The Three Questions

by Jon J. Muth

Book Overview

With his stunning watercolors -- and text that resounds with universal truths, award-winning artist Jon J Muth has transformed a story by Tolstoy into a timeless fable for young readers.

A perfect gift for graduation--or any occasion--by a Caldecott Honor Book Artist!"Quietly life changing..." --The New York TimesYoung Nikolai is searching for the answers to his three questions: When is the best time to do things? Who is the most important...

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0439199964
• ISBN13: 9780439199964
• Release Date: April 2002
• Publisher: Scholastic Press
• Length: 32 Pages
• Weight: 1.21 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.4" x 12.3" x 9.9"
• Age Range: 4 to 8 years
• Grade Range: Preschool to Grade 3

Customer Reviews

Simple Wisdom and Uncomplicated Answers

I was immediately intrigued when my friend Ramona told me about The Three Questions (Based on a story by Leo Tolstoy). Although I had read some of Tolstoy’s work, I was not familiar with the short story on which this book is based. However, as is often the case with children’s books, The Three Questions provided a great deal of simple wisdom. I read the book three consecutive times and marveled at the uncomplicated answers within. I have begun using the wisdom in my daily life and have felt a great difference when I do so. Jon J Muth creates beautiful imagery with both his words and illustrations! I highly recommend reading this book as well as the original Tolstoy short story that inspired it.

Beautiful Answers To Life's Most Important Questions

Author Jon J Muth certainly understands the uncertainties that children face. His main character, Nikolai, asks his three best friends the questions he thinks are most important. If he only knew their answers, he believes, he will be a good person. Recognizing his friends' limitations, however, Nikolai wisely seeks further for his answers, and visits a wise old turtle. The turtle never answers him directly, but when a storm comes up and two panda bears are in danger, Nikolai dashes to their aid without a thought for himself. In his action, he finds answers. This is a gentle tale, told well. Muth's illustrations are graceful and elegant, and beautifully enhance the many moods of the story. Based on a short story by Leo Tolstoy, who is probably best-known for War and Peace and Anna Karenina, The Three Questions succeeds in getting children to think of being of service to others. And to realize that, contrary to what advertisers would have us believe, life isn't about getting; it's about doing. [...]

A Precious Little Book!

The five minutes it takes to read this little book just might be the best time investment in your life. I'm serious.Nikolai is an adorable little boy who is seeking for (what else?) the meaning of life. He has three simple questions: 1) When is the best time to do things? 2) Who is the most important one? 3) What is the right thing to do?The answers to these questions will astound you with their simplicity and grace.The book is based on a Tolstoy story of the same name. It is simplified for small children, but perhaps it will be read most rewardingly by older children and adults. This adult certainly likes it. In fact, as it combines the aspects of illustration and storytelling, I would have to call this the best children's book I have ever read.Highly recommended, for all ages.

"This Is Why We Are Here"

"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.

A moral story for people of all ages

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."

Beautiful book: images and story

This is a beautiful and very touching book with a special message of love, compassion and introspection. These themes could be deep for a child but they are conveyed with characters and images that captivate and draw in the reader, whether young and old. The story is very touching and nurturing and the themes are ones that a person is never to young to be introduced to. I collect children's books and count this one among one of my favorites.