PreS-Gr 2--Panda Stillwater and his nephew Koo appear in the first of a four-book series. Koo awakens one bright morning and decides he would like to spend the day doing something important: "Fix all the things that are wrong. Let us save the world!" His uncle is agreeable but understands that, in order to engage in a very large undertaking, it is best to take it in little pieces. Therefore, saving the world can be accomplished bit by bit, by performing such tasks as picking up one's bedroom, brushing the cat, feeding the fish in the pond, and raking leaves. Welcoming a human family to the neighborhood by baking them a cake is a kind way to bring people together and help create a more perfect world. Muth's soothing illustrations in pencil and soft-hued watercolors feature plenty of white space and present a peaceful mood. Contemplation and reflection, words which define Zen, are demonstrated as the two discuss what fish understand and the desire to end hunger. VERDICT For the SEL shelves, here's a feel-good book full of thoughtfulness and empathy about the small things we can each do to make the world a better place.--Maryann H. Owen

In this first of a planned four-book series, Zen panda Stillwater and nephew Koo spend a day together, working in small steps to "save the world" after Koo awakens with a zeal to do "something important! Fix all the things that are wrong." Following breakfast, Stillwater suggests that Koo start by tidying, and the two feed and brush the cat, clear the leaves outside, and feed the pond fish. ("I wonder, do fish swim knowing how very big the vast ocean is?" Koo asks. "That's a wonderful question," Stillwater responds.) They next bake and deliver a cake to welcome new neighbors (a human family portrayed with brown skin), take a moment to sit with big feelings, then stop a truck so that a duck family can cross the road safely. Watercolors by Muth (Zen Shorts) provide an intriguing, intimate-feeling peek into the pandas' household goings-on, while abundant white space and a generous trim size contribute to an atmosphere of tranquility. The two pandas do more than love each other throughout this deliberate read; they show respect for each other, their surroundings, and all living beings, in an effort "to take care of the world and each other." Ages 4--8. (Feb.)

Stillwater--a giant panda and Zen teacher who has dispensed Zen wisdom in seven previous books, including Zen Shorts, a 2006 Caldecott Honor Book, and in a Peabody- and Emmy Award--winning cartoon series--now stars in a new book series with tiny panda nephew, Koo. The theme of this first title is stated in a Zen Buddhist teaching given at book's end: "Thousands of candles can be lit from a single candle." The story starts with Stillwater asking his nephew, "What do you want to do today?" Koo, who has had a bad dream about the world falling apart, replies that he wants to save the world. Stillwater, to the protests and bewilderment of Koo, takes him on a series of mundane tasks: cleaning his room, feeding the fish in the koi pond, baking a cake for new neighbors, going on a bike ride. After a picnic stop, Koo sees a truck hurtling toward a mother duck and ducklings crossing the road. Enormous Stillwater stops the truck while Koo shepherds the ducks to safety. The illustrations, done in delicate watercolors and pencil, lend both beauty and comic detail to the story. The resolution, in which Stillwater tells Koo that "each time you do something good, you save the world a little bit," is inspiring.

To save the world, first start small. Koo the panda tells Uncle Stillwater they want to save the world. "That's a very big idea," the adult panda muses, not discouraging Koo but quietly suggesting the two of them attempt more manageable goals first. They do, beginning by tidying Koo's messy bedroom, which Koo enjoys because putting things where they belong makes them feel "not so jumbled up." The pair proceed with other small tasks: attending to their cat's needs; baking a cake to welcome new, brown-skinned neighbors; riding bikes; and halting an oncoming truck to allow a duck family to safely cross a road. They also discuss big questions throughout the day (do fish understand the vastness of the ocean? How do we deal with worries about the fate of the world?). Afterward, Stillwater rejoices in what Koo has accomplished, telling the little one, "Each time you do something good, you save the world a little bit." Powerful words indeed, and mission accomplished! This beautifully told story makes clear that, with patient guidance, praise, and role modeling from loving grown-ups, children can learn to be kind and caring and to "save the world" in small, doable ways. The delicate watercolor-and-pencil illustrations suit the lovely message and perfectly capture the bond between adult and child. (This book was reviewed digitally.) A stunning, tender testament to the idea that small acts of kindness, one by one, make a huge impact. (author's note) (Picture book. 4-7) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.