Ruby the raccoon was the fastest in the forest and loved to boast. One day, Ruby laughed at Beth the bee. ‘You are so slow!’ Ruby said. Beth said calmly, ‘Slow, but I always get there.’
‘Let’s race to the top of the hill,’ said Beth. ‘The winner gets a basket of berries.’ Ruby laughed so hard. ‘You’ll never beat me!’ But Beth only smiled.
The race began. Ruby zoomed off, leaving Beth behind. Halfway up, Ruby looked back. Beth was just a dot. ‘I have plenty of time,’ Ruby thought, and lay down for a nap.
Beth didn’t stop. Step by step, one foot after another, Beth plodded up the hill. Past the sleeping Ruby. Past the rock. Past the old pine tree. Never stopping.
When Ruby woke up, Beth was already at the top, holding a basket of berries. Ruby dashed up, but too late. ‘You won,’ said Ruby, embarrassed. ‘Slow and steady,’ smiled Beth. And Ruby 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 Ruby stop?
Finish stories to collect Ruby as a sticker in your Sticker Book.
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Felix and the Slow Road
A proud runner mocks a slow friend and learns that steady effort beats a quick start.
Pearl and the Golden Axe
Pearl drops a tool in the river and is offered something much finer. Will she tell the truth?
The Honest Hand of Milo
Milo drops a tool in the river and is offered something much finer. Will he tell the truth?
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