Extension ideas:-I thought it would be fun to have all of the kids wear their most fun and crazy shorts.-I also thought of having the children write or draw their own fable/parable type story. Another interesting point is when Stillwater begins his stories the pictures get dull and less clear as though to impress the point that the stories are older and classic. The book also gave small asian cultural insights that were subtle and interesting like his red umbrella, his asian robe, and his meditation style of sitting. When Stillwater, a giant panda, moves into Addy, Michael and Karls neighbourhood, he tells them the most amazing stories With his Zen approach to life, Stillwater shows the three children the value of material goods, the boundaries of good and bad, and what frustration does when its held. I also thought it was interesting that the panda's name was Stillwater that has a zen and peaceful connotation. However the book did provide stories that can help with have a peaceful zen life.

Personal Reaction:At first I thought the book was about special shorts, but it wasn't close to that. Muth has gone on to an award-winning career as a children's book writer and illustrator. The book ends with the kids becoming great friends with Stillwater. 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. Stillwater told him a story about holding a grudge. The second day Michael visited and was told a story about perspective and both good and bad things can happen. Zen Ghosts by Jon Muth On Halloween, Stillwater the panda, who dons a spooky costume and mask, promises his friends Addy, Michael, and Karl a spine-tingling ghost story to be told by a mysterious storyteller. Addy went first and Stillwater told her a lovely story about his uncle Ry and giving unwrapable gifts like kindness. Readers witness common childhood conflict, and marvel at Stillwater’s ability to share timeless stories that result in far more beauty and effect than any scolding or punishment could. Over the course of the next three days each child goes to visit one on one with Stillwater. Jon Muth is an author and artist whose Zen series introduces us to a friendship between 3 neighborhood children and a wise panda named Stillwater. Three kids Addy, Michael, and Karl all go to greet him.

Summary:This story is about a panda named Stillwater.

Zen shorts jon muth