simplicity

Nov. 7th, 2007 08:20 am
thoreau: (Default)
[personal profile] thoreau
I was reminded by the great artistic talent that is [livejournal.com profile] scream4noreason of the work of John Muth. Christopher posted this morning this charming drawing - and it immediately reminded me of John Muth. I think Christopher could rock the whole world with a illustrated book for children. (and adults alike)

Muth's books are some of my favorite possessions. So if you were looking for that perfect gift for someone - regardless of the time of year... consider Muth's imaginatively illustrated and touching "Zen Shorts".



It begins with the arrival of Stillwater - who moves in next door to Addie, Michael and Karl. (cut and paste from book cover jacket)"Michael," said Karl. "There's a really big bear in the backyard." The giant panda moves into the neighborhood and tells each of the children amazing tales. To Addie 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.

Click here for a closer look

and then there is Muth's other beautiful illustrated book. It is a unique retelling of Leo Tolstoy's THE THREE QUESTIONS.



What is the best time to do things? Who is the most important one? What is the right thing to do? Nikolai knows that he wants to be the best person he can be, but often he is unsure if he is doing the right thing. So he goes to ask Leo, the wise turtle. When he arrives, the turtle is struggling to dig in his garden, and Nikolai rushes to help him. As he finishes work, a violent storm rolls in. Nikolai runs for Leo's cottage, but on his way, he hears cries for help from an injured panda. Nikolai brings her in from the cold, and then rushes back outside to rescue her baby too.

Click here to take a closer look

Both of these books are beautiful in that convey a powerfully simple message to their recipient.

So I thought I'd share them with ya'll ---- so you might consider getting copies for yourself - and that special someone who might enjoy such a gift.

For a full list of Muth's works - click here

Date: 2007-11-07 04:34 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] eric-mathgeek.livejournal.com
I've been a fan of his comic book work since the Wolverine and Havok series, Meltdown. Simply gorgeous.

Date: 2007-11-07 08:44 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] kevnetik.livejournal.com
We have the Zen Shorts book - my kids love it.

Date: 2007-11-07 11:25 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] scream4noreason.livejournal.com
Thanks so much!

Date: 2007-11-07 11:34 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] low-fat-muffin.livejournal.com
oh believe me - your art is very inspirational - and I think you are just tippin' the iceberg of what you could accomplish.

Date: 2007-11-08 01:15 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] loves-gay-sex.livejournal.com
I'm looking at those pictures and thinking, that style looks so familiar! Then I laugh and it hits me! Shit! I have some of his wonderful stuff! Like Dracula: A Symphony in Moonlight and Nightmares and the extremely weird but extremely gorgeous Moonshadow (http://search.barnesandnoble.com/booksearch/isbnInquiry.asp?z=y&EAN=9781563893438&itm=25) (I have the original comic books versus this collected volume). I realized this before checking out your link. It wasn't even three feet from me!

Maybe I will check out some of this other stuff!

Date: 2007-11-08 05:33 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] designerotter.livejournal.com
The illustrations are exquisite ! I've a weakness for good children's books - buy 'em for my grand nephews, but would just as soon keep 'em for myself.
Thanks for this reminder of Muth's wonderful work!

ah yes

Date: 2007-11-09 01:34 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] arkanjil.livejournal.com
Moonshadow is an amazing thing- he also did Blood (a trippy vampire story, very Eighties in retrospect)
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