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The Rabbit and the Turtle
A stunning collection of Aesop's fables from bestselling author and illustrator Eric Carle!
Eric Carle brings to life Aesop's fables with his gorgeous illustrations and charming retelling of the classic stories. Designed to engage and delight readers of all ages, this collection contains some of Aesop's most timeless tales. Beautifully reissued, this new book has all the enchantment of Eric Carle's art plus traditional morals of the fables.
Eric Carle brings to life Aesop's fables with his gorgeous illustrations and charming retelling of the classic stories. Designed to engage and delight readers of all ages, this collection contains some of Aesop's most timeless tales. Beautifully reissued, this new book has all the enchantment of Eric Carle's art plus traditional morals of the fables.
32 pages, Hardcover
First published June 1, 2008
About the author
Eric Carle
562 books2,259 followersEric Carle was a children's book author and illustrator, most famous for his book The Very Hungry Caterpillar, which has been translated into over 30 languages. Since The Very Hungry Caterpillar was published in 1969, Eric Carle illustrated more than seventy books, many best sellers, most of which he also wrote, and more than 71 million copies of his books have sold around the world.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 93 reviews
April 6, 2024
Book for children. It's about the rabbit and the turtle. The rabbit proposed a race to the turtle. The turtle agreed. The rabbit started running forward. His long legs carried him forward very quickly. And the turtle moved slowly... A fairy tale with a moral. What's new for me in this story? I've never seen illustrations like this before!
March 30, 2017
Here is a collection of 11 Aesop stories retold and illustrated by Eric Carle. This is a good collection to introduce these tales to children, especially if you like his watercolor illustrations.
March 4, 2014
Traditional Literature: fable
Characters: Turtle, Rabbit, and a variety of others derived from Aesop's fables
Setting: various, mostly nature
Themes: traditional morals
Summary: Eric Carle compiled 11 of Aesop's fables and penned them in his own unique style. While they are written in fairly small print, none is longer than a page. Carle explicitly stated a moral at the bottom of each fable. For example, the moral of "The Lion and the Mouse" is 'Friends come in all shapes and sizes.' While Carle's moral is worded differently than Aesop's moral have tended to be phrased, Carle has maintained the original messages.
Included fables, retold by Carle:
The Lion and the Mouse
The Wolf and the Dog
The Fox and the Crane
The Cat and the Mouse
The Monkey and the Fox
The Rabbit and the Turtle
The Wolf and the Lamb
The Frog and the Ox
The Blackbird and the Peacocks
The Fox and the Crow
The Grasshopper and the Ants
Target Audience: 2nd - 8th grade
Curriculum Ties: genre study, ethics, morals, politics, culture
Personal response: The brevity with which Carle wrote each fables makes this collection perfect for short read-alouds to get students focused, or to garner interest before embarking on a discussion or another literature study. Some of the fables are a little beyond students in elementary grades (for example The Wolfe and The Dog, while it has an understandable moral, is a bit abstract for young readers). Carle's illustrations are beautiful, and succinctly capture pertinent moments from the fables. They serve as lovely complements to the writing, rather than the other way around; that is a refreshing change from other Eric Carle books I have experienced.
Characters: Turtle, Rabbit, and a variety of others derived from Aesop's fables
Setting: various, mostly nature
Themes: traditional morals
Summary: Eric Carle compiled 11 of Aesop's fables and penned them in his own unique style. While they are written in fairly small print, none is longer than a page. Carle explicitly stated a moral at the bottom of each fable. For example, the moral of "The Lion and the Mouse" is 'Friends come in all shapes and sizes.' While Carle's moral is worded differently than Aesop's moral have tended to be phrased, Carle has maintained the original messages.
