Addy's Cup of Sugar: Based on a Buddhist Story of Healing by Jon J. Muth
Published by Scholastic Press on October 20, 2020
ISBN: 9780439634281
Pages: 32
Genres: Folklore
Format: Picture Book Fiction
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Another Stillwater, the beloved Zen panda, book by Jon Muth. Addy’s cat, Trumpet, is hit by a car, and she seeks Stillwater’s help on how to bring Trumpet back to life. Stillwater tells Addy that she must go to everyone in the neighborhood and collect a cup of sugar. But there is one condition: it can only come from the home of someone who has never been touched by loss. Addy goes from house to house but returns home without a cup of sugar because there isn’t a person who has not felt the pain of loss. In the original Buddhist tale the search is for a mustard seed. I am not sure why the search was for a clichéd cup of sugar, but I would have preferred something else. Nevertheless the heartfelt story and beautiful watercolor illustrations will be cathartic for anyone who has lost a pet or loved one. Add it to your collection of books about coping with death and grief.

Reviewed by Barb Rehmeyer, Liberty Library