Arjun the deer was the fastest in the forest and loved to boast. One day, Arjun laughed at Mabel the mouse. ‘You are so slow!’ Arjun said. Mabel said calmly, ‘Slow, but I always get there.’
‘Let’s race to the top of the hill,’ said Mabel. ‘The winner gets a golden acorn.’ Arjun laughed so hard. ‘You’ll never beat me!’ But Mabel only smiled.
The race began. Arjun zoomed off, leaving Mabel behind. Halfway up, Arjun looked back. Mabel was just a dot. ‘I have plenty of time,’ Arjun thought, and lay down for a nap.
Mabel didn’t stop. Step by step, one foot after another, Mabel plodded up the hill. Past the sleeping Arjun. Past the rock. Past the old pine tree. Never stopping.
When Arjun woke up, Mabel was already at the top, holding a golden acorn. Arjun dashed up, but too late. ‘You won,’ said Arjun, embarrassed. ‘Slow and steady,’ smiled Mabel. And Arjun never boasted again.
The little lesson
Slow and steady wins the race.
Let’s talk about it
- Who do you think would win?
- Why did Arjun stop?
Finish stories to collect Arjun as a sticker in your Sticker Book.
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