![]() ![]() A red kite floats through the pages, appearing, disappearing, and reappearing, but never mentioned in the text. There are many subtle nuances that catch the eye and ear. Humans, animals, and nature are depicted with supreme accuracy, while evoking a soft, gentle, dream-like quality. The delicate watercolor paintings are exquisite. The deceptively simple plot is written in language that is filled with visual and auditory imagery, and yet remains accessible to young readers. Muth has created a magical work of depth and beauty. Nikolai’s experiences while visiting Leo help him to find his own answers. He goes to Leo the turtle, who is old and very wise. 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 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. Nikolai wants to be a good person but believes that he needs guidance. ![]()
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