Jon J. Muth

Three weary monks are traveling through a war torn landscape, hoping to find a warm meal and a place to rest. When they arrive at a small village, they discover that the frightened people have locked their doors and hidden all their food away. Realizing that the villagers have forgotten how to trust one another, the clever monks decide to make a magical soup using nothing but round, smooth stones. As they set up their pot in the village square, curiosity gets the better of the suspicious neighbors. One by one, the villagers step forward to offer a little bit of rice, a few carrots, and a handful of mushrooms to make the stone soup even better. Before long, they have created a magnificent feast together. Set in ancient China and brought to life with glowing watercolor paintings, this classic tale shows the incredible power of generosity. It is a beautiful reminder that when we open our hearts and share what we have, everyone becomes richer.

Get ready to explore the changing year alongside a delightful little panda named Koo. From the chilly winds of winter to the bright blooming flowers of spring, every part of the year has its own special magic waiting to be noticed. This charming book takes you on a journey through autumn, winter, spring, and summer using twenty six short and beautiful poems known as haikus. Each small poem captures a tiny, perfect moment in nature, whether it is watching leaves fall, feeling the warm sun, or seeing the first snow. Koo the panda is your playful guide, stretching his imagination and yours as he plays and observes the world outside. Filled with soft, expressive watercolor paintings, this is a wonderful introduction to poetry for young readers. It is a calm, visual treat that encourages you to step outside and appreciate the simple beauty of the seasons.

Koo the little panda wakes up feeling incredibly ambitious and ready for a massive challenge. He announces to his wise Uncle Stillwater that today is the day they are going to save the entire world. But when Koo looks around, the world seems awfully big and he feels very small. How can one little panda possibly make a difference? As the day goes on, Koo busies himself with ordinary tasks like cleaning his room, feeding his hungry cat, baking a cake to welcome new neighbors, and helping baby ducks cross a busy street safely. By the time the sun goes down, Koo is still wondering when the world saving part is going to begin. This heartwarming story reveals a beautiful secret about making a difference. It shows how small, everyday acts of care and responsibility are exactly what make our planet a better place, one kind step at a time.

Stillwater the wise giant panda is back, and he has brought along his lively young nephew, Koo. When the summer gets hot, Stillwater decides it is the perfect time to visit a neighbor who has a reputation for being quite grumpy. Miss Whitaker is an older woman who seems annoyed by almost everything, including the neighborhood children. But Stillwater sees past her prickly exterior and encourages Michael, Addy, and Karl to help her out. As the kids spend time running errands and assisting Miss Whitaker, they start to notice that there is much more to her than a bad temper. Slowly but surely, unexpected bonds begin to form between the generations. Featuring beautiful artwork and a gentle pace, this story beautifully illustrates how reaching out to others can change everyone involved. It is a touching reminder that sometimes the people who seem the hardest to love are the ones who need friendship the most.

Young Nikolai knows he wants to be a good person, but he is not always sure how to do it. He believes that if he can just find the answers to three very important questions, he will always know the right way to act. To find the truth, Nikolai sets off to ask his animal friends for advice. He wants to know the best time to do things, who is the most important one of all, and what is the right thing to do. His journey leads him to a wise old turtle and a sudden emergency that puts his quest to the test. Through his own actions, Nikolai discovers that the answers he has been searching for were already right in front of him. This beautifully illustrated book tells a gentle and profound story about living in the moment and caring for those around us. It is a calming and inspiring read.

Start your engines and get ready for the most thrilling competition in town. Mama Lion and her trusty sidekick Tigey are strapping on their goggles, hopping into their snazzy sports car, and preparing to speed toward the finish line. Racing teams from all over have gathered for this wild and madcap event. You will meet the playful Flying Pandinis, the mischievous Knitted Monkey crew, and a whole cast of quirky competitors zooming around the track. As the cars zoom, swerve, and race neck and neck, the drivers discover that crossing the finish line first might not be the most important part of the day. Unexpected twists and heroic moments show that the ride itself is what truly matters. Full of cool vintage style cars and beautiful illustrations, this joyful book is a high speed adventure with a heart of gold. It celebrates the fun of competition and the unbeatable prize of true friendship.

Addy has just moved to a new neighborhood, and her best friend in the whole world is her beloved kitten, Trumpet. When a sudden and terrible accident takes Trumpet away, Addy does not know how to handle her sadness. Hoping for a miracle, she visits her wise friend Stillwater the giant panda. Stillwater gently tells Addy that she can find a special medicine to heal her heart, but she must first collect a cup of sugar from someone in the neighborhood who has never felt the pain of losing someone they love. As Addy visits house after house, she listens to her neighbors stories and begins to realize something important about the people around her. This beautifully painted story tackles a very difficult subject with incredible warmth and light. It is a comforting and peaceful book that helps explain how shared feelings connect us all and how time and understanding can help a broken heart heal.

