Beverley Fahey (Children's Literature)
Nikolai seeks the answers to three questions--when is the best time to do something, who is the most important one and what is the right thing to do? To answer these questions is to know how to be a good person. His well-meaning friends a heron, a monkey, and a dog try to help him but the boy knows he should seek the wisdom of the wise old turtle, Leo. In helping the turtle dig his garden and rescuing an injured panda and later her cub, Nikolai finds the answers and the inner peace he seeks. The one important time is now, the important one is the one you are with, and the most important thing to do is to do good for the one at your side. Based on a Leo Tolstoy short story, the spiritual philosophy of Zen is wrapped inside a simple but compelling story. Handsome watercolors by the author reflect the Asian influence. Young children will not grasp the deeper meaning of the story but will enjoy it as a satisfying journey of discovery. 2002, Scholastic, $16.95. Ages 8 to 12.

CCBC (Cooperative Children's Book Center Choices, 2003)
When is the best time to do things? Who is the most important one? What is the right thing to do? Based on a story by Leo Tolstoy, a handsome, provocative allegory poses these queries in more than one way as a boy searches for knowledge and finds it in unexpected ways: The author's note at the end clarifies his intent regarding his use of Tolstoy's idea, explains his decisions about names for his characters, and cites the classic story. An unusual picture story for the families and elementary school-age children responsive to a thoughtful provocation. Honor Book, CCBC Caldecott Award Discussion CCBC categories: Picture Books For Older Children; Understanding Oneself And Others. 2002, Scholastic Press, 32 pages, $16.95. Ages 5-10.

Kirkus (Kirkus Reviews, March 15, 2002 (Vol. 70, No. 6))
Nikolai wants to be a good person but believes that he needs guidance. He has three important philosophical questions: "When is the best time to do things? Who is the most important one? What is the right thing to do?" The answers will set him on the right path in life. He first asks his friends the heron, the monkey, and the dog, but their answers are colored by their own survival needs, and are helpful but not definitive. He goes to Leo the turtle, who is old and very wise. Nikolai's experiences while visiting Leo help him to find his own answers. Leo only needs to put them in words. Muth has created a magical work of depth and beauty. The deceptively simple plot is written in language that is filled with visual and auditory imagery, and yet remains accessible to young readers. The delicate watercolor paintings are exquisite. Humans, animals, and nature are depicted with supreme accuracy, while evoking a soft, gentle, dream-like quality. There are many subtle nuances that catch the eye and ear. A red kite floats through the pages, appearing, disappearing, and reappearing, but never mentioned in the text. Sometimes only the string in Nikolai's hand is seen, and sometimes only the kite itself with the string trailing down. It is not seen at all during his adventures at Leo's home, but he has brought it there. Even the characters' names-Gogol, Leo, Pushkin, Sonya, and Nikolai-are carefully chosen to pay homage to famous Russians or their creations. As for the answers to Nikolai's questions: they're just right. A soaring achievement. 2002, Scholastic, $16.95. Category: Picture book. Ages 6 to 10. Starred Review. © 2002 Kirkus Reviews/VNU eMedia, Inc. All rights reserved.

Horn Book (The Horn Book Guide, Fall 2002)
Despite major changes, Muth has retained the essence of Tolstoy’s philosophical tale about a czar and his enemy. When Nikolai rescues a panda and her child, he is living out the highest role of a thoroughly good human being. Serene watercolors of a Chinese landscape set the tone for the quiet meditation on the meaning of life. The author pays homage to Tolstoy and other Russian authors in his endnote. Category: Younger Fiction. 2002, Scholastic, 32pp, $16.95. Ages 5 to 9. Rating: 3: Recommended, satisfactory in style, content, and/or illustration.