Included fables, retold by Carle:
The Lion and the Mouse
The Wolf and the Dog
The Fox and the Crane
The Cat and the Mouse
The Monkey and the Fox
The Rabbit and the Turtle
The Wolf and the Lamb
The Frog and the Ox
The Blackbird and the Peacocks
The Fox and the Crow
The Grasshopper and the Ants
Target Audience: 2nd - 8th grade
Curriculum Ties: genre study, ethics, morals, politics, culture
Personal response: The brevity with which Carle wrote each fables makes this collection perfect for short read-alouds to get students focused, or to garner interest before embarking on a discussion or another literature study. Some of the fables are a little beyond students in elementary grades (for example The Wolfe and The Dog, while it has an understandable moral, is a bit abstract for young readers). Carle's illustrations are beautiful, and succinctly capture pertinent moments from the fables. They serve as lovely complements to the writing, rather than the other way around; that is a refreshing change from other Eric Carle books I have experienced.
May 7, 2024
Celebrated children's author and artist Eric Carle presents eleven famous fables from the Aesopian tradition in this picture book collection. Each two-page spread features a somewhat fleshed-out version of one fable on the right-hand-side page, and a full-page illustration on the left. Fables include: The Lion and the Mouse / The Wolf and the Dog / The Fox and the Crane / The Cat and the Mouse / The Monkey and the Fox / The Rabbit and the Turtle / The Wolf and the Lamb / The Frog and the Ox / The Blackbird and the Peacocks / The Fox and the Crow / The Grasshopper and the Ants.
The fable retellings contained in The Rabbit and the Turtle were originally included in Eric Carle's 1988 Treasury of Classic Stories for Children , which included twenty-two folktales, fairy-tales and fables from Aesop, Hans Christian Andersen and the Brothers Grimm. Some of the content here appeared even earlier, in Carle's Twelve Tales from Aesop , published in 1980. Leaving that publication history aside, I found this an engaging collection, and enjoyed Carle's retellings. I also enjoyed his artwork (which I tend to find more interesting than pleasing), although I'm not sure how well it worked as an accompaniment to these fables. I'm glad to have read this one, both because Carle is such an important figure in the world of children's literature, and because I have an interest in Aesopian retellings, but on the whole I think I prefer other collections (the Milo Winter and Jerry Pinkney ones, chiefly) to this one. Still, fans of Carle who are also looking for Aesop collections, or who enjoy animal stories might want to give this one a try, and it is to them I would recommend it.
The fable retellings contained in The Rabbit and the Turtle were originally included in Eric Carle's 1988 Treasury of Classic Stories for Children , which included twenty-two folktales, fairy-tales and fables from Aesop, Hans Christian Andersen and the Brothers Grimm. Some of the content here appeared even earlier, in Carle's Twelve Tales from Aesop , published in 1980. Leaving that publication history aside, I found this an engaging collection, and enjoyed Carle's retellings. I also enjoyed his artwork (which I tend to find more interesting than pleasing), although I'm not sure how well it worked as an accompaniment to these fables. I'm glad to have read this one, both because Carle is such an important figure in the world of children's literature, and because I have an interest in Aesopian retellings, but on the whole I think I prefer other collections (the Milo Winter and Jerry Pinkney ones, chiefly) to this one. Still, fans of Carle who are also looking for Aesop collections, or who enjoy animal stories might want to give this one a try, and it is to them I would recommend it.
October 14, 2017
1. Awards received: This book has not received any awards.
2. Appropriate grade level(s): This book is appropriate for preschool grade 1.
3. Summary: Eric Carle retells Aesop’s fables along with adding watercolor illustrations. The book includes 11 fables in total with each fable taking up two pages. The fable on the left-hand side and the illustration that captures the main idea of the fable is on the right-hand side. There is also the general lesson/moral that can be learned from each fable included at the bottom of the page with the fable on it. For instance, the moral of the fable “The Rabbit and the Turtle” is “slow and steady wins the race”.
