The Tortoise & the Hare

Abstract

Pinkney's art is consistent in its style. And his approach to the story here is excellent. One is surprised to move through the book and find very little text. There is only, part by part, sometimes repeated, always building, the moral Slow and steady wins the race. Perhaps Pinkney's best illustration here has one eyelid down and the other drooping on the resting hare. The Artist's Note at the book's back is helpful. The tortoise proves that it can be wise to have a goal, but one should relish the process of getting there. The handling of the text in this version echoes that message by starting over, again and again, building momentum toward the finish line. But I wanted the hare to teach something, too. Winning isn't eveything. He surprises his friends by not being the sore loser they might expect. Competitors can also be teammates and friends. As he points out, the setting is in the American Southwest. He wanted to make his pictures vibrant,and he accomplishes that goal. Dressing the characters, as he mentions, is a good means to attain that end. This is another fine book!