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