The Three Questions [Based on a story by Leo Tolstoy]

This is very well written. Simple. Circular pattern. Such that young children by the end of the book have picked up on the theme and can begin to run with it on their own. This was an excellent discussion but, open up worlds of discussion about life, religion, god, and life. A marvelous book.

The illustrations in this lovely, quiet book did an amazing job of telling the story (originally told by Leo Tolstoy). The message was subtle, yet powerful. This beautiful picture book has become a "coffee table book" in our home.

The illustrations in this lovely, quiet book did an amazing job of telling the story (originally told by Leo Tolstoy). The message was subtle, yet powerful. This beautiful picture book has become a "coffee table book" in our home.

Great story! I love this. Coming from a somewhat zen background, I really enjoyed this story. Oddly, in college my favorite classes were eastern poetry/philosophy and russian literature. This book is pleasing to me on both accounts. My 2.5 year old daughter was delighted by the beautiful illustrations. I am sure my 6 year old niece will love the story, even if the meaning is not fully absorbed for several years.

As a grandparent, I am always looking for books to share with my grandchildren. This book will go to the top of my list. I believe it not only teaches children about living in the moment, but it also validates the need for moral/character development in young children. Nikolai is searching for the answers to three questions: "When is the best time to do things? Who is the most important one? and What is the right thing to do?". These are universal questions. Leo thinks his friends can help him will be able to help him, but they fall short of giving him the answers he is searching for. He ventures to asks Leo, the wise (old) turtle but Leo doesn't ceremoniously answer Nikolai's question. This is the part I really love, you can stop and ask your children or if you are an educator; allow your students to make predictions, write their own ending....so many ways to use this story.

I love reading this story to my daughter. There is a sense of humor that is spun into this story that is enticing to children. The story is wholesome and realistic and captures thought provoking concepts that are simple to ponder while admiring the artistic presentation of an imaginative place.

What a wonderful moral story this is! I purchased this because of the author and the character lessons it presents. The story is beautifully illustrated by Jon J. Muth and teaches wonderful lessons about doing the right thing. I'd never seen the book or story before but it is fabulous. I hope my young Grandson enjoys it as much as I do. Thank you.

Written and Illustrated By Jon J Muth (Scholastic Press, 2002)

With the current world flooded with electronics and social media, this children's book communicates a strong message to youngsters about the importance of living in the moment. With eye-catching illustrations that will have you analyzing each page, this story will pull at your emotions and will leave you with a greater sense of knowledge. Adults will also be fascinated at the sheer depth of this story, told in a way that children can understand it. Whatever age or stage you are in life, this book will have you evaluating your own life, in regards to the wisdom gained from the story. With a durable hardback and dust cover, this book is a remarkable children's book that would be a nugget of gold to whoever has the pleasure of reading it or listening to it being read to them; this book would also make the perfect gift.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the Scholastic Trade Book Publishing book review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255vf: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Jon J. Muth's "The Three Questions" is a beautiful retelling of Tolstoy's short story with the same title. In Muth's version, a young boy named Nikolai wants to know the answers to his three questions: When is the best time to do something? Who is the most important one? What is the right thing to do? After consulting with his friends (a monkey, dog, and heron) and not truly satisfied with their answers, Nikolai decides to go see Leo, the wise old turtle who lives further inland. Once he arrives at Leo's house, Nikolai is moved to action when he helps Leo with his garden, saves a mother panda and her cub from a storm, and in the process finds the answers to his three questions...

I found myself as engrossed in this story as my second grade class did. Muth's watercolors are beautiful and lifelike, his writing is both poetic and factual, and he has made this story engaging to both child and adult audiences. The story's powerful message of love, respect, and kindness towards others makes "The Three Questions" and ideal book for young audiences... especially if you are trying to reinforce theses characteristics. So visit the library, shop online, or go to your nearest bookstore and get a copy of this wonderful book; you won't regret rediscovering Tolstoy through a child's eyes.

Three of the most important questions are mentioned and answered in this story: "When is the best time to do things?", "Who's the most important one?", and "What is the right thing to do?".

These questions are carried around by a boy named Nikolai who is really interesting in knowing the solution to his thoughts. He is a smart boy with three good friend who try helping him but can't. He is also a good helper and that leads the way to figuring out his ?s.

The book takes place in the countryside near the forested mountains and in the mountains. The story sets a stage that young readers enjoy.

Not everyone would understand this book. The little kids would just like to hear about the adventure but older children could get the true meaning from it. It is mainly for kids ages 6-9 and if you just want to entertain a toddler, ages 3-5.

It's a great book that anyone can enjoy.

"There was once a boy named Nikolai who sometimes felt uncertain about the right way to act..." He wanted to be a good person, but was unsure how to accomplish his goal. Nikolai had three important questions...When is the best time to do things? Who is the most important one? What is the right thing to do? "If only I could find the answers to my three questions... then I would always know what to do." So he decides to seek the counsel of Leo, the turtle. "He has lived a very long time. Surely he will know the answers I am looking for." But as he reaches Leo's home, high in the mountains, disaster strikes, and without even thinking Nikolai takes action, and in the process finds the answers he's been searching for..... Based on Leo Tolstoy's short story, Jon Muth has authored a reflective and inspired picture book retelling of The Three Questions. His simple and eloquent text, with its gentle message of compassion and living for each moment, is enhanced by lovely and evocative watercolor artwork in quiet and subdued tones. Together word and art answer Nikolai's questions in a captivating and engaging way..."Remember then that there is only one important time, and that time is now. The most important one is always the one you are with. And the most important thing is to do good for the one who is standing at your side. For these, my dear boy, are the answers to what is most important in this world." With an Author's Note at the end to augment the story and introduce Tolstoy and his works, The Three Questions is a perfect fable for youngsters 5-9, and is sure to open interesting and thoughtful discussions.