Hilarious and heartwarming dog stories from nine renowned authors:
- Ann M. Martin
- Jon Muth
- Mark Teague
- Margarita Engle
- Thacher Hurd
- Valerie Hobbs
- Matt de la Pena
- Pam Munoz Ryan
- Wendy Orr For young readers who have ever wanted, known or loved a dog, the short stories in this anthology evoke the full spectrum of endearing doggy traits With stories ordered from easiest to most difficult to read, "Because of Shoe and Other Dog Stories "is a book for young readers of varying levels to enjoy.

"An upbeat, hopeful tale that speaks compellingly to intergenerational friendship." -- PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
George Baker and Harry don't seem the likeliest of friends. Yet, sitting side by side on George's porch, waiting for the school bus to come, the two have plenty in common, this hundred-year-old musician with the crookedy fingers going tappidy on his knees and the young schoolboy whose shoelaces always need tying. They're both learning to read, which is hard -- but what's easy is the warm friendship they share. In an inspired pairing, a best-selling author and illustrator pay tribute to the power of language and intergenerational bonds.

Meet Stillwater, a GIANT, and very zen, panda bear in this captivating picture book based on a Buddhist legend. Addy has moved to a new neighborhood with her beloved kitten, Trumpet. They are best friends, and inseparable. But when Trumpet is hit by a car, Addy seeks her wise friend, Stillwater. She is sure he will know how to bring Trumpet back to life. Stillwater tells Addy she will need to find a special medicine. To do this, she must go to everyone in the neighborhood and collect a cup of sugar. But there is one condition: it can only come from the home of someone who has never been touched by loss. Addy goes from house to house. And when she returns home, Stillwater asks for her cup of sugar. But, of course, she has none. For there isn't a person who has not felt the pain of loss. Tuck into a reassuring story of consolation and healing, infused with light and compassion, celebrating the moments we all share with those we love. Stillwater, the beloved Zen panda, is now in his own Apple TV+ original series! Stillwater, the beloved Zen panda, is now in his own Apple TV+ original series "A master class of picture-book storytelling." -- Kirkus Reviews, starred review The perfect bedtime story based on an ancient Buddhist legend, told in an engaging way for young minds A gentle approach for children to death Jon J Muth is beloved all over the world for his books about Stillwater the Panda Lush, peaceful watercolour artwork brings this story of a friendly panda to life

On a journey to understand what makes man happy, three monks encounter a village of frightened, unfriendly people. The monks cleverly entice the people to leave their houses and join them in making soup from stones. The soup not only warms their bellies but also the villagers' hearts as they see just how much they have to give and how much more comes back to them in return.

Learning Benefits
This tale about sharing and friendship teaches the importance of reaching out to others.

Here is the first book in an exciting new four-book series for younger readers featuring the beloved Zen panda, Stillwater -- star of the Caldecott Honor Book and New York Times bestseller, Zen Shorts, and of the Peabody Award and Emmy Award-winning Apple+ TV series. A Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection "Today feels full of opportunities," said Stillwater. "What would you like to do?" "Something important!" said his nephew, Koo. "Let us save the world!" But that's such a big job. The world is so big. And Koo is just a small panda. During the course of the day, Koo straightens his room, feeds his cat and the hungry fish outside, and he bakes a cake to welcome new neighbors. He even helps a family of ducklings to safely cross a street. But still, Koo wonders, how will HE ever save the world? At the end of the day, Uncle Stillwater has the answer: "You did so many things today that made the world a better place. And each time you do the right thing--you save the world a little bit." In a story brimming with love and light, Jon J Muth shows how we can all heal the world a little bit at a time -- just the right message for now -- and always!

In spring, when City Dog runs free in the country for the first time, he spots Country Frog sitting on a rock, waiting for a friend. "You'll do," Frog says, and together they play Country Frog games. In summer, they meet again and play City Dog games. Through the seasons, whenever City Dog visits the country he runs straight for Country Frog's rock. In winter, things change for City Dog and Country Frog. Come spring, friendship blooms again, a little different this time.
Mo Willems' spare, poignant text and Jon J Muth's expressive watercolors team up to present a reflection on the natural course of friendship--and life--that will resonate with readers of all ages.

Jon J Muth, author of the best-selling book, THE THREE QUESTIONS, has crafted another profound and winning picture book.
"Michael," said Karl. "There's a really big bear in the backyard." This is how three children meet Stillwater, a giant panda who moves into the neighborhood and tells amazing tales. To Addy he tells a story about the value of material goods. To Michael he pushes the boundaries of good and bad. And to Karl he demonstrates what it means to hold on to frustration. With graceful art and simple stories that are filled with love and enlightenment, Jon Muth -- and Stillwater the bear -- present three ancient Zen tales that are sure to strike a chord in everyone they touch.

Award-winning artist and author Jon J Muth retells the favorite tale of a selfish community who is tricked into creating a delicious soup from stones.

NARRATOR: B.D. Wong
FORMAT: Paperback Book & CD
Three strangers, hungry and tired, pass through a war-torn village. Embittered and suspicious from the war, the people hide their food and close their windows tight. That is, until the clever strangers suggest making a soup from stones. Intrigued by the idea, everyone brings what they have until-- together, they have made a feast fit for a king
In this inspiring story about people working together, Muth takes a simple, beloved tale and adds his own fresh twist with beautiful illustrations.

A young girl eagerly awaits a coming rainstorm to bring relief from the oppressive summer heat.

In a gorgeous retelling of Tolstoy's profound fable, your child will reflect and discover who and what is important to him. Expressive, watercolor illustrations paint the tale of a young boy who seeks counsel from a wise turtle who lives in the mountains. But it's the boy's response to a stranger's cry for help that encourages young readers to seek the answers to the wonders within themselves.

Learning Highlights
Perfect for kids who always want to know "Why?," this story will build your child's self-confidence and inspire self-reflection. Modeling important life-lessons about compassion and helpfulness, the book also introduces a famous author.

It's Halloween.
The trees are ablaze in fiery reds. Excited children don colorful costumes. And there's mystery and fun around every corner
When Addy, Michael, and Karl finish trick-or-treating, their bags are brimming with treats. But the fun isn't over yet. Their good friend Stillwater the panda has one more special surprise in store for them. A mysterious visitor is about to tell them a spine-tingling story -- one that will fill each and every reader with wonder.

Earth is full of suffering and war until one little girl seeks Old Turtle, who tells her about a "broken truth" and how mending it will help her community to understand the common bond of all humanity.

Muth's extraordinary Caldecott Honor book featuring a giant panda named Stillwater is now available in this beautiful keepsake edition, contained in an elegant slipcase and including a limited edition lithograph. Full color. Consumable.

Stillwater, the beloved Zen panda, now in his own Apple TV+ original series! Resonant sayings to inspire happiness and mindfulness are paired with exquisite artwork by Caldecott Honor Book and New York Times Bestselling author/artist Jon J Muth. This beautiful, small-format gift book contains twelve inspiring and affirmational sayings that take on deeper meaning when paired with Jon J Muth's profoundly beautiful Zen books, many featuring the beloved panda bear, Stillwater. This is a book to cherish. Every saying inspires delight, and each picture is worth a thousand words!Nourishment for the spirit!