If we had a neighbor like Stillwater…

A certain favourite among my kids, ranging in age from 4 to 10, and for me as well.  I love reading this to my gang, as much for them as for myself.

Gentle little reminders, shall we say, beautifully illustrated, with regards to generosity, forgiveness, and what defines good fortune.

Stillwater, a new neighbor to three children, gets to know them one by one, by way of a traditional zen story, addressing complex themes simply, accessibly, in a wonderfully zen sort of way.

While my four-year-old may not quite grasp the deeper philosophical undertones, she is entirely engaged by the soothing watercolours and the characters themselves.  The stories told by Stillwater to his young visitors, are each relevant to their individual circumstances and presented in dramatic japanese artwork, offering comical animal characters, lending a wonderful distinction between the magical, serene of the watercolour scenes and Stillwater’s three tales.

Zen Shorts is a unique and wonderful addition to any children’s library and so cleverly introduces the ageless philosophy to our young ones.  I certainly couldn’t have taken it on quite so effectively!