Stillwater, the beloved Zen panda, now in his own Apple TV+ original series! On life's journey...kindness is the key. Leo and Molly love their new neighborhood. Most of all they love their friend Stillwater. The three friends are quite a team! From Caldecott Honoree Jon J Muth comes a story about sharing , another about patience , and a third about compassion . With warmth and fun, they learn from one another in the most surprising ways.... Gr 1–3—The sage giant panda, Stillwater, returns to bestow knowledge through storytelling, this time while occasionally donning a pair of red-and-white striped socks. As Muth explains in the author's note, Zen Socks was inspired "by all of the unexpected way I have benefitted from those who have 'socked it to me.'" Readers meet Leo and Molly, siblings who have moved into a new neighborhood and are delighted to discover that the unusual panda ("'What's his name again?' asked Leo. 'Mister…Quietpuddle?'") is their neighbor. When Molly expresses the desire to be a famous ballerina with her name on glittery posters, Stillwater tells "The Taste of Banzo's Sword," a humorous tale adapted from Paul Reps's Zen Flesh, Zen Bones (Tuttle, 1957), which emphasizes the importance of patience. Later, Leo and Stillwater muse about the nature of "bad guys" and selfishness. Finally, the trio heads to the beach where they find starfish stranded on the shore. Though there are too many starfish and it seems nearly impossible to help, the siblings rally, coming to understand that even very small acts of kindness make a difference. Muth once again employs dual styles: sumi ink–style black-and-white drawings for the Banzo's Sword story, and loose, light-filled watercolors for the scenes with Stillwater and the children. The compositions create a tranquil atmosphere and an appropriately Zenlike airiness, allowing young readers to focus on the character's interactions and observations. There are certainly lessons here, but they are imparted with gentle grace and respect for a child's developing sensibilities. VERDICT Muth makes a meditation on patience, kindness, and faith not only accessible, but charming.—Kiera Parrott, School Library Journal Praise for Zen Socks : * "Strikingly beautiful, and...perennially charming." -- Publishers Weekly , starred review  "Lessons of patience, compassion, and sharing, delivered gently." -- Kirkus Reviews Praise for Hi, Koo! : * "It's a joyous addendum to the Stillwater books, and it overflows with the same characteristic tenderness." -- Publishers Weekly , starred review * "Yields huge effect; in a word, magical." -- Kirkus Reviews , starred review "Even readers who are not typically interested in poetry will be captivated by Muth's artistry in both words and images." -- School Library Journal Praise for Zen Shorts : A Caldecott Honor Book "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 * "Both an accessible, strikingly illustrated story and a thought-provoking meditation." -- Booklist , starred review Praise for The Three Questions : "Quietly life-changing." -- The New York Times Book Review Jon J Muth has written and illustrated many enchanting picture books, including his Caldecott Honor book Zen Shorts and its sequel, the New York Times bestselling picture book Zen Ties . Other beloved titles from Jon include the New York Times bestseller Hi, Koo! , The Three Questions , Gershon's Monster by Eric Kimmel, and The Christmas Magic by Lauren Thompson. Muth lives in upstate New York with his wife and four children.