Imagine looking out your window and seeing a giant panda wearing a red umbrella in your backyard. That is exactly what happens to Michael, Addy, and Karl when Stillwater moves into their neighborhood and changes their lives forever. Stillwater is not just a cuddly neighbor, he is also a master storyteller. Whenever the children face a problem or feel upset, the wise panda shares a fascinating tale to help them see things in a brand new way. From a story about a man who happily gives his belongings to a robber, to a tale of two monks facing a difficult journey, these short stories open up a world of calm thinking and fresh perspectives. Featuring gorgeous watercolor paintings and elegant ink drawings, this book offers a peaceful retreat into mindfulness. It is a beautifully crafted collection that introduces big ideas about patience, sharing, and letting go of anger.

Moving to a new place can be challenging, but Leo and Molly are in for a wonderful surprise. They soon discover that their new neighbor is none other than Stillwater, a giant panda who always knows exactly what to say. As the three friends spend time together, Stillwater shares his special way of looking at the world. Whether they are exploring the neighborhood, learning to be patient, or figuring out how to be truly kind to others, Stillwater has a perfectly timed story or piece of advice to guide them. Through gentle lessons about compassion and sharing, Leo and Molly learn that the smallest acts of goodness can make the biggest difference. With its bright watercolor illustrations and relaxing tone, this book is a heartwarming exploration of how we treat one another. It is a beautiful and thoughtful read that will leave you feeling peaceful, happy, and ready to share a little kindness.

Halloween night is full of costumes, candy, and a very special kind of chill in the air. Join Karl, Addy, and Michael as they get ready for a night of trick or treating with their favorite giant panda, Stillwater. After a fun evening of gathering sweets, the children settle in to hear a story from their wise friend. Stillwater shares a mysterious and slightly spooky tale that will make you think twice about what is real and what is just a trick of the eye. It is a story that brings a thoughtful magic to a busy holiday night. This beautiful and gently haunting book captures the crisp, exciting feeling of Halloween while offering a gentle puzzle for your mind. It is a wonderful mix of autumn fun and quiet wisdom.

The city is baking under a fierce, sweltering summer sun, and everything feels hot, dusty, and perfectly still. A young girl named Tess stares up at the sky, desperately hoping for a break in the heavy heat. When the clouds finally begin to gather and darken, the whole neighborhood seems to hold its breath. As the first heavy drops hit the pavement, the city completely transforms. Tess and her friends grab their bathing suits and rush out into the streets to dance, splash, and celebrate the glorious, cooling downpour. Even the grown ups leave their porches to join in the joyful relief of the summer storm. With rhythmic, poetic language and stunning watercolor illustrations, this book perfectly captures the sensory magic of a rainstorm after a heat wave. It is a refreshing and joyful celebration of nature, community, and the simple pleasures of a rainy afternoon.

You might have heard the famous question about how many roads a man must walk down. Step into a beautiful visual journey of one of the most famous songs ever written. The classic words of this legendary folk song come to life with stunning paintings that follow a group of children exploring their world. As you turn the pages, the lyrics ask big, important questions about freedom, peace, and how we treat one another. It is a peaceful and thought provoking experience that makes you wonder about the answers blowing in the wind. This beautiful book pairs timeless musical poetry with breathtaking artwork. It is a perfect way to experience a piece of music history while thinking about how we can make the world a kinder place for everyone.

Long ago, a beautiful and shining truth fell from the sky, but as it landed, it broke right in two. One piece was found by the people, and for a while, it brought them great joy and strength. However, because they only had half of the truth, the people grew selfish and proud, believing they were better than everyone else. This arrogance led to endless fighting, and the earth itself began to suffer under their constant conflicts. Refusing to watch her world break apart, a brave little girl sets out on a journey to find the wise Old Turtle. She hopes to discover the missing piece of the truth so she can heal her fractured community and bring back the peace they lost. This sweeping and soulful fable pairs a powerful message with breathtakingly luminous artwork. It is a deeply moving story about empathy, understanding, and realizing that we are all connected to one another.

When City Dog runs free in the country for the very first time, he does not know what to expect. Then he spots Country Frog sitting quietly on a rock, waiting for a friend. From that moment on, a beautiful and unexpected bond is formed. In the spring, they play Country Frog games like jumping and splashing. When summer arrives, they switch to City Dog games like fetching and running. Through the changing seasons, whenever City Dog visits the country, he runs straight for his favorite rock to find his best friend. But as winter approaches, the world grows cold, and things begin to change for the two pals. You will be deeply moved by this gentle, poignant story about the natural cycle of life and the enduring power of friendship. With beautiful watercolor illustrations, this tender tale perfectly captures how true friends leave a lasting mark on our hearts, no matter the season.