The Tortoise and the Hare [Hardcover]

Betty Miles (Author), Paul Meisel (Illustrator)

Book Description

Series: Starting to Read

Recounts in simple dialogue the famous tale of the race between the persevering tortoise and the boastful hare.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

PreSchool-Grade 1AMiles's introduction informs parents that "old stories" are good for new readers because of their use of familiar story lines and repetitive words. The author then uses these techniques in her retelling of this classic Aesop fable, using only dialogue, keeping the words to a minimum, and repeating certain phrases throughout. While the tale itself remains unchanged, this version has a modern bent to it, expressed primarily through the cartoon illustrations. All of the animals are dressed in colorful clothing, except for Tortoise, who wears nothing but his shell and a pair of sneakers. They all sport letters on their chests (Tortoise wears a 'T,' Hare an 'H,' and Bear a 'B") except for Fox, who has his whole name on his shirt. These cleverly placed clues will help children remember what letter each animal's name starts with. Amusing details include Tortoise's little round glasses perched on the end of his nose and the banners that cheer on the racers. A great choice for beginning readers to tackle on their own.ADina Sherman, Brooklyn Children's Museum, NY
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist

Gr. 1. Miles does a fine job of turning Aesop's fable into a story that beginners can enjoy reading. Sentences are short ("one step, another step") but work beautifully. When the hare falls asleep, Miles only needs one word of text to explain the situation: "Zzzzz." Pen-and-watercolor artwork adds to the sprightly package. A fun entry into the Starting to Read series. Ilene Cooper

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing (April 1, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0689817924
• ISBN-13: 978-0689817922
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (14 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,672,938 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A neat Legend, November 6, 2000

A Kid's Review

This review is from: The Tortoise and the Hare (Reading Rainbow Books) (Paperback)

This book is mostly about a race between a Tortoise and the Hare. The Hare is favored to win by everyone even the Tortoise, but the Hare refuses to take the race seriously. Will the lack of confidence allow the Hare to win? Will the Hare just blow-out the Tortoise? Will the Tortoise shock the Hare and win? Get this exciting book to find out.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars My childhood version, May 11, 2008

By 

Backroads "Scatter-brained book fan" (Cache Valley, Utah) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: The Tortoise and the Hare (Reading Rainbow Books) (Paperback)

This is the version of the story with which I grew up. Ms. Stevens not only adds adorable and detailed pictures, but stretches out the story to include some characterization and subtle humor that even the adults will appreciate. The illustrations show so much expression, and the writing is full of personality. Great kids' book.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars The tortoise and the hare, April 7, 2005

A Kid's Review

This review is from: The Tortoise and the Hare (Reading Rainbow Books) (Paperback)

I think that this book is good for childrens because it has a
very good message it teaches childrens to not make fun of people
because of their characteristics.