The Hare and the Tortoise

Bibliographic Information: Aesop. (1962). The Hare and the Tortoise. Illus. Paul Galdone. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill Book Company.

Brief Annotation: The Hare is boasting of his great and unchallenged speed to all the forest animals when Tortoise accepts his challenge. Tortoise is amused by this slow-moving animal and gloats about his eminent win. Hare takes off with a start and Tortoise, one slow step at a time. After waking from a short nap, Hare realizes that Tortoise is near the finish line and Hare has lost.
Genre: Fable
Grade Level: Pre K-3
Readers who will like this: Young readers who enjoy stories about animals will enjoy this fable.
Response/Rating (1-4): This is a classic fable of animals exhibiting human behaviors that point out our flaws and lessons we must learn. Although Galdone only uses three colors to illustrate this fable, he portrays beautifully a hot sunny day with all the animals gathered to hear the boasting rabbit. He gives the animals character and expression. Of course this fable bespeaks of a necessary lesson for youth and adults alike. I rate this book 4 of 4.
One question you would ask before a read aloud: How would you describe a Hare and a Tortoise? Do you think these are animals that might get along in nature? Why do you think the Tortoise accepts the Hare's challenge? Have you ever had a friend who was boasting about something? What does boasting mean?