Theodor Bachmann is a patient observer. He can sit beside the pond near St. Mary School for an entire afternoon and not feel like he's wasted a moment of it. He's catalogued the frogs by call, keeps informal tabs on the ducks, and considers himself on a first-name basis with at least three turtles.

The children from St. Mary School are, to Theodor's great delight, excellent companions in this endeavor. They have the right instincts: crouch down, stay quiet, watch what happens. He thinks that's a fine educational philosophy in general. Nature has a lot to say if you give it a moment. Theodor always gives it a moment.