The Tortoise and the Hare

The Hare was the fastest animal in the forest and he never let anyone forget it.

"I'm the fastest! No one can beat me! I could beat anyone with my eyes closed!" he bragged every single day.

One day, the Tortoise had heard enough. "I'll race you," he said quietly.

Everyone laughed. The Hare laughed loudest of all. "You? Race ME? Your legs are shorter than my ears!"

"Nevertheless," said the Tortoise. "I challenge you to a race."

The race was set. All the animals gathered to watch. The Fox dropped his flag and they were off.

The Hare sprinted ahead so fast he was out of sight in seconds. The Tortoise took one slow step. Then another. Then another.

Halfway through, the Hare looked back. The Tortoise was a tiny dot in the distance. "This is too easy," the Hare laughed. "I'll take a little nap and still win."

He lay down under a tree and fell asleep.

The Tortoise kept walking. One step. Then another. Then another. Past the meadow. Past the stream. Past the sleeping Hare.

When the Hare finally woke up, he saw the Tortoise just steps from the finish line. He ran as fast as he could — but it was too late.

The Tortoise crossed the finish line. The crowd cheered. The Hare stood there, stunned.

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