Once upon a sunny day in a green, green meadow, there lived a Hare named Harvey. Quick and spry, with twinkling eyes, he loved to race all the time.

And also, in this green meadow, lived a slow Tortoise named Tilly. With a shell so round and legs so stout, she took every step with care.

One fine morning, Harvey the Hare, full of flair, ears in the air, shouted, 'I'm the fastest of all, with no time to spare!'

'Let’s have a race!' he declared with a hopping jive, 'From this meadow to the end of the wood, let's see who will arrive!'

Tilly, with her steady pace and face so kind, took the challenge, not thinking twice. ‘I’ll race you, dear Hare, at any time, for I know I can win with my rhyme!’

With a giggle and a hop, off Harvey ran like a shot, leaving behind dust and dots. But Tilly took it slow, like a breeze on a hot day.

Harvey the Hare raced past the trees, zoomed by the bees, and went over hills with ease. But he soon grew sleepy and took a nap under some shady trees.

Tilly the Tortoise, with her sure and steady feet, kept moving forward, no hint of retreat. Each step she took, she met with cheer, her heart filled with joy, not a drop of fear.

The sun began to set, the sky glowed pink. Harvey woke with a start and began to think, ‘Oh no, where’s Tilly? I must be quick!’

'With a hop, a skip, and a very big click, he dashed to the finish, lickety-split! But to his surprise, and oh my, Tilly was there, with a smile and a sigh.

'Slow and steady wins the race,' said Tilly the Tortoise with a knowing face. Harvey learned that haste lost the chase, and patience saved the day in this case.

And from that day in the green, green meadow, Tilly and Harvey became great mates. They laughed and played, side by side, learning that everyone has their own stride.