The Great Rodeo Reef Race
retold from The Tortoise and the Hare
Welcome to Rodeo Reef, partner! Today is the big race day on Main Street, and everyone is ready to cheer.
1
Sheriff Seahorse blows his whistle. Sammy zooms ahead like a blue flash, while Achilles begins with a calm, steady paddle.
2
Sammy zips into the Tall Kelp forest, way ahead of everyone else. 'I am the fastest in Rodeo Reef!' he laughs.
3
Achilles enters the tall kelp moments later. He does not get discouraged, moving slowly and surely, one flipper at a time.
4
Out on the Seaweed Prairie, Sammy looks back and sees no one behind him. He decides to stop and play with the friendly sea-cows.
5
'I have plenty of time,' Sammy says with a yawn. He curls up in the soft sea grass and falls fast asleep.
6
While Sammy naps, Achilles reaches the prairie. He keeps his eyes on the trail, and quiet paddling carries him right past the sleeping sailfish.
7
Achilles paddles all the way back to town! Cowboyapuss and Pip watch in delight as the steady little turtle crosses the finish line first.
8
Sammy wakes up and dashes to the finish, but Achilles is already wearing the winner's kelp wreath! 'You stayed focused the whole way,' Sammy smiles.
9
That evening at Campfire Coral, the whole town gathers under the cozy glow. 'Slow and steady wins the race,' says Cowboyapuss, 'and staying focused gets you home.'
10