The Hare and the Tortoise (Fairy Tale Classics) [Mass Market Paperback]

Aesop (Author), Arthur Friedman (Author, Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 26, 2001 | Age Level: 4 and up | Grade Level: P and up

A lively and refreshing retelling of this traditional tale of the fast hare and the slow tortoise. This edition has beautiful and detailed full colour ink and watercolour illustrations by Carol Jones, as well as small sepia and black line character drawings adding to the text on each right hand page. Children love the peephole, which adds another dimension to the storytelling.

--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

PreSchool-Grade 3?Jones applies the same peek-hole format she used in This Old Man (1990) and The Cat Sat on the Mat (1994, both Houghton) to her version of this classic fable. Here, the die-cut holes are more of an ornamental gimmick than an integral part of the book. The visual strength lies in the colorful line-and-wash paintings. The story can easily be told through the playful illustrations. Each spread is filled with humorous details that will keep young readers coming back for another look. The text, like the pictures, embellishes the basic story. This is not just a contest between the tortoise and an ordinary hare; this hare, possibly the "forest's first Olympic champion," is frequently featured in the sport's pages. Other animals play significant roles in the race. Purists may find that the extras detract from the story's action and moral, while fans of folklore updates will appreciate the contemporary humor. Those children who are already familiar with the original fable should have fun with this version. Janet Stevens's The Tortoise and the Hare (Holiday, 1984) is another amusing, modern, but more straightforward, version.?Heide Piehler, Shorewood Public Library, WI
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Booklist

Ages 5^-8. In this traditional retelling, a cocky rabbit challenges a plodding but persevering turtle to a foot race, which the rabbit loses through his own carelessness. In true storytelling fashion, Jones extends this usually succinct fable into a full-length picture-book presentation with the addition of minutiae as well as peripheral characters and events. The cluttered pen-and-ink with watercolor illustrations (reminiscent of the style of Peter Spier) perfectly complement the text, offering young listeners much to ponder. What sets this apart from other versions is Jones' use of peepholes--cut-out circles in the center of alternating pages that allow readers to keep both hare and tortoise in view at all times. The book will work best with primary-grade children already familiar with the story, who will enjoy poring over the visual details. Kay Weisman --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 4 and up
  
• Mass Market Paperback: 32 pages
• Publisher: Troll Communications (January 26, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0893754692
• ISBN-13: 978-0893754693
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 7.2 x 0.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,327,251 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars 3.5 Its NOT the Shoes, June 22, 2004

By 

M. Allen Greenbaum (California) - See all my reviews
(TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (VINE VOICE)    (HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Hare and the Tortoise (Hardcover)

At first, the hare is not as inconsiderate and boastful, nor the tortoise quite as virtuous as Jones might have us believe in her version of the fable. In fact, I thought this might become a parody of the moral about the race not always going to the swiftest (maybe the fitter hare might win for once). However, the two animals take their customary roles after this initial originality. It's the familiar tale after all, with some reworking of the pieces.

Illustrations are quirkily interesting, colorful though not vibrant, and a bit too cluttered. Jones shows a deft narrative touch when she describes the other animals helping Tortoise ("A family of frogs jumped into their pond and splashed water all over Tortoise to cool him down."), and she pulls off an exciting finish line.

Neatly cut holes in the center of each page (the pages resemble a collection of old 45 vinyl sleeves) reveal the center of the facing illustration. This is a nice, slightly updated rendering of the fable that younger kids will especially enjoy, but it's not as satisfying as it might have been.

5.0 out of 5 stars classic, April 10, 2011

By 

Roxie - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Hare and the Tortoise (Fairy Tale Classics) (Mass Market Paperback)

Book was needed for my daughters college class.Recieved the book very promptly so she could begin the project right away!Was a book that children love to hear as it is a classic. Very colorful illustrations which kept childrens attention.