Jonah the rabbit was the fastest in the forest and loved to boast. One day, Jonah laughed at Stan the snail. ‘You are so slow!’ Jonah said. Stan said calmly, ‘Slow, but I always get there.’
‘Let’s race to the top of the hill,’ said Stan. ‘The winner gets a carrot cake.’ Jonah laughed so hard. ‘You’ll never beat me!’ But Stan only smiled.
The race began. Jonah zoomed off, leaving Stan behind. Halfway up, Jonah looked back. Stan was just a dot. ‘I have plenty of time,’ Jonah thought, and lay down for a nap.
Stan didn’t stop. Step by step, one foot after another, Stan plodded up the hill. Past the sleeping Jonah. Past the rock. Past the old pine tree. Never stopping.
When Jonah woke up, Stan was already at the top, holding a carrot cake. Jonah dashed up, but too late. ‘You won,’ said Jonah, embarrassed. ‘Slow and steady,’ smiled Stan. And Jonah 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 Jonah stop?
Finish stories to collect Jonah as a sticker in your Sticker Book.
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The Tortoise, Sam and the Hill
A proud runner mocks a slow friend and learns that steady effort beats a quick start.
The Tortoise, Toby and the Hill
A proud runner mocks a slow friend and learns that steady effort beats a quick start.
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