ages 4-8
no awards ( )

Wildsmith's retold version of the tortoise and the hare is almost the same as the original. In his version of the classic tale, the hare sorts of mock the tortoise when proving to him that he can win the race, even while carrying his house. The pictures are absolutely gorgeous in Wildsmith's version of the tale and really makes the read more interesting. I really liked this book. ( )

Characters: Hare, tortoise

Setting: In the forest

Theme: Modesty, diligence, and persistence produce successful end results.

Motif: Unwise antagonist

Summary: The Hare and the tortoise are on a race. In the beginning, the hare seems invincible. However his boastfulness leads him to think that a little nap will not hurt him in the race that already has a winner, the hare. Little did he know that ever persistent tortoise has already won the race by the time the hare woke up.

Review: Regardless of age, students procrastinate. They leave their homework assignments or preparing for exams until the last minute. This fable can teach the consequence of procrastinating as well as the importance of modesty, diligence, and persistence in tasks. Also, students can learn from how tortoise challenged what the world perceived as a losing game for him and still treated it with positive attitude. Students, and adults likewise, prefer shortcuts to avoid challenges. But sometimes in life challenging themselves can take them to a higher level, whether it is in life, society, or community. Also, I liked how the illustrations were subjective and enigmatic.

Curriculum ties: Health (decision making) ( )

Wildsmith, Brian. The Hare and the Tortoise. (1966). London: Oxford University Press.

In this retelling of the familiar fable the hare thinks he is more clever than the tortoise, who moves slowly and carries his house on his back. The tortoise disagrees and challenges him to a race over the hill, through the hedge, along the carrot field, and to the old cart. The hare laughs at him but agrees to the race. As news of the race spreads, the animals and birds come to watch. When the race starts, the tortoise moves slowly, and the hare practically flies, he is so fast. As the tortoise plods along, the hare stops to nibble here and there along the way and falls asleep. He wakes up just as the tortoise nears the cart, but he can’t catch up, and the tortoise wins. The tortoise explains to the animals how he won the race in his slow and steady way and beat the quick and careless hare.

This book will appeal to young elementary students. The wording is simple and clear and the plot is simple too. The illustrations are drawn in soft colors and are charming. They reflect the action in the story. What’s unique about this book ii is written simply and clearly but is still detail and descriptive enough to help young readers see the fields and see the animals in their mind as they read along. ( )

Lush illustrations enhance the classic fable of the tortoise and the hare. There's a wild feeling about the paintings that suits the story well.