The Hare and the Tortoise

One sunny morning on a grassy hill, Hare laughed at Tortoise. "You are so slow!" he said. "You will never get anywhere."

Tortoise looked up slowly, calm and unbothered. "I will race you," he said. "And I think I will win."

Fox drew a line in the dirt. "Here is the start," she said. "The old oak tree is the finish." Hare and Tortoise lined up side by side, ready to go.

Fox waved her flag. Off they went! Hare leaped far down the path in one great bound. Tortoise took his first step. One foot, then another.

Far ahead, Hare flopped down in a warm, sunny patch of grass. "I have so much time," he said, and he closed his eyes.

Tortoise kept walking, past the tall grass and the cool shade. One foot, then another. He did not stop.

He tiptoed past the sleeping Hare, quiet as a whisper. One foot, then another, and on he went.

Hare woke with a jump! He ran as fast as his legs could go.

But Tortoise was already resting under the old oak tree. Fox waved her flag high in the air. "You made it, Tortoise!" she cheered.

The meadow grew soft and quiet. Tortoise rested under the old oak tree, warm and content. Slow and steady wins the race.