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| :Zen Shorts |
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by Jon H Muth
ISBN 0439339111
Publisher: Scholastic Press |
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Beautifully
illustrated in two distinct styles, this book
introduces readers to a Zen approach to the
world, wrapped in a story about three siblings
and their new neighbor, a panda. One by one, the
children visit Stillwater, enjoying his company
and listening to him tell a brief tale that
illustrates a Zen principle. Each time, there is
a link between the conversation shared by
Stillwater and his visitor and the story he
tells; it's somewhat tenuous in regard to the
two older siblings, quite specific in the case
of Karl, the youngest. The tales invite the
children to consider the world and their
perceptions from a different angle; for Karl,
the panda's story gently but pointedly teaches
the benefits of forgiveness. Richly toned and
nicely detailed watercolors depict the "real
world" scenes, while those accompanying the Zen
lessons employ black lines and strokes on pastel
pages to create an interesting blend of Western
realism and more evocative Japanese naturalism.
Taken simply as a picture book, Zen Shorts
is interesting and visually lovely. As an
introduction to Zen, it is a real treat,
employing familiar imagery to prod children to
approach life and its circumstances in
profoundly "un-Western" ways. An author's note
discusses the basic concept of Zen and details
the sources of Stillwater's stories. Appealing
enough for a group read-aloud, but also begging
to be shared and discussed by caregiver and
child, Zen Shorts is a notable
achievement. |
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