Noah the hedgehog was the fastest in the forest and loved to boast. One day, Noah laughed at Lily the little bird. ‘You are so slow!’ Noah said. Lily said calmly, ‘Slow, but I always get there.’
‘Let’s race to the top of the hill,’ said Lily. ‘The winner gets a basket of berries.’ Noah laughed so hard. ‘You’ll never beat me!’ But Lily only smiled.
The race began. Noah zoomed off, leaving Lily behind. Halfway up, Noah looked back. Lily was just a dot. ‘I have plenty of time,’ Noah thought, and lay down for a nap.
Lily didn’t stop. Step by step, one foot after another, Lily plodded up the hill. Past the sleeping Noah. Past the rock. Past the old pine tree. Never stopping.
When Noah woke up, Lily was already at the top, holding a basket of berries. Noah dashed up, but too late. ‘You won,’ said Noah, embarrassed. ‘Slow and steady,’ smiled Lily. And Noah 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 Noah stop?
Finish stories to collect Noah as a sticker in your Sticker Book.
More Fables stories
Slow and Steady with Max
A proud runner mocks a slow friend and learns that steady effort beats a quick start.
Arjun and the Slow Road
A proud runner mocks a slow friend and learns that steady effort beats a quick start.
Finn Drops Pebbles
Finn is thirsty, but the water is too low in the jug. A clever idea saves the day!
You might also like
Whose Footprints Are These, Priya?
Strange footprints appear in the snow outside Priya’s door. Whose are they?
Dylan’s Great Forest Cup
The forest animals hold a football cup, but nobody can agree on the rules!
Tara Hunts the Missing Crown
The royal crown has vanished! Tara follows the clues round the castle.