Slow, deliberate Tortoise seems to spend his day listening to the always-in-a-rush Hare telling him to “Hurry up!” Hare bounds across the stream, while Tortoise takes a more careful approach. At lunch, Hare is ready for dessert before Tortoise has finished his first leaf. But at bedtime the tables are turned. At last Tortoise seems to be doing something too fast for Hare—reading a story. When Hare finally begs him to “Hurry up and slow down!” Tortoise gives up the idea of a leisurely cup of chamomile tea and reads the story over again. Marlow’s softly rendered pastel-colored illustrations clearly show the characters’ emotions, especially the love between the two as they share a second reading. Her artwork is richly detailed and realistic, while at the same time capturing the sweetness appropriate to a bedtime book. Parents will not miss the intimation that they should emulate Tortoise’s bedtime patience—just what the doctor ordered after a hectic day of trying to keep up. (Picture book. 3-5)