4. I love Eric Carle’s unique way of depicting scenes from the fable. I think the included illustrations bring the fables to life through the use of watercolor. I also like how he includes the general lesson/moral of each fable at the bottom of the page. I also feel like because it includes multiple fables with different morals, they can be be separated and read on different days, focusing on each fable individually. It could be easy to expand on the moral/relate it to the kids’ everyday life.
5. Uses in the classroom:
-Have the kid speak about the morals, and relate them to their life and how they can make good decisions
-Read the fable to kids and have them guess what the moral could be before revealing it
2. Appropriate grade level(s): This book is appropriate for preschool grade 1.
3. Summary: Eric Carle retells Aesop’s fables along with adding watercolor illustrations. The book includes 11 fables in total with each fable taking up two pages. The fable on the left-hand side and the illustration that captures the main idea of the fable is on the right-hand side. There is also the general lesson/moral that can be learned from each fable included at the bottom of the page with the fable on it. For instance, the moral of the fable “The Rabbit and the Turtle” is “slow and steady wins the race”.
4. I love Eric Carle’s unique way of depicting scenes from the fable. I think the included illustrations bring the fables to life through the use of watercolor. I also like how he includes the general lesson/moral of each fable at the bottom of the page. I also feel like because it includes multiple fables with different morals, they can be be separated and read on different days, focusing on each fable individually. It could be easy to expand on the moral/relate it to the kids’ everyday life.
5. Uses in the classroom:
-Have the kid speak about the morals, and relate them to their life and how they can make good decisions
-Read the fable to kids and have them guess what the moral could be before revealing it
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November 26, 20192. The Rabbit and the Turtle is a book of Aesop’s fables told through depictions of a variety of different animals. The book contains eleven different stories and each story ends with a moral. After each story, the corresponding moral is listed at the bottom of the page so that readers understand what the story was trying to get them to understand.
3. The theme of this story is having traditional morals.
4. I enjoyed reading all the fables and viewing the pictures. At the end of each story, it says what the moral of the story is, and I thought it was a great way to help children who may read it understand.
5. This book could be used as a model in the classroom on how to retell a fable. Students could use this as a guide on writing their own fable and the morals that should be learned from their fable. This assignment is suitable for an ELA 6th or 7th-grade class. Also, could have the students speak about morals, and relate them to their life and how they can make good decisions.
3. The theme of this story is having traditional morals.
4. I enjoyed reading all the fables and viewing the pictures. At the end of each story, it says what the moral of the story is, and I thought it was a great way to help children who may read it understand.
5. This book could be used as a model in the classroom on how to retell a fable. Students could use this as a guide on writing their own fable and the morals that should be learned from their fable. This assignment is suitable for an ELA 6th or 7th-grade class. Also, could have the students speak about morals, and relate them to their life and how they can make good decisions.
July 11, 2019
In Eric Carle's classic artistic way, Aesop's fables are retold including the lesson or moral that went with each story. 11 classic Aesop fables are recreated in vibrant illustrations. This book would be great for elementary aged children who are learning more about life, behaviors, and values. Some of the morals found in these fables include - "The Wolf and the Dog" = Being free is the greatest gift. "The Lion and the Mouse" = Friends come in all sizes and shapes.
These lessons are good for all people to learn but these stories can help young children understand these concepts better.
These lessons are good for all people to learn but these stories can help young children understand these concepts better.
October 19, 2019
I love all of Eric Carle books I did not realize how he creates his artwork until I was told how in my class. I will be incorporating this into my lessons when I become a teacher. This book had various tales of traditional literature. I really liked the fox and the crane it talks about treating others how you would like to be treated. I also liked the message in the frog and the ox tale. Its message was to be proud of who you are and do not compare yourself to others. This is a great book to read to children to teach them about the golden rule and other important life lessons.
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April 7, 2020One day, two families took a stroll, one a family of oxen and another family of frogs. Mr. Frog saw how big Mr. Ox was, and said he could be as big as an ox. He puffed himself up more and more, while his family protested that they loved him just the way he was, until he exploded! Each of these fables has a moral, the moral of The Frog and The Ox is to be confident and comfortable in who you are.
