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56 pp.
| Scholastic
| July, 2017
|
TradeISBN 978-0-545-85282-1$17.99
(3)
K-3
Stuffed toys embark on a friendly automotive race in this imaginative large-trim picture book. Muth's loose and flowing watercolors are well suited to both his lanky-limbed racers and the bucolic Italian countryside they travel through. Mama Lion generously surrenders her and companion Tigey's victory to the panda mechanics who did them a favor--a sweet ending to a pleasing competition.
40 pp.
| Scholastic
| September, 2015
|
TradeISBN 978-0-545-16669-0$17.99
(4)
K-3
In the latest in Muth's string of Zen-themed picture books starring talking panda Stillwater, he and two children, who are new to his neighborhood, share experiences that lead to lessons in patience, sharing, and compassion. (Muth's author's note expands on his inspiration.) Some readers may wish there was a traditional story arc, but anyone can appreciate Muth's dulcet watercolor and ink illustrations.
32 pp.
| Scholastic
| March, 2014
|
TradeISBN 978-0-545-16668-3$17.99
(2)
K-3
Twenty-six haiku are presented by young panda Koo, eventually joined by two human children. The story told through the haiku follows the cycle of the seasons (a note explains Muth's choice to forgo the traditional five-seven-five syllable pattern). Each haiku contains just one capital letter, in order from A to Z. Muth's watercolors are as clear and translucent as the child-friendly, easily understood haiku.
40 pp.
| Scholastic
| August, 2010
|
TradeISBN 978-0-439-63430-4$17.99
(4)
K-3
On Halloween, panda Stillwater (Zen Shorts, Zen Ties) goes trick-or-treating with the kids, then leads them to his house where "a panda who looked exactly like Stillwater" tells them a ghost story based on a Zen koan. Though the text is stilted and hard to follow, Muth's accomplished watercolor and ink illustrations are effectively mysterious and eerie.
40 pp.
| Scholastic
| February, 2008
|
TradeISBN 978-0-439-63425-0$17.99
(4)
K-3
In this companion to Zen Shorts, giant panda Stillwater, his haiku-spouting nephew Koo, and some neighborhood children help a crabby elderly neighbor, who, in turn, helps one of the kids cram for a spelling bee. Tranquil watercolors cover lots of logistical and emotional ground. The do-goodism is heavy-handed, but repeated readings reveal a complexity to the book.
40 pp.
| Scholastic
| March, 2005
|
TradeISBN 0-439-33911-1$16.95
(3)
K-3
Three Zen stories are woven into a contemporary frame story when Stillwater, a talking panda, meets three young children. The panda narrates a story to fit each child's mood. The "shorts" are illustrated with quick black brush strokes, white forms, and pale backgrounds, while the children and Stillwater live in a tranquil watercolor world. An author's note provides background information.
32 pp.
| Scholastic
| April, 2002
|
TradeISBN 0-439-19996-4$$16.95
(3)
1-3
Despite major changes, Muth has retained the essence of Tolstoy's philosophical tale about a czar and his enemy. When Nikolai rescues a panda and her child, he is living out the highest role of a thoroughly good human being. Serene watercolors of a Chinese landscape set the tone for the quiet meditation on the meaning of life. The author pays homage to Tolstoy and other Russian authors in his endnote.