Jon Muth’s career in children's books grew out of a desire to explore what he was feeling as a new father. He had been successfully working in comics, which he described as a natural forum for expressions of angst, until the births of his children caused a “seismic shift that made it important to say other things about the world.” The first book he authored and exquisitely illustrated,
The Three Questions, based on Leo Tolstoy’s story of timeless and universal truths, was called “quietly life-changing” by
The New York Times Book Review. His version of
Stone Soup, an inspiring folk tale about the strength of community, received critical acclaim, including a National Parenting Book Award.
What's pictured: (left) Jon Muth, Photo: Gordon Trice; (below right) "The Storyteller paused, then asked, 'Which Senjo is the true one?'...," from
Zen Ghosts, 2010, watercolor and ink, © Jon Muth
And then there is the
Zen series, beginning with
Zen Shorts, named a Caldecott Honor book, with its quiet meditations that challenge readers to reexamine their habits, desires, and fears. Followed by
Zen Ties, Zen Ghosts, and
Zen Socks, all feature the character Stillwater, a spiritual teacher who happens to be a giant Panda. The stories also
introduce Koo, Stillwater’s haiku-speaking nephew, who is featured in a collection of poems called
Hi, Koo!. Muth partnered with Caroline Kennedy to illustrate the compilations
Family of Poems and
Poems to Learn by Heart, and he illustrated Bob Dylan’s beloved lyric,
Blowin’ in the Wind. Nearly seventy watercolor, ink, and pastel illustrations from these and nine other children’s books comprise
Zen Tales, on view in the Mind’s Eye Gallery.
Jon Muth grew up visiting art museums; studied painting,
drawing, and printmaking; and later visited Japan to practice
stone sculpture and brush calligraphy. He has had a lifelong
interest in Asian studies, including tai chi chuan; sumi ink
drawing; and chado, “the way of the tea.” His books have been
translated into more than a dozen languages.
Buy books by Mind's Eye artists in the Hitchcock Gift Shop!
Exhibition-Related Events & Programs
Saturday, February 11; 10 am–noon
KickstART Saturday