September 18, 2017
Eric Carle brings Aesop's fables to life with his gorgeous illustrations and charming retelling of the classic stories. Eric Carle's illustrations tell the stories within themselves. People can picture the story just by looking at the illustrations. Each fable has a fantastic moral to each tale. Perfect for teaching social lessons.
March 11, 2018
Traditional Literature
One unique feature of this book is that the whole book is different Aesop's fables retold in a more friendly language. Each fable has the moral of the story printed underneath.
I would use this for grades 2-4. I think that it is at a level they would understand and it gives great life lessons.
One unique feature of this book is that the whole book is different Aesop's fables retold in a more friendly language. Each fable has the moral of the story printed underneath.
I would use this for grades 2-4. I think that it is at a level they would understand and it gives great life lessons.
April 18, 2018
This book contains multiple classic stories with a meaning in the end.
I enjoyed reading this book and seeing the gorgeous illustrations. At the end of each story there is a statement that gives an idea of what the story was trying to say.
I think this would be perfect to read one story a day. Or whenever students are lining up you could read this to them.
I enjoyed reading this book and seeing the gorgeous illustrations. At the end of each story there is a statement that gives an idea of what the story was trying to say.
I think this would be perfect to read one story a day. Or whenever students are lining up you could read this to them.
June 18, 2019
A collection of Aesop's fables retold and illustrated by Eric Carle. Carle's illustrations can breathe life into the classic and sometimes dated fables. Younger readers may find new enjoyment with the classics due to Carle's retelling. Each fable has a message or theme included at the bottom of the page.
November 29, 2020
This selection celebrates the classic story of “The Tortoise and the Hare” and displays encapsulating illustrations. This is an accommodating addition to an early education curriculum for exposure to the pure moral lessons conveyed through these classic storytellings. The re-editioned presentation of classics allows literature to evolve into more current values and societal scopes.
January 26, 2021
I like Eric Carle's illustrations as always, colorful and bright. Some of the Aesop's fables don't hold up well over time for me. I always like the story of the rabbit and the turtle. I didn't like the story of the fox and the dog and the talk of chains and slavery. It just did not sit well and would require me to explain more to my daughter than she can understand at this time.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 19, 2018
In this story each page is a new story from Aesop fables he has illustrated so beautifully and retold many of the classics.like the lion and the mouse and the fox and the crane and also the frog and the ox. At the bottom of each page it simple states the little lesson to take away from each story
February 28, 2020
This is a great book to read to students to teach them valuable lessons. After each fable, there is a short sentence that tells what the moral of the story was. Each character faced a different scenario that would never happen in real life, but the scenarios do pertain to real life events.
August 20, 2019
Nice illustrations for these fables.
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October 13, 2019A rabbit and a turtle have a race.
October 24, 2019
This would be an excellent book choice for an early childhood classroom, as it contains several different fables that the teacher can read all at once, or one at a time.
November 26, 2019
This story is a good one for students to read to teach them to slow down and get things done correctly.
June 8, 2020
Lengthy but enjoyable.
November 17, 2020
Slow turtles, racing, proving Rabbit wrong.
March 12, 2021
This book contains multiple different stories that can be read all at once, or even just one at a time. I find this book great for early elementary grade readers.
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October 19, 2021This is a story that shows how a rabbit makes fun of the slow turtle and the two race. This book teaches students that there is more to life than just being fast.
December 5, 2022
This book features that the rabbit had way too much confidence, but he wasn't match for the turtle and took it for granted by calling the turtle slow.
September 15, 2024
Carle's illustrations never let me down.
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April 15, 2023Picture Books
Children’s
Animals
Fables
Fairy Tales
Folk Tales
Folklore
Classics
Fiction
Children’s
Animals
Fables
Fairy Tales
Folk Tales
Folklore
Classics
Fiction
Displaying 1 - 30 of 93 reviews