Open in the phone-friendly book reader →
STAY PLAYFUL STORYBOOKS
The Tortoise and the Hare
24 illustrated story pages · Read together at your own pace
PAGE 1 OF 24
A Steady Little Traveler
Every morning, Tortoise followed the path through the meadow. His feet were small, his shell was sturdy, and he never hurried. He liked the dew on the clover and the songs in the trees. Wherever he meant to go, he kept going until he arrived.
PAGE 2 OF 24
Quick as the Wind
Hare loved to run. He bounded over roots and whisked around bushes, his long ears streaming behind him. One bright morning, he raced past Tortoise, circled back, and grinned. “At your pace,” he said, “it must take all day to get anywhere!”
PAGE 3 OF 24
No Need to Laugh
Tortoise stopped and looked up. “I get where I am going,” he said. Hare twitched his whiskers. “But you could never keep up with me!” A little breeze stirred the grass. Tortoise thought for a moment, then gave a small, certain nod.
PAGE 4 OF 24
An Unexpected Challenge
“Then let us have a race,” said Tortoise. Hare's ears sprang straight up. “A race? You and me?” “You and me,” Tortoise replied. Hare laughed, but Tortoise did not change his mind. He was ready to try, one step at a time.
PAGE 5 OF 24
Fox Marks the Way
Fox agreed to judge. “Begin at the oak,” she said. “Follow the path across the little bridge, around the poppies, past the willow, and over the hill. The ribbon beneath the chestnut tree marks the finish.” Both racers listened. There would be one route for them both.
PAGE 6 OF 24
Ready, Steady, Go!
At the oak tree, Fox drew a line across the dusty path. Hare crouched beside it, eager to spring. Tortoise placed his feet carefully at the same line. Fox raised one paw. “Ready?” Both nodded. Her paw swept down. “Go!”
PAGE 7 OF 24
A Flying Start
Hare shot forward with a joyful leap. In moments, he was several bounds ahead. He loved the swish of the grass and the rush of air against his whiskers. Behind him, Tortoise took his first steps. They were small steps, but the race had begun.
PAGE 8 OF 24
His Own Pace
Tortoise did not try to leap like Hare. He set one foot down, then another, keeping to the winding path. Hare was already out of sight. Tortoise watched where he was going. “One step,” he murmured, “and then the next.”
PAGE 9 OF 24
Over the Bridge
Hare pattered across the little wooden bridge. The stream flashed silver below him. On the far bank, he glanced back. No Tortoise. “This will be the easiest race I have ever run,” he said, and bounded toward the red poppies.
PAGE 10 OF 24
One Plank at a Time
When Tortoise reached the bridge, he climbed onto the wooden boards. He could hear water bubbling between the stones below. The boards were warm under his feet. He crossed without stopping, and soon the bridge was behind him too.
PAGE 11 OF 24
A Comfortable Idea
Beyond the poppies, Hare found a willow with a cool patch of shade. He looked along the empty path behind him. “I am so far ahead,” he thought. “There is time for a little rest.” He settled beside the trunk, just off the racing path.
PAGE 12 OF 24
Just a Little Nap
The grass felt soft. The leaves whispered overhead. Hare stretched his long legs and closed his eyes. He meant to rest for only a moment. But the breeze was gentle, and the shade was pleasant. Before long, Hare was fast asleep.
PAGE 13 OF 24
Around the Poppies
Tortoise followed the bend where scarlet poppies nodded beside the path. A butterfly drifted over his shell, then floated away. He kept his eyes on the way ahead. The willow was getting closer. His feet were still moving, one after another.
PAGE 14 OF 24
Past the Sleeping Hare
At the willow, Tortoise saw Hare resting in the shade. Hare's ears lay still, and his eyes were shut. Tortoise did not shout or stop to boast. He stayed on the path and walked quietly past. There was still a hill to climb.
PAGE 15 OF 24
The Uphill Part
The path began to rise. Tortoise's legs felt tired, and each step took a little more effort. He slowed, but he did not turn back. He found firm places for his feet and climbed. The top of the hill came nearer with every step.
PAGE 16 OF 24
The Ribbon Ahead
At the top, Tortoise could see the chestnut tree. Beneath it, a pale ribbon stretched between two short posts. Fox was waiting beside the finish. Tortoise took a breath and started down the gentle slope. Now he could see exactly where he was going.
PAGE 17 OF 24
Fox Keeps Watch
Fox watched the path from the shade of the chestnut tree. She had expected Hare's long ears to appear first. Instead, she spotted Tortoise coming steadily down the slope. She smiled and stood ready by the ribbon. The race was not over yet.
PAGE 18 OF 24
Hare Wakes Up
Back at the willow, Hare opened one eye. The patch of sunshine had moved. He sat up and listened. Then he looked toward the hill. There was no sign of Tortoise. Had he already gone past? Hare sprang to his feet. His little nap had lasted much too long!
PAGE 19 OF 24
As Fast as He Could
Hare ran. His paws drummed along the path, past the roots and up the hill. This time, he did not stop to admire his speed. He stretched into his longest bounds. The chestnut tree came into view, and Tortoise was very close to the ribbon.
PAGE 20 OF 24
A Few More Steps
Tortoise heard quick footsteps behind him. He did not look back. The ribbon was just ahead: a few more steps, then a few more. Fox watched closely. Hare was coming fast, but Tortoise kept the same patient rhythm all the way to the line.
PAGE 21 OF 24
Tortoise Crosses First
Tortoise reached the ribbon. It slipped loose from one post and fluttered beside him. “Tortoise wins!” called Fox. Tortoise blinked, then smiled a wide, happy smile. He had crossed first. All those little steps had carried him to the finish.
PAGE 22 OF 24
Hare Reaches the Finish
A moment later, Hare crossed the line too. He slowed to a walk, breathing hard, and looked at Tortoise. For once, he had nothing quick to say. Fox gave him time to catch his breath. Tortoise waited quietly beside the chestnut tree.
PAGE 23 OF 24
A Better Thing to Say
“I laughed at you,” Hare said at last. “I thought being fast was all that mattered. I am sorry.” “Thank you,” said Tortoise. “You are very fast. I just kept going.” Hare nodded. “And you finished what you started. Well done, Tortoise.”
PAGE 24 OF 24
Home Together
When it was time to go home, Hare walked beside Tortoise. This time, he noticed the clover, the butterflies, and the little stream. He did not hurry his friend. Together they followed the path through the meadow, with plenty of time to enjoy the way.
AFTER THE STORY
Read, talk & play.
Stay with the story a little longer. Pick a question or try a drawing together.
Talk together
- How do Tortoise and Hare approach the race differently?
- What helps Tortoise keep going?
- Can you remember something you learned a little at a time?
Draw your own meadow journey
You’ll need: paper and crayons or pencils.
Draw a winding path for Tortoise and Hare. Add a starting place, a finishing place, and three things to notice along the way. Trace the journey with your finger and describe what the friends see.
For younger children: let your child choose the colors and describe their ideas while you draw together.
Explore a related activity guide →See the book covers
