136. 1st Grade SSR: Why Rabbits Run Fast

“I take big leaps. I have big feet,” sang Rabbit. “I am so fast. I can’t be beat!”

Rabbit hopped around and sang his boast again. He repeated it so loudly that it woke Turtle up from her nap.

“Hi, slowpoke,” said Rabbit. “That’s unkind, Rabbit,” said Turtle. “Yes, it’s true!” said Rabbit, laughing.

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“I am faster than you think,” said Turtle in a huff. Rabbit just laughed harder.

“Let’s race then,” Rabbit said. “Meet me here at noon. We can race over these two hills to the big rock above the town.”

“I’ll see you then, Rabbit!” said Turtle. Rabbit hopped into the woods.

“That was pretty brainless,” Turtle said to herself. “I need help to win this race and stop Rabbit from his pointless bragging.”

Turtle needed a plan. She stumped off to find her mom and dad. Together, they hatched up a plan.

At noon, Rabbit and Turtle met. The race began. Rabbit dashed over the first big hill.

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When he reached the hilltop, he saw a turtle racing down the other side! Rabbit ran faster. He saw the turtle reach the top of the next hill.

Then Rabbit reached the next hilltop. “I will beat that turtle now,” he said, puffing hard. “I am the fastest. I have to win!”

Just then, he saw a turtle zipping down the second hill!

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“How can this be?” Rabbit asked. “How can that slowpoke be beating me?” He zoomed down the hill, but it was no use.

The turtle reached the end first. All the animals clapped and cheered as Rabbit flopped to the ground in a heap.

“I feel unwell,” he moaned. “Well, you did your best,” said the turtle.

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How did Turtle win the race? It was a trick! Turtle’s mom and dad hid beside the path of the race. Then they popped up as Rabbit came over each hill. All this time, Turtle had stayed back at the starting line.

Turtle stumped back home to return to her nap. Rabbit never found out about Turtle’s trick. And to this day, rabbits run fast.

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