What is the best time to do things? Who is the most important one? What is the right thing to do? Nikolai knows that he wants to be the best person he can be, but often he is unsure if he is doing the right thing. So he goes to ask Leo, the wise turtle. When he arrives, the turtle is struggling to dig in his garden, and Nikolai rushes to help him. As he finishes work, a violent storm rolls in. Nikolai runs for Leo's cottage, but on his way, he hears cries for help from an injured panda. Nikolai brings her in from the cold, and then rushes back outside to rescue her baby too.
Nikolai is a boy who believes that if he can find the answers to his three questions, he will always know how to be a good person. His friends--a heron, a monkey, and a dog--try to help, but to no avail, so he asks Leo, the wise old turtle. "When is the best time to do things? Who is the most important one? What is the right thing to do?" Leo doesn't answer directly, but by the end of Nikolai's visit, the boy has discovered the answers himself.
Award-winning illustrator Jon J Muth's lovely watercolors are the most appealing aspect of this book about compassion and living in the moment. The simple Zen-based profundity of the boy's philosophical exploration may escape young readers, but they will enjoy the tale of a child who, in doing good deeds (for a panda and her baby, no less!), finds inner peace. Muth based his story on a short story of the same title by Leo Tolstoy. (Ages 5 to 9) --Emilie Coulter
Customer Reviews:
Avg. Customer Rating: 5.0 / 5.0
Wonderful message with beautiful illustrations:
This is a wonderful story about the very old question, What is most important in life?! told through the eyes of a child and through the animals and the situations that arise around him. I purchased two copies to give as gifts to new parents--because it will be a book to keep and read to children again and again. The watercolor illustrations are very
well done and are a great addition to the tale.
Good timing, we needed something to help us sort out the most important things in our life, I also learned a lot from this book:
We were having trouble at home being nice to one another, there seemed to be a lot of competiveness and arguing. My copy of Three Questions came in the mail, and had everyone take a few minutes time out to sit in the living room and listen. Nikolai would like to know, What is the most important time? Who is the most important? and What is the most important thing to do? Nikolai's friends try to give him answers. Nikolai thinks his friends are giving it their best answer but these answers don't... more info
A gift for my goddaughter:
The first time I read this book, I was babysitting and the child was only 11 months old. Needless to say, I appreciated the book more than the 11 month old :) I couldn't help but read it the next day too.
This book is wonderful with every turn of the page. I recently bought it for my goddaughter in hope that she will learn to appreciate the story as she grows. I recommend this book to everyone - it will bring a smile to your face and warmth to your heart.
Charming and Beautiful Story to Share:
I was delighted by Muth's 'Zen Shorts' and when I read a review for 'The Three Questions' I looked for it immediately and was just thrilled. Not only is this a lovely story to share with a child, opening the way for discussions about being truly present with the people around us, but this makes for a beautiful gift for an adult friend. I have been so delighted by this retelling of Tolstoy, paired with Muth's beautiful watercolors, that I have purchased this book twice now... and have given each copy... more info
