The Tortoise and the Hare

A retelling of Aesop's classic fable, this picture book follows the story of a self-assured hare who challenges a tortoise to a race. The colorful illustrations show the characters in contemporary clothing, bringing a modern twist to the traditional tale. The race course winds through fields and forests, with the hare and tortoise encountering various animal spectators along the way. Their different approaches to the competition become clear as the story progresses. This version of the tale emphasizes perseverance and the pitfalls of overconfidence through its vibrant artwork and straightforward narrative. The book presents timeless lessons about the relationship between natural talent and dedicated effort.

Readers praise Stevens' modern twist on the classic fable, with detailed illustrations that add personality to the characters. Parents and teachers note the book engages young readers through humor while preserving the original moral. Liked: - Expressive animal illustrations, especially Hare's smug expressions - Additional storylines and details beyond the basic tale - Clear message about effort vs natural talent - Appeals to children ages 4-8 Disliked: - Some find it too long for very young children - A few readers note the artwork seems dated - Some prefer more traditional tellings Ratings: Goodreads: 4.2/5 (2,100+ ratings) Amazon: 4.7/5 (380+ ratings) One teacher writes: "The illustrations tell as much of the story as the text. Students love finding the small details in each scene." A parent notes: "My 5-year-old requests this version over others because the characters have more personality."

Tops & Bottoms by Janet Stevens A clever hare outsmarts a lazy bear in a story about hard work and garden vegetables.

Stop That Pickle by Peter Armour A runaway pickle leads supermarket foods on a chase through the store in this adaptation of The Gingerbread Man.

The Great Race by David McPhail A bicycle race between a rabbit and bear demonstrates the value of perseverance and strategy.

Town Mouse Country Mouse by Jan Brett Two mice trade places in a story about appreciating one's home and natural environment.

The Really Groovy Story of the Tortoise and the Hare by Kristyn Crow A contemporary retelling sets the classic race in an urban environment with hip-hop elements.

🐢 Janet Stevens was inspired to write her version of this classic tale after watching her daughter's pet tortoise slowly but persistently make its way across their backyard. 🎨 The illustrations in the book were created using colored pencils, watercolors, and pen and ink, giving the characters their distinctive, expressive personalities. 📚 The original Aesop's fable "The Tortoise and the Hare" is believed to have been written around 600 BCE, making it one of the oldest known children's stories still popular today. 🏆 Janet Stevens' adaptation won the 1985 Parents' Choice Picture Book Award and was named an ALA Notable Children's Book. 🐢 In Stevens' version, the tortoise is portrayed wearing reading glasses and carrying a book, emphasizing the message that being thoughtful and well-prepared is just as important as being naturally talented.