Book Series · 9 Books

Stillwater and Friends Books

In order from Zen Shorts to A Perfect Fit.

Stillwater the panda helps children look at friendship, frustration, grief, and kindness from a calmer perspective through watercolor stories, poetry, and one television tie-in.

Reviewed by the Bookroo Editors Updated August 12, 2026

Reading order

How to Read the Stillwater Books

The nine books are shown in publication order, but this is a character family rather than one continuous plot. Start with Zen Shorts for Stillwater's original three teaching tales; Hi, Koo! is a seasonal haiku companion, while Addy's Cup of Sugar deals most directly with loss.

Stillwater: A Perfect Fit is different from the others: Meredith Rusu adapted it from an episode of the Apple TV+ series. Stillwater and Koo Save the World begins a newer set of shorter adventures for younger readers.

Sources: Scholastic's Stillwater book hub, Scholastic's A Perfect Fit listing.

For parents

What Parents Should Know

Most stories use Buddhist and Zen-inspired parables to explore patience, perspective, generosity, and emotional awareness without teaching religious practice. The quiet pacing often works well for discussion or bedtime.

Addy's Cup of Sugar begins after Addy's kitten dies and focuses on grief; Zen Ghosts uses an atmospheric Halloween setting. These subjects are handled gently, but families dealing with a recent loss may want to preview Addy's story.

Where the story begins

First Book in the Series

Sale price

$1899

Book #1 · Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2005

Zen Shorts

By Jon J Muth

A panda's tales challenge three siblings' views on life and values.

40 pages· 1,208 words· Est. 10 min read-aloud

$19.99Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: When a giant panda named Stillwater moves into the neighborhood, three siblings are drawn into his world of enchanting stories. Addy learns about the true worth of material goods, Michael explores the thin line between good and bad, and Karl discovers the art of letting go of frustration. Through these ancient Zen tales, Stillwater opens their eyes to new perspectives, leaving them—and readers—enlightened and inspired. What wisdom will they uncover in their journey with this extraordinary bear?

In reading order

Stillwater and Friends Series

9 books · Published 2005–2023

#1 in Series

Sale price

$1899

Zen Shorts

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2005

A panda's tales challenge three siblings' views on life and values.

#2 in Series

Sale price

$1797

Zen Ties

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2008

A panda and friends help a grouchy neighbor, discovering unexpected rewards.

#3 in Series

Sale price

$1797

Zen Ghosts

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2010

A Zen panda shares a mysterious Halloween tale with three children.

#4 in Series

Sale price

$1799

Hi, Koo!

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2014

Explore the four seasons through enchanting haikus with a charming panda guide.

#5 in Series

Sale price

$1797

Zen Socks

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2015

Three friends discover life's lessons through kindness and unexpected adventures.

#6 in Series

Sale price

$858

Zen Happiness

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2019

Discover wisdom and mindfulness through a panda's inspiring sayings and art.

#7 in Series

Sale price

$1697

Addy's Cup of Sugar

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2020

A girl seeks a cure for loss, discovering a universal truth.

#9 in Series

Sale price

$1899

Stillwater and Koo Save the World

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2023

A young panda learns small acts of kindness can change the world.

Series

Sale price

$574

A Perfect Fit

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2022

A boy feels left out until a wise panda shows him his unique role.

Good to know

Common Questions

How many books are in the Stillwater and Friends series?

There are 9 books in the Stillwater and Friends series. It began with Zen Shorts in 2005, and the newest book, Stillwater and Koo Save the World, was published in 2023.