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Zen Ties
CCBC Review:
This follow-up to Zen Shorts (Scholastic Press, 2005) once again features the giant panda (literally) Stillwater and human siblings Karl, Addie, and Michael. The story introduces Stillwater’s nephew, Koo, who speaks in statements of seventeen syllables (“Hi, Koo!”), but the plot centers on the children’s relationship—or lack of relationship—with their older neighbor Miss Whitaker. She yells at them; they don’t like her. But Stillwater, who likes them all, intervenes, bringing the four together. He encourages them to move beyond perceptions to knowledge, and soon the retired teacher and the three children are sharing the gifts of friendship, wisdom, and small acts of kindness. Jon J Muth’s lovely watercolor illustrations convey both the weight and whimsy of a story that is gently pointed and filled with charm. ©2008 Cooperative Children’s Book Center
Illustrated by Jon J. Muth
CCBC Age Recommendation: 5-8
Age Range:
PreK-Early Elementary (Ages 4-7)
Grades 3-5 (Ages 8-10)
Format:
Picture book
Subjects:
Animals (Fiction)
Friendship
Kindness
Older Adults
Publisher:
Scholastic Press
Publish Year: 2008
Pages: 40
ISBN: 9780439634250
CCBC Location: Picture Book, Muth