Zen Ties is a story about Stillwater, the giant panda, and his nephew Koo. When Koo comes to visit, Stillwater greets him, “Hi, Koo.” Koo speaks in haiku throughout the book. Michael, the oldest of three sibling neighbors, is nervous about participating in a spelling bee. Stillwater takes Michael, Addy, Karl and Koo to Miss Whitaker’s house to help her. She’s old and the children think she’s mean and grumpy. By helping Miss Whitaker, the children learn how kind she is. And Miss Whitaker, a former school teacher, helps Michael study for the spelling bee. She helps the children and the children help her.

Zen Ties is a story that demonstrates both our interconnectedness, and the joy that comes from helping other people. For clients who are struggling to find meaning in life, or joy in daily activities, this book is an example of how giving and helping raises one’s own mood and outlook. By giving of themselves, the children receive a new friend. By allowing the children to come in her house to help her, Miss Whitaker receives several new friends and a renewed smile on her face.