Dickens & Rumi

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The hare and the tortoise, based on the fable by La Fontaine

Brian Wildsmith · 1966

Explore the age guidance, content cautions, positive qualities, and supporting notes for The hare and the tortoise, based on the fable by La Fontaine by Brian Wildsmith. This book is recommended for ages 3+; content notes include Strong language, Violence; positive qualities include Positive messages, Creativity & curiosity.

Ages 3+Source checked

Why this age? The story is brief and accessible for young children; competition and teasing are mild, and the clear moral is suitable for preschoolers with adult discussion. This is guidance, not a safety guarantee; reading level and family context may differ.

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At a glance

Recommended age3+

Strongest cautions

  • Strong language1/5
  • Violence1/5

Strongest positives

  • Positive messages4/5
  • Creativity & curiosity3/5
  • Good role models3/5

What’s in it?

Strong language1/5
Why this rating?

The language is appropriate for young children.

Violence1/5
Why this rating?

There is no violence in this fable.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience2/5
Why this rating?

The tortoise shows courage and determination in attempting a race against a much faster opponent.

Creativity & curiosity3/5
Why this rating?

Wildsmith's vibrant, artistic style is highly imaginative and visually stimulating for young readers.

Educational value2/5
Why this rating?

The story helps children learn reading comprehension and social-emotional lessons.

Kindness & empathy1/5
Why this rating?

The tortoise is shown as focused and diligent, though interpersonal kindness isn't the primary focus of this race-based narrative.

Positive messages4/5
Why this rating?

The book teaches the valuable moral that persistence and humility lead to success, while arrogance leads to failure.

Good role models3/5
Why this rating?

The tortoise acts as a positive role model by demonstrating persistence, while the hare serves as a cautionary tale about ego.

Family discussion

Talk about it

Conversation starters based on this title’s published content notes.

  1. What message do you think the story most wants you to remember?
  2. Why do you think the characters used the language they did? Did it change how you saw them?
  3. Which choice in The hare and the tortoise, based on the fable by La Fontaine would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in The hare and the tortoise, based on the fable by La Fontaine, and what caused that change?
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These content notes are a starting point, not a guarantee. Review the evidence and use your own judgment before choosing a title.

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