Once upon a time, in a lush and leafy glade, there lived a young tortoise named Timmy. With a shell so shiny it gleamed in the sun, Timmy loved to tell all about the great race his grandfather had won.
Each day in the meadow, he'd boast with a grin, 'My grandpa beat the rabbit, slow and steady, he did win!' The other animals would listen, nod, and agree, but Timmy's boasting became a bit too much, you see.
One day, a rabbit named Ronny, with fur soft and gray, said, 'Timmy, how about we race today?' Timmy laughed heartily with a chuckle and a cheer, 'I’ll beat you easily, have no fear!'
With a hop, a skip, and a loud 'BOOM!', the race began under the bright afternoon. Ronny sprinted, darting here and there, while Timmy took his time, going without a care.
Timmy sang a slow song, moving inch by inch, thinking about how he'd win without a pinch. 'Slow and steady wins the race,' Timmy said with a smile. But Ronny was getting faster, mile after mile.
The others watched, worried, from the side, cheering for Timmy as he'd start and slide. 'Ronny's speedy', they whispered, 'Timmy must go!' But Timmy kept a slow pace, no rush, just a show.
Ronny Rabbit reached the finish with a flash and a flair, while Timmy was still far from there. When Timmy finally arrived, late and slow, he realized he'd learned a lesson, just so.
'Sometimes fast is the way to go,' Timmy muttered, low and slow. 'I was busy boasting, I see now that's wrong. I’ll practice, get better, and then be strong.'
Ronny hopped over, giving Timmy a pat, 'No worries, buddy, now let's leave it at that. You did your best, just you wait and see, sometime soon, you'll win a race against me!'
Timmy smiled, a glimmer in his eye, 'Thank you, Ronny, I won't give up, I’ll try!' From then on, Timmy practiced each day, faster and steadier in a focused way.
They raced through the meadow, in rain and sun, and had the best time, full of fun. The other animals cheered and joined in the race, all moving together at their own happy pace.
Timmy no longer boasted, but shared what he did, 'Work hard, stay kind, you'll be glad, dear kid!' And so in the glade, where the sun shone bright, everyone learned, and life was just right.
Reflection Questions