The Tortoise or the Hare
Subtitle
Toni and Slade Morrison
Illustrated by Joe Cepeda

Simon & Schuster
2010 / ISBN 9781416983347
Children Fiction (Ages 4-8)
Amazon

Reviewed by Bob Walch

This reworking of the well-known Aesop’s fable about the tortoise and the hare puts an interesting spin on the story. In this instance “slow and steady” may not win the race but it does have other benefits.

The hare will finish the race first but it will be the brainy tortoise who discovers that the story of the race is, perhaps, far more important than who actually wins.

Another interesting twist is that the two social outcasts, the featured hare and tortoise, finish this tale as good friends and that, may be the most important message of all.

Joe Cepeda’s art brings this story alive and with the new life Toni Morrison and her son breathe into the iconic fable I think you’ll find this will become a favorite read aloud book around bedtime for children three to four years of age and older.

Reviewer's Note: