As many of you know, I love children’s stories. When I finished my term in community leadership, I signed up for two classes as a “reward” for my service. The first was a course at our local seminary entitled “The Psalms and Wisdom Literature in the Bible.” The teacher, Fr. Larry Tosco, was superb! The second was a course in children’s literature taught by one of our sisters, Regina Alfonso. Sr. Regina was well-qualified to tutor me in children’s literature. Not only had she taught elementary school for many years, she had also taught children’s literature at Notre Dame College. Each week for one semester she and I met in a small room in NDC’s library with a stack of children’s books to read aloud, talk about, and thoroughly enjoy. It was a foretaste of heaven!
My love for children’s literature led me to some wonderful websites that feature stories often read by famous people, and sometimes by ordinary people including children. The videos use the illustrations from the books, but often the pictures come “alive.” For me, the stories, the art work, and the lively reading provide an enriching and fun experience.
Today I’m sharing two stories with you. Both are found on Storyline Online, one of my favorite websites now. The first story, The Three Questions, is based on a story by the great Russian writer, Leo Tolstoy. The story is written and illustrated by Jon. J. Muth. It features a little boy, Nickolai, who has three very big questions. He seeks the answers to his questions from his friends and a wise old turtle. The story is read in dramatic fashion by Meryl Streep. The second book is entitled The Kiss that Missed written and illustrated by David Melling. Read strikingly by Karan Brar, well-known child actor (who is now 27), this story features a king in a hurry, his little son, and his loyal knight. It’s a fun story–with a serious message!
The Three Questions: (11:25 mins.)
The Kiss that Missed:
The Kiss that Missed read by Karan Brar: (4:39 mins.)
Reflection questions for The Three Questions:
Nickolai’s three questions are these: When is the best time to do things? Who is the most important one? What is the right thing to do?
How does Nickolai answer these three questions by the actions he took in the story?
What do you think of Leo the turtle’s summary of the three answers at the end of the story?
Is there anything you especially liked about this story? the characters… the drawings… the reader… the sounds… any specific words?
Reflection questions for The Kiss that Missed:
Why did the little prince miss his father’s royal kiss?
What effect did that royal kiss have on the wild animals in the forest and on the huge dragon?
The King apologizes to his son for always being in a hurry. How does he show his apology is sincere?
What did you find humorous in the story?
I’m eager to know what you thought of these stories. I hope some of you will comment below. Thank you!
30 Responses
Good morning, Melannie…
Good morning, all…
I love both these stories! And I have to say, Meryl Streep could read the phone book and make it sound interesting!!! The young lad was a terrific reader as well! My two grandchildren love books! In fact, one of them insists on being read to while he is eating (My wife and I recently discovered this first hand!). On today’s “to-do” list, I’m adding: “Email my son and his wife with these two book titles — as well as the Youtube links you’ve provided!
John, I smiled that your grandson likes to be read to while he is eating! It reminded me of my early days in the convent when we had silence at most of our meals and ate while listening to books being read. Maybe your grandson is going to be a monk someday!… Glad you enjoyed the stories too! Melannie
Dear Melanie,
Today you wrote and explained Children’s Literature that is so close to my heart too. As a former principal and teacher my favorite was reading to children. I had a couple hundred children’s books when I retired.
Are there links I could use to refresh myself with children’s literature or go to the library and teach myself again. I loved what you did.
Thank you
Sr. Ellen, How nice to connect with a kindred spirit! To refresh yourself in Children’s literature, you might go to the Storyline Online website and just begin “reading.” There are hundreds of books! I’m sure they have selected some of the best children’s stories from “old ones” (like “The Giving Tree”) to more contemporary ones. You can narrow your search by describing a story you’d like to read–for example, a story that features a young girl… or a humorous story about animals… or a story that talks about kindness… or whatever. Good luck with your searching! Melannie
I am a former kindergarten teacher. I love children’s literature and the life lessons that can be learned from simple stories. These are both beautiful examples. I love the wise old turtles answers and how he showed the boy that he was already living in the now and answering his own questions . Thank for introducing me to storyline online
Charlotte, I liked your phrase “life lessons that can be learned from simple stories.” I hope this brief introduction to “Storyline Online” leads to your further enjoyment of the beauty and power and fun of many more children’s books!. Thanks for writing! Melannie
The Three Questions had beautiful illustrations and animation which made the questions more meaningful. The simplicity of the story touched my heart.
Kathleen, You point out so clearly what attracted me to this book! Thank you for your succinct description. Melannie
I loved the first story. Clearly, the boy was emotionally balanced and socially engaged. If he were self-absorbed, his questions would not consider more than pleasing himself. What came from him were attitudes of humilty, in asking his animal friends, respect for maturity, in seeking the wisdom of the old turtle (famous infolklore for slowness) and empathy, in rescuing and tending to the injury of the mother Panda, then racing to recover her baby. The implicit message is that one who is able should take immediate care of those in distress, that all creatures are lovable, all are kin, that even fearsome dragons respond to friendly gentleness–and the only ones who should be ignored are those driven by the craving for domination, like the dog. The prince in a hurry learned that haste is inhumane. A stable noble person needs to share wisdom and beauty in the security of one’s home.
George, Thank you for your many wise comments. I liked the way you pointed out the boy’s natural empathy… his humility to seek counsel from his friends… and his understanding that all creatures are kin. Well noted. Thank you very much! Melannie
I’m a retired elementary school teacher, currently a part-time storytime librarian at our local library. I love children’s literature and sharing it with kids and their families! Thank you for sharing these stories. Important lessons about being aware of who we are with in the moment.
Debbie, What a wonderful occupation: a part-time storytime librarian! I imagine your knowledge of children’s literature is pretty vast. It is so good having your response on my blog! Thank you so much! Melannie
Thank you , I needed this today. Always a blessing.
