In the sunny glade where animals lived and played, there was one boastful hare named Harry. Always the fastest, Harry liked to brag. “I can run laps around this glade in no time. Is there anyone brave enough to challenge me?”
All the animals listened and then shook their heads. Finally, Timmy the tortoise spoke up, “Harry, I will race you.” Everyone laughed. “A tortoise racing a hare? This will be fun!” said Harry. But Timmy was serious.
The other animals saw Timmy was determined so they marked the racecourse and quickly drew the rules. “On the count of three,” said the owl, who would act as referee. “One, two, three, go!” Off they dashed. Harry leapt ahead of Timmy, who was crawling slowly but steadily toward the first mark.
Once Harry was far ahead, he turned around and saw Timmy still moving slowly. “Why go on? I should take a nap and wait for that tortoise to pass me,” he chuckled. Turning on his side, he soon fell asleep.
Sometime later, a rabbit hopped by and laughed at the sight of the snoring hare. “How dull! Harry is snoring.” So, hopping over to Harry, he shook him awake and said, “Harry, why are you sleeping? You have a race to finish!”
Harry awoke, looked around, and said, “Thanks for waking me. Silly tortoise! Timmy is still miles away from the finish line.” But to his surprise, Harry saw Timmy was not so far away at all. He leapt up and dashed down the course. But Timmy had stayed the course, moving slow and steady, and finally won the race.
All the animals cheered Timmy, and Harry hung his head. Everyone enjoyed a feast that day provided by Harry. When everyone was having fun and Harry thought they forgot, Timmy spoke up. “This feast reminds me never to judge others by outward appearances alone. Remember: Slow and steady wins the race.”