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The Fastest Tortoise in Town
The fable of the tortoise and the hare receives a charming new spin in this wonderfully illustrated, cheering tale about a lovable and relatable trouper.
Barbara Hendricks, a tortoise, has entered a road race, but what was she thinking? With only a week to go before the big day, she worries that she doesn’t stand a chance against the other animals competing. Barbara’s friend and owner, Lorraine, inspires her to train a little bit more each day and coaxes her out of her shell when the race day arrives. How intimidating to line up next to the slow loris, the snail, the sloth, and the walrus! But Barbara realizes that if she just tries her best, she’s already won. Adorably illustrated in rich color and detail and told with splashes of dry humor, this touching story of perseverance celebrates all that can be accomplished with a little preparation and a lot of self-love.
Barbara Hendricks, a tortoise, has entered a road race, but what was she thinking? With only a week to go before the big day, she worries that she doesn’t stand a chance against the other animals competing. Barbara’s friend and owner, Lorraine, inspires her to train a little bit more each day and coaxes her out of her shell when the race day arrives. How intimidating to line up next to the slow loris, the snail, the sloth, and the walrus! But Barbara realizes that if she just tries her best, she’s already won. Adorably illustrated in rich color and detail and told with splashes of dry humor, this touching story of perseverance celebrates all that can be accomplished with a little preparation and a lot of self-love.
32 pages, Paperback
Published November 2, 2023
About the author
Howard Calvert
5 books3 followersAs a child, Howard was a big Richard Scarry fan, and still considers Lowly Worm a close confidante, even if he is an anthropomorphic worm. He now writes his own children’s books, mainly while on the train to work, and in 2015 was runner-up in the Greenhouse Funny Prize.
He lives in Hampshire with his wife and two daughters, and enjoys getting covered in mud in the countryside while trail running or mountain biking, eating his own bodyweight in cinnamon buns, riding his Brompton and destroying his kitchen while baking.
When not writing children’s books, Howard writes about adventure and travel, health and fitness and food and drink for newspapers, magazines and websites such as The Telegraph, Red Bull, Get Sweat Go, Trail Running Magazine and The Week Junior. He was formerly on ShortList, where he beat an electric bike to Brighton while on a road bike, and made a pilgrimage in one of three Minis to where the Italian Job was filmed.
He lives in Hampshire with his wife and two daughters, and enjoys getting covered in mud in the countryside while trail running or mountain biking, eating his own bodyweight in cinnamon buns, riding his Brompton and destroying his kitchen while baking.
When not writing children’s books, Howard writes about adventure and travel, health and fitness and food and drink for newspapers, magazines and websites such as The Telegraph, Red Bull, Get Sweat Go, Trail Running Magazine and The Week Junior. He was formerly on ShortList, where he beat an electric bike to Brighton while on a road bike, and made a pilgrimage in one of three Minis to where the Italian Job was filmed.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
April 20, 2023
So adorable. Great illustrations and fun story with a little surprise at the end. Teaches perseverance and trying your best.
May 3, 2023
If you find yourself having a stay-in-your-shell type of day, take a few moments to curl up with The Fastest Tortoise in Town!
You’ll adore Barbara Hendricks, the cutest leopard tortoise around - and you’ll grin at its perfect ending, too! 🐢
You’ll adore Barbara Hendricks, the cutest leopard tortoise around - and you’ll grin at its perfect ending, too! 🐢
February 29, 2024
Sometimes all you need is knowing someone believes in you.
March 11, 2025
Note: I accessed a digital review copy of this book from the publisher through Edelweiss.
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December 24, 2023I love when I find a good picture book that makes me laugh and has cute illustrations! And it's a bonus when it teaches the reader a lesson!
April 29, 2023
Copy provided by Young Adult Books Central
Entering a race is always a nail biting experience, but Barbara Hendricks, a tortoise, doesn't have any nails to bite! Instead, she worries about her performance. Her young owner Lorraine helps her to train, going on walks, lifting weights, climbing stairs, and even having a rest day, eating ice cream and not training. When the day arrives, Lorrain finds Barbara Hendricks hiding in her shell, but encourages her to come out and do her best, pretending it is one of their ordinary walks. At the stadium, the competitors start to line up; a slug, a snail, a slow loris, and even a grumpy walrus! Barbara Hendricks puts on her bib and heads to the starting line. Putting one foot ahead of the other, she does her best, and even wins the race! All of her hard work paid off. After the celebration, she meets a hare who asks if she would like to race. Lorraine says "Why not?" and Barbara Hendricks, filled with new found confidence, takes on yet another competitor.
Some reviews call this a twist on Aesop's "The Tortoise and the Hare" fable, but it's really not. It's more a discussion about perseverance and motivation. When I coached cross country, this would have been a fantastic book to read to my runners, since many of them wanted to win races but didn't want to practice! I loved that Barbara does the work she needs to do to prepare for the race, even if her tiny little tortoise face shows her exertion quite clearly! It's often hard to attempt difficult things, and young readers will identify with Barbara's apprehension.
