One sunny morning, Turtle woke up with a smile.
“Today is race day!” Turtle said excitedly to himself.
His friend Rabbit hopped by and laughed, “You? Race?”
“Yes, I will race!” Turtle replied, nodding his head firmly.
Everyone knew Rabbit was the fastest runner in the meadow.
Turtle was the slowest, but he was very determined.
Turtle believed he could win if he didn’t give up.
The other animals gathered to watch the race.
“On your marks!” cheered Bird from a tree.
“Get set!” called Frog from the pond.
“Go!” yelled Fox, swinging his bushy tail.
Rabbit dashed off quickly, far ahead of Turtle.
“Are you okay, Turtle?” Squirrel asked, worried.
“I’m fine,” said Turtle, moving at his own pace.
“I’ll just keep going and going,” Turtle whispered.
Rabbit soon grew tired and lay down under a tree.
“I’m so fast, I can nap,” Rabbit said, closing his eyes.
Turtle slowly crept past Rabbit, step by step.
“I won’t stop,” said Turtle, “just a little more.”
The animals gasped in wonder, “Will Turtle win?”
Finally, Turtle crossed the finish line, winning the race.
“Hooray for Turtle!” cheered Bird, Frog, and Squirrel.
Rabbit woke up and saw Turtle celebrating with friends.
“You did it, Turtle! You kept going,” Rabbit smiled.
“Slow and steady wins the race!” Turtle said proudly.
The end.