FANTARA STORYBOOK · 01
The Tortoise and the Hare
Two very different friends. One winding path. And a race with a surprising finish.
A fable by Aesop · 3 minute read
Scroll to begin01 / A VERY CONFIDENT HARE
The fastest in the meadow.
On a bright morning, Hare bounded down the path. He loved to show everyone how fast he could run. When Tortoise came walking by, Hare laughed at his tiny, careful steps.
“At that speed, you’ll never get anywhere!”
02 / THE CHALLENGE
A small voice. A brave idea.
Tortoise looked up with a smile. He was slow, but he was not afraid to try. Hare could hardly believe his ears. A race against Tortoise? This would be easy!
“Then let’s have a race,” said Tortoise.
03 / THE RACE BEGINS
Ready, steady… go!
They agreed to race to the sign at the end of the meadow. Off went Hare in a flash, leaving a little cloud of dust behind him. Tortoise took one step. Then another. His race had begun, too.
04 / IN THE SHADE
“There’s plenty of time.”
Far ahead, Hare stopped beneath a shady tree. Tortoise was nowhere in sight. “I’ll rest for just a moment,” he thought. He settled into the soft grass, closed his eyes, and soon fell fast asleep.
05 / KEEP GOING
One little step at a time.
Meanwhile, Tortoise kept going. The path was long, and the finish still felt far away. But he did not stop to worry about Hare. He simply kept putting one foot in front of the other.
“I can keep going. One more step.”
06 / A QUIET SURPRISE
Past the sleeping Hare.
At last, Tortoise reached the shady tree. There was Hare, still dreaming! Tortoise walked quietly past him. Step by step, the finish sign grew closer.
07 / THE LAST DASH
Hare opened his eyes…
The sun had moved across the sky. Hare sprang up. Tortoise was almost at the finish! As fast as his legs could carry him, Hare raced down the path. But was he fast enough this time?
08 / YOU’VE FINISHED THE STORY
Slow and steady wins the race.
Tortoise crossed the finish first! Hare arrived just too late. “Well done,” he said softly. He had learned that being fast is not enough. Tortoise smiled: patience and perseverance had carried him all the way.