Stillwater and Koo Save the World

By Jon J. Muth

☕︎☕︎☕︎☕︎

This is a thoughtful book that perfectly captures the beauty of small, everyday kindnesses. Stillwater, the wise and peaceful panda, and his nephew Koo set out to “save the world”—only to realize that simple acts of love and mindfulness can make the biggest difference. Jon J Muth’s watercolor illustrations are as calming as the story itself, creating a reading experience that feels like a deep breath.

We picked up this book as part of our effort to introduce our son to Zen Buddhist ideas— as a way of thinking about mindfulness, kindness, and being present in the world. Stillwater is a wonderful guide for that, showing that wisdom doesn’t have to be complicated and that even small, thoughtful actions can have a ripple effect. This book has become a favorite in our home, a reminder that saving the world doesn’t always mean grand gestures—sometimes, it starts with a single act of kindness.