The Really Groovy Story of the Tortoise and the Hare

PreS-Gr 2—A modern take on the classic tale. "Deep in the city/was a hip and happy hare./He was zippy, sometimes lippy,/takin' taxis everywhere." He bumps heads with country boy Tortoise at the happenin' county fair and they decide to settle their skirmish with a race. We all know how the contest turns out, but this retelling includes a rockin', rappin' rabbit who entertains himself and the crowd while the tortoise steadily plods on. This story is always a hit with younger children, and this version adds new punch to the familiar material. The punch, however, is a bit weak. While the rhythm and rhyme bring a hip-hop feel to the text, it seems a bit dated with its '70s references and slang; words such as "happenin'," "whooaahh," and "groovy" may be lost on today's readers. Forshay's illustrations, however, are appealing, especially Hare's many wardrobe changes. Readers will enjoy the details, such as the peace signs on Tortoise's shell and the crowd of barnyard animals cheering on the race. A fun read-aloud and a break from the routine moral, but still an optional purchase.—C. J. Connor, Campbell County Public Library, Cold Spring, KY