I’ve been collecting some texts to help a teacher use to begin students thinking about the question “who am I?” This particular book got my attention because it is about Halloween, and a particularly interesting show of Halloween spirit and everything which connections to that holiday. But, it’s oh so much more. There are stories from the Buddha that are called Koans, and Stillwater, the panda whom you’ve met in other Zen books by Muth, takes the children on a journey after trick or treating to hear one of those koans, one titled “Senjo and Her Soul Are Separated”. The backmatter explains that a Koan is a “question that you have to answer for yourself” and this particular one from Stillwater has to do with duality, the person you are with others and the person you really are with yourself. It is also really a ghost story, a hair-raising story to read for Halloween. The illustrations are just beautiful, putting one into that breezy and cool Halloween eve, full moon, ghosts and witches abroad! It's Halloween and Addy, Michael and Karl are getting their costumes ready for trick or treating. Their friend, Stillwater, shows up and tells them that after trick or treating if they wait by the stone wall he will take them to a storyteller.Once trick or treating is over, the three friends wait. Then Stillwater comes and takes them to the storyteller, who will tell them a very ghostly story full of wonder.I wasn't sure what to expect with Zen Ghosts. I knew that it looked interesting and I thought it might be a good read for Halloween. But it turned out to be better than good. It was an amazing read. The characters are fun. Addy, Michael, Karl and Stillwater are all great. I also like the costumes they chose in the book for Halloween. All are fun, interesting choices. Michael's costume was especially unique. It was a very well-written picture book with beautiful illustrations and a story that really does leave you in wonder.
What do You think about Zen Ghosts - Audio (2012)?
The story is okay, drawing on a Zen koan. What rescues the book is Muth's spectacular watercolors.
—elyse
Hmmm, maybe 2.5 stars. I liked it for a while, then thought it got a little weird.
—jess
I just love this books for 3-5 grade. They have great lessons and great pictures!
—Nerakboc
Beautiful, enchanting and creative.
—spraypaintguy
