I did laugh in the beginning when he first arrived. The little panda, Koo, only speaks in haiku poems. I liked the addition of the haiku poems throughout the book. That ‘zen’ theme runs through this and Jon Muth’s other book, Zen Shorts. The children would never have met Miss Whitaker if not for Stillwater’s push.

Everyone needs friends and we need to be careful of judging others before we get to know them. It was pretty simple but I think the point is universal. Throughout it all, Koo enlightens everyone with his haiku poems. Stillwater has helped them see that they both have something to give, Miss Whitaker, knowledge, and Michael, friendship. Stillwater tells him to come early! Miss Whitaker is a retired English teacher and helps Michael with his spelling struggles. When asked to come back, Michael says he needs to study for the school spelling bee. During their visit they give Miss Whitaker soup, clean her house, and make her pictures to help her feel better.

Stillwater encourages them to come because Miss Whitaker is not feeling well. The children refuse at first, saying that the old lady scares them when she screams at them from her porch. The two bears meet up with Stillwater’s friends, Addy, Michael, and Karl and invite them to visit old Miss Whitaker with them. Zen Ties is the tale of a large panda named Stillwater and a summer visit from his nephew, Koo.

Illustrator: Jon J Muth November 13, 2010

Zen ties by jon j muth