I do wish that I knew why the tortoise is named that. Is it after the opera singer? There are no notes about it.
Finison's Hurry, Little Tortoise, Time for School! has a similar looking reptile, and Reidy's Truman offers another look at a friendship between a girl and a tortoise, but most picture books favor turtles. I would argue that Singh and Kaur's Fauja Singh Keeps Going: The True Story of the Oldest Person to Ever Run a Marathon is a good companion to this one because of the running, and because of Fauja Singh's determination!
Entering a race is always a nail biting experience, but Barbara Hendricks, a tortoise, doesn't have any nails to bite! Instead, she worries about her performance. Her young owner Lorraine helps her to train, going on walks, lifting weights, climbing stairs, and even having a rest day, eating ice cream and not training. When the day arrives, Lorrain finds Barbara Hendricks hiding in her shell, but encourages her to come out and do her best, pretending it is one of their ordinary walks. At the stadium, the competitors start to line up; a slug, a snail, a slow loris, and even a grumpy walrus! Barbara Hendricks puts on her bib and heads to the starting line. Putting one foot ahead of the other, she does her best, and even wins the race! All of her hard work paid off. After the celebration, she meets a hare who asks if she would like to race. Lorraine says "Why not?" and Barbara Hendricks, filled with new found confidence, takes on yet another competitor.
Some reviews call this a twist on Aesop's "The Tortoise and the Hare" fable, but it's really not. It's more a discussion about perseverance and motivation. When I coached cross country, this would have been a fantastic book to read to my runners, since many of them wanted to win races but didn't want to practice! I loved that Barbara does the work she needs to do to prepare for the race, even if her tiny little tortoise face shows her exertion quite clearly! It's often hard to attempt difficult things, and young readers will identify with Barbara's apprehension.
I do wish that I knew why the tortoise is named that. Is it after the opera singer? There are no notes about it.
Finison's Hurry, Little Tortoise, Time for School! has a similar looking reptile, and Reidy's Truman offers another look at a friendship between a girl and a tortoise, but most picture books favor turtles. I would argue that Singh and Kaur's Fauja Singh Keeps Going: The True Story of the Oldest Person to Ever Run a Marathon is a good companion to this one because of the running, and because of Fauja Singh's determination!
January 16, 2024
The Fastest Tortoise in Town is a children’s picture book that centres around Barbara Hendricks, a leopard tortoise, and her owner Lorraine. Barbara has entered a race and now finds herself plagued with worry and self-doubt, convinced she will finish last. In response, Lorraine dedicates a week to training and preparing Barbara for the upcoming competition.
However, come the day of the race Barbara is hiding in her shell as she is too scared to go to the race. Can Lorraine’s grit, belief, and determination help Barbara get to the starting line?
This is one of those stories where as an adult you think tortoises can’t speak and communicate with people and then you go, aha, it is a children’s book and anything is possible. And so here we are reading all about Barbara the Leopard Tortoise and her feelings.
The storyline is good fun and I love how it teaches children about never giving up, and that sometimes what seems impossible really is possible. The ending, wherein a hare proposes a race to Barbara, adds a delightful twist.
Overall, The Fastest Tortoise in Town is a vibrant and colourful children’s book that is entertaining, has amazing characters, and contains many valuable life skills.
However, come the day of the race Barbara is hiding in her shell as she is too scared to go to the race. Can Lorraine’s grit, belief, and determination help Barbara get to the starting line?
This is one of those stories where as an adult you think tortoises can’t speak and communicate with people and then you go, aha, it is a children’s book and anything is possible. And so here we are reading all about Barbara the Leopard Tortoise and her feelings.
The storyline is good fun and I love how it teaches children about never giving up, and that sometimes what seems impossible really is possible. The ending, wherein a hare proposes a race to Barbara, adds a delightful twist.
Overall, The Fastest Tortoise in Town is a vibrant and colourful children’s book that is entertaining, has amazing characters, and contains many valuable life skills.
June 21, 2023
Fast racer and tortoise, do those sound like they work together? After reading this adorably funny book I think you’ll agree.
Barbara Hendricks loves her owner Lorraine, they are the best of friends. When Barbara Hendricks enters a running race, Lorraine is there to help her train and prepare. Even with Lorraine’s positivity and support, Barbara Hendricks still has her doubts. She is only a regular leopard tortoise, how on earth will she win a running race? Despite her fears and worries Barbara heads to the race and tries her very best!
This book is so fun and silly, Barbara Hendrick’s facial expressions are just too cute! I love how the cover illustrations do not give away the storyline at all. Does anyone else try to guess a book’s plot by the cover? The ending is so fun but I will definitely not spoil it for you, you’ll have to read this story to find out.
