The Hare and the Tortoise

I think many, if not most, of us are familiar with the classic fable of The Hare and the Tortoise, but wait until you see this version of the popular tale, retold and illustrated by Helen Ward and published by @templarbooks.

Helen Ward has put her own slant on this tale, extending the audience of this famous race to creatures from across the globe, which she has illustrated in the most exquisite detail. Whilst the race takes a slightly different course to the one we are familiar with, the outcome is, of course, the same, and you are left with the same lack of sympathy for the hare and a general feeling of joy that the "slow-witted and stupid" tortoise won in the end.

The story ends but is not closed until you have worked your way through the appendix listing all the animals included in the illustrations and the story. The wonderful facts about each animal will fill your young reader's mind with awe and wonder, along with a wide array of useful general knowledge!

Slow and steady certainly wins the race, but Helen Ward and Templar Books are definitely winning with this beautiful book. It's a timeless story for young and old alike because the moral is a very valuable one. A perfect addition to a Christmas stocking. RRP: £6.99. Available to buy online or from any good booksellers.

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