Hoot Tales

The Tortoise and the Hare

Once upon a time, there lived a hare who could run faster than anyone in the forest. He often teased a tortoise for being so slow.

One day, the tortoise had enough and challenged the hare to a race. The hare laughed and agreed at once, sure he would win easily.

When the race began, the hare dashed far ahead until the tortoise was out of sight. Certain he had plenty of time, he lay down under a tree for a nap.

The tortoise walked on slowly but never stopped, not even once. Step by step, he passed the sleeping hare and made his way toward the finish line.

The hare woke up and ran as fast as he could, but it was too late — the tortoise had already crossed the line. From that day on, the hare never mocked anyone again.

Slow and steady wins the race.

About this story

A fast hare mocks a slow tortoise into a race — but overconfidence costs the hare the win.

About 2–4 minutes👧 Best for ages 4–8📚 Aesop's Fables

What children can learn

Moral Lessons
Written and retold by
Aesop — retold by the Hoot Tales team
License
Public domain · Source: Aesop's Fables
Read this story in another language:TH

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