ADDY'S CUP OF SUGAR by Jon J. Muth.  New York:  Scholastic Press, 2020.  32p.  ISBN 978-0439634280 hc. $17.99     PreS - Gr. 3     E PIC

Based on a Buddhist story of healing, Muth lets his giant panda, Stillwater, help a young girl begin the grieving process for her recently deceased kitten and constant companion.  Addy wants the kitten brought back to life, so Stillwater agrees to make a healing medicine.  He gives Addy a mission to borrow a cup of sugar from any neighbor who hasn't experienced the death of a person or pet.  As she compassionately listens to the neighbors' stories of loved ones passed, she also feels the support of community, as they have all had a similar experience.  Addy wisely realizes that the medicine was for her in order to cope with her loss.  As is usual in Muth's picture books, the watercolor illustrations are eye-catching, but serene.  Readers may remember Stillwater from his previous books, ZEN SHORTS (2005), ZEN TIES (2008),  ZEN GHOSTS (2010), and ZEN SOCKS (2015).  He and Addy are longtime friends.
Lynette Suckow, Superiorland Preview Center, Marquette, MI