Debi, It’s the Spirit that led me to post this reflection today. So glad you found it “a blessing.” Melannie
Hello , Thank you for sharing these two stories. I really enjoyed ‘The Three Questions’ and found it very much in line with Jesus’ life and teaching . He always made the other person the most important, did what was right and at the present time, acting immediately. I think it is a wonderfully written and illustrated book. I will definitely look for it for my Granddaughter aged five and for myself.
I liked the ‘Kiss that Missed’ less but it is still a helpful book especially if read by busy parents to their children.
Jeannette, I too found “The Three Questions” so “in line with Jesus’ life and teaching.” I liked the way you described Jesus here. It’s beautiful! Thank you so much for sharing your insights with us. Melannie
I too love children’s literature, and I also took a Children’s Literature class while (finally!) finishing my BA in 2006. I have a copy of Muth’s The Three Questions (as well as his Zen Shorts). Every once in a while, I’ll take it off the shelf and re-read it to remind myself about what is really important. After watching Meryl Streep’s video reading in 2024, I knew I had to own it.
Two weeks ago, my daughter died, and when I watched the video again yesterday, I was reminded that the most important one I am with is the one I am with.
Thank you for the love I discovered in this week’s blog.
Annmarie, My deepest sympathy to you on the death of your daughter. My readers and I will surely hold her and you in special prayer…
I appreciate your love for Muth’s book–and how impressed you were with Meryl Streep’s reading of the story. And thank you for your final reminder: “the most important one is the one I am with.” Melannie
Sister Melannie
Thank you for the opportunity to email you. The stories tell me what I am always learning to do–live in the present and act with your guidance from within. Most of us know what to do, but our preoccupy egos keep us from doing it. I enjoy reading your posts every week. I don’t respond to them because I don’t have a face book account. You touch my heart with each post.
Rick from Saint Peters Missouri about 20 miles west of Saint Louis Missouri
Rick, Thank you for writing. I hope it won’t be the last time we hear from you. I’m glad my posts “touch your heart.” Your words touched mine! Melannie
Thank you Sr. Melanie! I’m 66 years old and I love being read to. Meryl Streep is one of my favorite actresses too. The combination of both and combined with a thought provoking story is perfect. Reminds me to stay in the present moment. Which is the only moment.
I recently became a Grandma and am sending a copy of “The Three Questions” to my daughter and son-in-law so they can read to my grandson. I know they will love it too.
Laurie, Like you, I love being read to also! When I give retreats or days of reflection, I will often read something aloud to the group–a short reflection or story. Afterwards, someone will come up to me and say, “I forgot how wonderful it is to be read to!” I’m sure you will be reading to your new little grandson in the future. Congratuations on being a grandmother! Melannie
Loved the stories. Saving this blog to share the stories with my great nieces and nephews. Thanks, Sr. Melanie. God bless you (He has)
Missy, I’m glad you’re going to share these stories with your great nieces and nephews! They deserve to be shared! Thanks for letting me know you’re doing this! Melannie
Good evening Sr. Melannie. I love children’s literature! I would read some of the books I discovered while teaching kindergarten to my seventh and eighth graders. They would laugh that the day was a vacation day when I would bring out a picture book until we would discuss it. I’ve used the first book and was amazed at the pre and post reading discussions and the students’’ answers to the questions. I hope to pass down my love of reading to my grandnieces and nephews. They get a book for birthdays, Christmases , all the way to graduation from high school. Hopefully it’s working. I’ve also told their parents about Storyline online.
I also have asked preschool parents in the school that I taught at to sign their kids up for Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library that she started to honor her father who couldn’t read. It sends a book to the child once a month until they turn five. (Hopefully she is singing and reading to little ones in heaven,
Thanks for this week’s blog Sr. Melannie. God bless you and each of us.
Martha,
Thank you for your wonderful response to this week’s post! I think it’s beautiful that you read “little kids”” books to your “big kids.” And how nice that you’re trying to pass down your love for reading by giving books as gifts to the next and next generations in your family…. I marveled at the “coincidence” that I posted this particular reflection on children’s books on Monday the 24th and Dolly passed away on Tuesday, the 25th. I always liked Dolly Parton (remember, I’m a Dolly too… the name my family still calls me…) I admire her devotion to her family and her mountain roots, her “rise” from poverty, her amazing musical gifts, her extreme generosity to the poor, her positive attitude toward life, and, of course, her funding of the “Imagination Library.” Thanks again for writing! Melannie
Thank you Melannie and all readers for sharing. It has taken me all this time to read your post. I have just recently moved to new living arrangements. What I learned from this sharing is to stop missing the past and live in the now. Enjoy the people in my day now. Thank you to all. God bless. Tina
Tina, I will pray for your move to “new living arrangements.” Such moves are seldom easy as we have to adapt to new situations and people. I’m happy that the stories and discussion here provided some “guidance” for you at this particular time in your life. Thanks for your sharing! Melannie
Hello all,
Yay! Your blog just showed up today and I love it. I am a retired teacher of first grade and kindergarten. I’ve taught for 45 years in the Catholic schools here in Minnesota, and since retirement I sub and volunteer in the library singing songs and reading wonderful children’s stories to my ” littles” The Three Questions is one of them. It can be surprising what those children hear in those stories, and what they don’t!! Kids that age do a pretty good job of living in the present, and we can learn a lot from them. Jesus was never more “right on” when he told us to be like them. I’m trying…
Cookie, What a rich life you seem to have had–and are still having! I appreciated your comments: “kids that age do a pretty good job of living in the present” and “Jesus was never more ‘right on’ than when he told us to be like them.'” May you continue to bring joy by your reading to your kids… and to grow in wisdom by listening to them! Melannie