Rating: 
Summary: A Wonderful Book for Child or Adult
Review: "The Three Questions" by Jon J. Muth will entertain very small children with its simple prose and moving illustrations (Muth is a famously gifted comic and children's illustrator). The lesson in this book, however, is valuable to anyone, of any age. We recently provided the book to a high school graduate who is about to take his first step towards independence. To all who cherishes ethics and ethical living, this book is recommended.
Rating:
Summary: "This Is Why We Are Here"
Review: "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.
Rating:
Summary: "This Is Why We Are Here"
Review: "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.
Rating:
Summary: A wonderful illustrator tells an important tale
Review: A zen riddle? A story by Tolstoy? A comics illustrator? You wouldn't think these three things would come together to form one of the most lovely pieces of children's literature I've seen recently - but they do. This is a book I purchased to read to my 3 year old, but I find it a comfort to myself, as well. Jon J. Muth's watercolour illustrations set a pensive mood for a weighty tale, told lightly.
Rating: 
Summary: A great book to talk about
Review: As a great fan of Tolstoy I am certain he would be mortified to be touted as the inspiration for this book. There is an arrogance in the communication of the moral message that the author wishes to send and could there be a more trite "situation" for his main character to "happen upon" in order to "save" the victim and be the hero? Puh-leeze.
Rating: 
Summary: Trite and arrogant
Review: As a great fan of Tolstoy I am certain he would be mortified to be touted as the inspiration for this book. There is an arrogance in the communication of the moral message that the author wishes to send and could there be a more trite "situation" for his main character to "happen upon" in order to "save" the victim and be the hero? Puh-leeze.
Rating:
Summary: a lovely gift
Review: for a young child, this book illustrates an important moral lesson in terms children and adults can appreciate. The illustrations are also quite charming. And who can resist a panda in need of assistance?
Rating:
Summary: A moral story for people of all ages
Review: I love this book. I haven't read a children's book since I was 10, but I think this is a book that is in fact life changing. Here is an excerpt. Nikolai, the young protagonist, asks three questions, "When is the best time to do things? Who is the most important one? What is the right thing to do?" Leo (a turtle) replies, "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 onewho is standing by your side....This is why we are here."
Rating:
Summary: The Three Questions
Review: I really liked the book, beautiful watercolor drawings, and a great plot, one of my favorite books.
Rating:
Summary: A Great Book To Show Us What We Already Know
Review: Nikolai, a young boy, seeks the answers to three of life's most difficult questions. Soft delightful watercolors enhance the setting throughout as we learn about Nikolas's questions. Since the text is very simple, the warm pictures add detail and help develop the setting and characters in the readers mind. Nikolai's animal friends, Sonya the heron, Gogol the monkey and Pushkin the dog answer his questions according to their respective animal behaviors. Nikolai is not quite satisfied with their responses so he turns to Leo, the wise old turtle, for answers. Leo is the only animal who is personified so completely that he seems human. While visiting Leo's house there is a big storm. The colors darken to show that the climax is coming. Nikolai rushes out to rescue a mother and baby panda. Afterwards, still unsure of the answers, Leo must explain to Nikolai that he has already demonstrated his knowledge of the answers by helping the injured pandas. The blue sky and light colors return as the answers are finally clarified in Nikolai's mind. This delightful book reminds us that we already know the answers to our deepest questions. We just need to look within ourselves to find them.
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