Here is the first of four exciting new books for younger readers featuring the beloved Zen panda, Stillwater -- star of the Caldecott Honor Book and New York Times bestseller, Zen Shorts , and of the Peabody Award and three-time Emmy Award-winning Apple+ TV series. A Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection * “A stunning, tender testament to the idea that small acts of kindness, one by one, make a huge impact.” ― Kirkus Reviews , starred review * “ The resolution ‘each time you do something good, you save the world a little bit,’ is inspiring.” ― Booklist , starred review * “…An intriguing, intimate-feeling peek into the pandas’ household…they show respect for each other, their surroundings, and all living beings, in an effort to take care of the world and each other.” ― Publishers Weekly, starred review Today feels full of opportunities!“What would you like to do?”Stillwater asks Koo. “Something important!Fix all the things that are wrong!Let us save the world,” says Koo(who always speaks in haiku). But this is a very big idea for a little panda. During the course of the day, Koo discovers that it’s the little acts of kindness that all add up to help make the world a better place. In a story brimming with love and light, Jon J Muth shows how we can all heal the world a little bit at a time ― just the right message for now, and for always! PreS-Gr 2-Panda Stillwater and his nephew Koo appear in the first of a four-book series. Koo awakens one bright morning and decides he would like to spend the day doing something important: "Fix all the things that are wrong. Let us save the world!" His uncle is agreeable but understands that, in order to engage in a very large undertaking, it is best to take it in little pieces. Therefore, saving the world can be accomplished bit by bit, by performing such tasks as picking up one's bedroom, brushing the cat, feeding the fish in the pond, and raking leaves. Welcoming a human family to the neighborhood by baking them a cake is a kind way to bring people together and help create a more perfect world. Muth's soothing illustrations in pencil and soft-hued watercolors feature plenty of white space and present a peaceful mood. Contemplation and reflection, words which define Zen, are demonstrated as the two discuss what fish understand and the desire to end hunger. VERDICT For the SEL shelves, here's a feel-good book full of thoughtfulness and empathy about the small things we can each do to make the world a better place.-Maryann H. Owenα(c) Copyright 2011. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted. Praise for Stillwater and Koo Save the World :A Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection ​​​​​​* “Powerful words indeed, and mission accomplished! This beautifully told story makes clear that, with patient guidance, praise, and role modeling from loving grown-ups, children can learn to be kind and caring and to “save the world” in small, doable ways.… A stunning, tender testament to the idea that small acts of kindness, one by one, make a huge impact.” ― Kirkus Reviews , starred review​​​​​​​* “The illustrations, done in delicate watercolors and pencil, lend both beauty and comic detail to the story. The resolution ‘each time you do something good, you save the world a little bit,’ is inspiring.” ― Booklist , starred review * “[Muth’s] watercolors provide an intriguing, intimate-feeling peek into the pandas’ household goings-on, while abundant white space and a generous trim size contribute to an atmosphere of tranquility. . . . they show respect for each other, their surroundings, and all living beings, in an effort ‘to take care of the world and each other.” ― Publishers Weekly , starred review Praise for Addy's Cup of Sugar :NAIBA's 2021 Books of the Year Winner!2021 Bank Street Best Children’s Books of the Year List * "With simple, direct storytelling, Muth reveals the immanence within everyday life, a theme underscored by the perfect watercolor illustrations.... This gracefully told story will comfort readers who have experienced death with its healthy truth while the gorgeous illustrations will uplift them... a master class of picture-book storytelling." -- Kirkus Reviews , starred review Distinctions and Praise for Zen Shorts :A Caldecott Honor BookBook Sense Book of the Year AwardNAIBA Book of the Year AwardA Kirkus Reviews Best Book of the YearNew York Public Library's 100 Titles for Reading and Sharing * "Both an accessible, strikingly illustrated story and a thought-provoking meditation." -- Booklist , starred review* "Every word and image comes to make as perfect a picture book as can be." -- Kirkus Reviews , starred review"Appealing enough for a group read-aloud, but also begging to be shared and discussed by caregiver and child, Zen Shorts is a notable achievement." -- School Library Journal Distinctions and Praise for Zen Ties :NAIBA Book of the Year AwardChildren's and Teen Choice