Cozy Storytime: Zen Shorts Written & Illustrated by Jon J. Muth

Today’s cozy read‑aloud is Zen Shorts — a calm, philosophical picture book about Stillwater the panda and the quiet wisdom he shares with three children.

Jon J. Muth’s luminous watercolor illustrations pair beautifully with the three teaching stories woven into the narrative. Each tale invites readers to pause, reflect, and consider how our thoughts shape our experiences. Stillwater’s gentle presence and the book’s peaceful pacing make this a perfect choice for mindful, comforting storytime moments.

As always, I began with a small index‑card art project inspired by the book’s soft palette and expressive brushwork. This ritual helps me slow down, notice the visual language of the book, and connect with the story before reading it aloud.

This book is wonderful for:

• Social‑emotional learning — mindfulness, patience, empathy

• Philosophy for children — perspective, choice, emotional awareness

• Early literacy — narrative structure, embedded stories, character voice

• Visual literacy — watercolor technique, mood, expression

• Classroom and library read‑alouds — especially for calm-down corners or SEL lessons

🎥 Watch the full cozy read‑aloud and spend a peaceful moment with Stillwater today.