The Three Questions

Author: John J. Muth

Type or emotional/crisis issue(s) addressed: Social issues, situations/values, conduct of life, natural disaster

Year of Publication: 2002

Publisher & Location: Scholastic Press, New York, NY

ISBN#: 9780439199964

Target Age Level: Lower and Upper Elementary, Junior High. Could also be used for High School and above if used creatively.

# of Pages: 32

Quality of Illustrations: full color illustrations

Brief Summary: 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.

Personal Comments/Biases, and/or Things to Consider When Using This Book With Children: can be used for a number of issues, including natural disasters as Nikolai helps out in a storm. Can help children but especially adolescents to think about life and how to make decisions.

Activity:
1. Read book with kids 2. If using for a natural disaster, talk about the disaster and effects on the kids and the community 3. Choose one aspect of disaster and ask the children each of the three questions