One day Tortoise overhears Hare boasting, 'I can run so fast I leave the wind behind.' 'What nonsense,' says Tortoise to Hare. 'I'll give you a race.' Hare falls about laughing, but all the same he accepts the challenge. As they set off, Hare bounds down the lane, with Tortoise creeping along behind. Hare obviously has the natural advantage, so he stops for an elevenses of carrots, is overcome by sleepiness and takes a long nap. Soon Tortoise has crept slowly but surely past him and wins the race - just! Aesop's most well-known fable - pitting boastfulness and conceit against sharp wits and doggedness - is simply but delightfully retold by Angela McAllister and is illustrated by Jonathan Heale's stylish woodcuts to create an animal classic.

 

There are 32 pages in this book. This is a picture book. A picture book uses pictures and text to tell the story. The number of words varies from zero ('wordless') to around 1k over 32 pages. Picture books are typically aimed at young readers (age 3-6) but can also be aimed at older children (7+). This book was published 2007 by Frances Lincoln Publishers Ltd .

Jonathan Heale studied typography and fine art at the Royal College of Art. He now works in oils and woodcuts, and his hand-painted china is much sought after. Angela McAllister is an award-winning author of over sixty books for children and young teens. She lives in Hampshire.