Product Description
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.

Amazon.com Review
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 (Average Customer Rating: 5.0 based on 62 reviews)

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.
November 29, 2008

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 feel right. He seeks the counsel of the old Turtle - Leo. When Nikolai arrives Leo is digging for his garden, and since it is much easier for a boy to dig than for a turtle, Nikolai digs Leo's garden. Just as he finishes digging a large storm moves in and Nikolai can hear the cries of a female bear who has been injured by a falling tree. After Nikolai rescues the bear she cries for her baby and Nikolai goes back into the storm to find the baby. He rescues the baby as well.

After the storm, Nikolai's friends come to find him and Nikolai asks Leo again his questions. The most important time is Now. The most important person is the One you are With. The most important thing to do is to Do Good for the One who is Standing by Your Side.

The storm in our house ended.

These illustrations are beautiful and peaceful watercolors. The story helps children to understand a very important lesson. It helped me to understand an important lesson.

Now when we are arguing, we stop, what is the most important time - Now. Who is the most important person - the one you are with. What is the most important thing to do - to do good for the one who is standing by your side. Are we following these simple rules, no. There may always be little disagreements, but I think this is a lovely foundation for everyone.

Ages 4-8 is appropriate, your 4 or 5 year old will certainly enjoy the story. I beleive that your 6 year old and up will understand the concepts better, but it never hurts to start early.
November 17, 2008

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.
November 17, 2008

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 away to friends!
November 03, 2008

Good job, seller!

I was pleased with the delivery time and with the quality of the product. I cannot wait to give these 3 books as gifts: one to each of my adult children.
July 30, 2008

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