Fables for kids are full of wisdom and adventure, teaching important life lessons through short animal stories. This bedtime fable is a fresh retelling of the classic “Tortoise and the Hare” story, showing how determination and patience can lead to victory. If you love engaging bedtime stories with a moral, this one’s for you!
The Tortoise and the Boastful Hare
In a lively meadow where the sun danced on wildflowers, lived a swift and energetic hare named Harry. Harry was the fastest runner in the forest, and he never let anyone forget it.
“No one can beat me! I’m the speediest creature around!” he bragged, flicking his ears.
The animals had heard it one too many times, and finally, Toby the Tortoise spoke up.
“Speed isn’t everything, Harry. Sometimes, slow and steady wins the race,” Toby said with a wise smile.
Harry burst into laughter. “You? Beat me? That’s the funniest thing I’ve ever heard! Let’s race and prove it!”
The forest animals gathered in excitement, marking a racecourse through the trees. The finish line was a big oak tree on the hill.
“On your marks… get set… GO!”
Harry zoomed ahead, kicking up dust, while Toby took one slow, steady step at a time.
Halfway through, Harry looked back. Toby was so far behind that he couldn’t help but laugh. “This race is too easy! I might as well take a little nap.”
Harry stretched out under a shady tree and dozed off, completely confident that he would still win.
Meanwhile, Toby kept moving, slow but steady, his eyes focused on the goal. He didn’t rush, didn’t stop, just kept going.
As the sun dipped lower, Toby finally reached the hilltop. The animals cheered loudly—so much that it woke Harry up!
Harry gasped when he saw Toby just inches from the finish line. He leaped up and dashed toward the tree, but—too late! Toby had already crossed!
The animals erupted in cheers as Harry stood in shock.
“But… but… I’m the fastest!” he stammered.
Toby smiled. “That’s true, Harry. But speed means nothing if you don’t stay focused. Slow and steady wins the race.”
Harry sighed, then chuckled. He had learned his lesson. From that day on, he still loved to race—but he also learned the power of persistence and patience.
Moral of the story:
“Success isn’t just about speed—it’s about staying focused and never giving up.”
