Jon J. Muth

Stillwater - the wise and gentle Panda whose zen teachings were first to be seen in Zen Shorts and Zen Ties - returns in this third picture-book adventure, inviting Addy, Michael and Karl to a storytelling session at his house, after they finish their Halloween trick-or-treating. Here, in another guise, he unfolds a deliciously creepy, but also thought-provoking ghost story, concerning a young woman named Senjo, and the incredible dual life she leads, in two places at once.

Using a well-known show more Zen koan - a type of paradoxical question meant to provoke a searching introspection that can prove illuminating, in and of itself - that he heard from a number of sources, Jon J. Muth crafts a lovely, contemplative Halloween book in Zen Ghosts, one that continues the education in Zen principles that was begun in the earlier Stillwater books, but also celebrates the spirit of the season. The tale of Senjo and Ochu, and the question of how it is possible to be in two places at once, and to be two people at once, is particularly apropos at Halloween, given the custom of putting on masks and costumes, and assuming (however temporarily) other identities, and the belief about borders between worlds (temporal and spiritual) opening at this time. The artwork here is just as strikingly beautiful as in the other Stillwater books, adding to the enjoyment of this excellent title! Recommended to anyone looking for Halloween titles that are a little different, and stand out from the usual ghostly and witchy fare available. show less

When Stillwater the panda arrives in their backyard, clutching a red umbrella and speaking with a slight "panda accent," Addy, Michael and Karl aren't sure just what to make of their new neighbor. But as each of them find their way to Stillwater's house, they discover that this tranquil and wise bear has a gift for telling Zen tales that give them a better understanding of their own experiences.

The three embedded Zen stories, dealing with generosity and not getting too attached to material show more possessions, the variable nature of luck, and the importance of letting go of anger, are all engaging. But it is the framing narrative, the lovable Stillwater, and Jon J. Muth's beautiful watercolor illustrations that truly make this picture book extraordinary. This was a Caldecott Honor Book, and truly deserved the distinction... show less

Based upon a story of the same name, written by the celebrated 19th-century Russian novelist and moral philosopher, Leo Tolstoy, this lovely picture-book from author/illustrator Jon J. Muth imagines a young boy named Nikolai and his quest to answer the three eponymous questions: What is the best time to do things?, Who is the most important one?, and What is the right thing to do? When Nikolai's animal friends - Sonya the heron, Gogol the monkey and Pushkin the dog - cannot give him show more satisfactory answers, he sets out to the mountain home of Leo the turtle. Once there, his actions in helping Leo to garden, and in rescuing a panda mother and son from a storm, preclude him from getting his answers. Or do they...?

Although I am sorry to say that I have never read the original by Tolstoy - I certainly hope to, now! - I nevertheless enjoyed The Three Questions immensely. Having read author/illustrator Jon J. Muth's books about Stillwater the panda (Zen Shorts, etc.), it came as no surprise to discover that this was a teaching tale. As is so often the case in stories such as this, the hero's journey is what provides him with the answers in the end, and through the aid he offers others, Nikolai does indeed get the answers he's seeking. Simple but profound - the time to do things is now, the most important people are the ones you are with now, and the right thing to do is to help those people - these answers feel right, and have the feeling almost of self-evidence, once one has read them. A thoughtful book, one that satisfies both as a story and a teaching tale, this is one that can be used to strike up a more philosophical discussion with children. The artwork, done in watercolor, is vintage Muth: beautiful and light-infused. Highly recommended, both to Muth fans and to anyone seeking more philosophical children's books. show less

Gorgeous artwork illuminates this children's adaptation of Tolstoy's classic story. In truth, I find this version more powerful and more convincing.

That being said...

While this story isn't without decent advice, it's mostly facile. In general, I have three reactions to this story (both this children's version and also Tolstoy's original):

1) I inherently distrust anyone who claims easy and obvious answers to life's challenges and problems.

2) I inherently distrust wise hermits / men living show more alone on mountain tops. What do they know about living in a society, about being a member of a community of people?

3) My biggest concern is how this could be read:

"The most important person is the one you are with" and "The most important thing is to do good for the one who is standing at your side" could just as easily justify discounting everyone who isn't close to you, who isn't part of your group. It implies that most people in the world aren't important. It could just as easily imply that you shouldn't bother to care about people distant from you, who aren't a part of your immediate life and experience.

"The most important time is now" seems awfully short-sighted. Actions have consequences and we have a responsibility to the future. This piece of wisdom could just a easily justify carelessness and not thinking things through.

I know none of that is the intention of this story: indeed, it wants to teach lessons of compassion and caring. I just worry about how easily it can be read to justify solipsism and short-sightedness. show less