The Tortoise and the Hare

Part One · The Race

Hare could run very fast.

"I am the fastest!" he said. "Who will race me?"

"I will," said Tortoise.

Hare laughed. "You are so slow!"

"Ready, set, go!" Hare zoomed off.

Tortoise went step by step.

Hare looked back. Tortoise was far behind.

"I have time for a nap," said Hare.

He lay down under a tree. Soon he was asleep.

Tortoise kept going. Step, step, step.

He went past the tree. Hare did not wake up.

Step, step, step. The end of the race was close!

At last Hare woke up. "Oh no!"

He ran as fast as he could!

But Tortoise was over the line. He won!

The fox and the owl cheered for him.

"Slow and steady wins the race," said Tortoise.

And Hare never laughed at Tortoise again.