. There is the story of Leo, Molly, Mr. Stillwater (the panda) and Moss (the cat). Within this story is The Taste Of Banzo's Sword, a story that the panda tells about the value of hard work and patience. There is also a story about good guys versus bad guys (starring Leo and Mr. Stillwater) and finally a story about helping stranded starfish (starring all the main characters).

The first two stories strike me as a bit preachy, as if maybe the Panda is a monk using stories to "teach" a lesson.

I liked the last story about the stranded starfish though.

This book is for older children in elementary school.

My kids enjoyed it, but it isn't their favorite.

[madziar · Rating 2 out of 5]

Pan Tafla jest dużym misiem pandą - sąsiadem dwójki sympatycznych dzieci. Zaprzyjaźniają się ze sobą i Panda uczy ich różnych wschodnich wartości.

Molly dowiaduje się, że bycie świetną tancerką zależy od wytrwałej i długiej pracy. Leo - że wspólna zabawa może być o wiele bardziej interesująca niż dyktowanie warunków przez jedną osobę. Razem ratują też pewne rozgwiazdy, chociaż wydaje się to żmudną i bezcelową pracą.

Autor inspirował się pismami zenistycznymi Paula Repsa i przypowieścią Lorena Eiseleya. Trzy historie płyną tu jako jeden wątek, bez znaków przystankowych. Przesłanie w uproszczonych historyjkach jest wartościowe, ale zbyt uproszczone, nawet w kontekście książki dla dzieci.

[Dione Basseri · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another adventure with Stillwater the panda, featuring two new kids as his students. But it's not just the kids who are learning. Stillwater also learns a few lessons from them, leaving all improved.

I'd have to put this book just above "Zen Ties" and just below "Zen Ghosts," with the first book, "Zen Shorts," far above at the top in quality. Of course, if your kid likes Stillwater, they're going to like him in whatever books Muth releases. I'm simply glad they've all been consistent in art quality and the storytelling vision. Feel free to read any of them in whatever order you please. They're all fun!

[Joshua Buhs · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not as good as Muth's other books.

I know, I know: now I'm that guy. "Author X and Y used to be great, but now he's not even funny." Sorry.

Which isn't to say this book isn't good. It is. Just compared to the excellence of his earlier books, it is lacking. The images are muddier. The set-up redundant. And the parables exhausted: especially borrowing the over-used one from Loren Eiseley about saving starfish.

These are worthy enough sentiments, and the moralizing is still done with a light-touch--though not as light--and the art is still good. Go ahead and read it. It's still worthwhile.

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Whenever I get stressed out, I go to the picture book stacks out in the library and hopefully find a copy of Zen Shorts. If not, I am patient and read my own copy when I get home. There is a lot going on that is ramping up my stress right now so I happily sat down to read Zen Socks waiting for the calm reflection Quietpuddle, I mean Stillwater, provides. I got the tiniest dose. Just enough that I know what I'm reading when I get home tonight.

Beautiful art work but the impact/meaning behind the stories...meh.

[Jillian · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought this book was beautiful - the illustrations were gorgeous, and seemed Eastern-influenced without being done in an overt anime/manga style that would be...less calming than the actual product.
I also really liked the 3 stories (because this book *is* three stories, rather than one narrative) and thought they all were lessons worth learning. I appreciated the gentle teaching style, rather than something that would seem more like a lecture.

And apparently, I really need to read Zen Shorts, because the reviewers here seem unanimous in thinking it's even better than this one!

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jon Muth does it again! His Zen classics can provide a field day of gentle lessons for young and old alike. We all learn from each other in surprising ways. Even the Zen master learns from others.
Highly recommended.

[Kerry (The Roaming Librarian) O'Donnell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jon Muth's Zen Socks offers more of the quiet lessons that the "Zen" titles are known for. One of the things that I particularly enjoyed with this title was that Stillwater was learning lessons right alongside the children as opposed to simply offering wisdom. As beautiful as its predecessors, the illustrations in this volume will capture your heart as well as your imagination. Stunning, and absolutely a must-read.

[Miss Ryoko · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you haven't read any of Jon J. Muth's Zen picture books, you need to go to your local library or bookstore immediately. There are such great (and easy to obtain) life lessons in these wonderfully illustrated pages for both young children and the adults who are reading these books to them. The lessons are accompanied by wonderful and inviting illustrations that will make you fall instantly in love with Stillwater and make you wish that you yourself could spend quality time with him.

[Dolly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lovely watercolor illustrations are a highlight of this third book in Jon J. Muth's series of Zen stories featuring a panda named Stillwater.


interesting quote:

"'What's his name again?' asked Leo. 'Mister...Quietpuddle?'" (p. 6)

[Peninnah · Rating 4 out of 5]

The illustrations are magnificent. The story of the starfish is one of my favorites. I would give this five stars but I felt that it should have been a series of books rather than one book. The three parts seemed disjointed to me and I wish that they had flowed together better. Other than that, I highly recommend this one.

[Miss Erica · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book has three separate lessons on patience, understanding others, and making a difference a little at a time. What I love about the Zen books is that there is always a deep message that can help us think critically! Join Stillwater and his neighbors as they learn about the world and themselves together, at home and on the beach.

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

There is just something so.... Zen about Jon J. Muth's picture books. (Hello, Captain Obvious) Stillwater holds a very special place in my reader heart. I love the message of persistence in Zen Socks. Could definitely be a good text to use if you're teaching habits of mind.