Barbara Hendricks loves her owner Lorraine, they are the best of friends. When Barbara Hendricks enters a running race, Lorraine is there to help her train and prepare. Even with Lorraine’s positivity and support, Barbara Hendricks still has her doubts. She is only a regular leopard tortoise, how on earth will she win a running race? Despite her fears and worries Barbara heads to the race and tries her very best!
This book is so fun and silly, Barbara Hendrick’s facial expressions are just too cute! I love how the cover illustrations do not give away the storyline at all. Does anyone else try to guess a book’s plot by the cover? The ending is so fun but I will definitely not spoil it for you, you’ll have to read this story to find out.
October 21, 2023
This beautifully story book injects new take into a timeless fable, leaving readers of all ages with a profound sense of delight and admiration for Barbara's unwavering determination. Its captivating narrative and enchanting illustrations make it a literary gem. At its heart, the book carries a poignant message about the enduring virtues of perseverance, self-love, and striving to do one's best, irrespective of the outcome. It gently conveys that true victory lies in the effort invested and the courage to confront life's challenges with determination and resilience. This message resonates with children and adults alike, and the book delivers it with skillful writing and humor, leaving a lasting impression on its reader
November 27, 2023
The tortoise (and the hare, I suppose) is a classic way to show children that doing things at their own pace is just as good as running full steam ahead. This story utilises that in a slightly new way, which I loved.
The illustrations are cute, giving the appearance of simple line drawings but actually are filled with bold colours to create quite a compelling full page spread at each turn. The story, though simple and not especially original, was sweet and good natured and I can imagine tortoise loving children will adore this book.
ARC provided from the publishers in exchange for an honest review.
The illustrations are cute, giving the appearance of simple line drawings but actually are filled with bold colours to create quite a compelling full page spread at each turn. The story, though simple and not especially original, was sweet and good natured and I can imagine tortoise loving children will adore this book.
ARC provided from the publishers in exchange for an honest review.
June 17, 2023
This book is adorable! From the tiny tortoise (named Barbara Hendricks which already had me chuckling) to the workouts leading up to her race to the hysterical line up of competitors there are endlessly amusing details throughout the well crafted story. The illustrations are gentle yet vibrant and perfectly punch up the hilarity. Barbara Hendrick’s story however is really one of bravery, of believing in yourself and of trying your hardest, even when it seems unlikely you’ll succeed. A lighthearted delight from cover to cover.
June 21, 2023
A really fun book about how when you try your hardest you never know what may happen (especially when you're going against evenly-matched opponents...which you don't know initially)! I think little kids would get a big kick out of this, especially if you were to ask them questions along the way, such as if they think Barbara Hendricks, the tortoise, has a chance of winning the race (especially after we find out a worm is faster than her).
There is quite a lot of text, so that would probably work best for an elementary school crowd if you were to use it in a storytime.
There is quite a lot of text, so that would probably work best for an elementary school crowd if you were to use it in a storytime.
May 19, 2023
This is basically a story about a tortoise learning how to race. Different from the age old fable of the tortoise and the hare, this time the tortoise learns ahead of time how to put one foot in front of the other and to keep doing it until the end.
A story of learning what one must do in order to successfully accomplish a task and of preparedness.
I received a complimentary copy to facilitate a review. Opinions are mine, alone and are freely given.
A story of learning what one must do in order to successfully accomplish a task and of preparedness.
I received a complimentary copy to facilitate a review. Opinions are mine, alone and are freely given.
July 5, 2023
Think my favorite thing about this story is the name of the tortoise, Barbara Hendricks, as if she’s a human with that normal sounding name. Shows the close relationship the little girl has with her. Lots of dry humor that made me smile. Would be a good picture book to share after reading the traditional story of the rabbit and the hare to kids.
September 6, 2023
A very cute picture book about determination and self-motivation -- with a little help from a great friend. Sort of a send-up of the tortoise and the hare, this is a great picture book to share with kids who are struggling to keep going with things that are hard for whatever reason. The illustrations are also a lot of fun -- especially those spreads with animals racing.
November 22, 2023
I appreciate the lesson in believing in yourself and training to make something happen. The tortoise and her owner train all week for the big race. Barbara does not believe in herself and really wants to just stay in her shell. Lorraine persuades her to give it a try and to their surprise, Barbara wins. I love the end where a hare challenges her to a race. We know that story.
December 17, 2023
Pair this with the classic "The Tortoise and the Hare". This is a bit too long for a toddler storytime, but would work well for either a preschool or elementary school storytime. Use this with themes of trying even when you don't have a chance of winning, or speed, or even spotlight how the tortoise's owner is a good friend who encourages her when she's down.
April 18, 2026
Loved the illustrations, the tiny details like the bugs and the portrait of them as younger selves. The story is cute but left me with questions because that's the person I am. Why a full name? Why do some animals talk, and some don't. I love the homophone of Muscles/mussels but most elementary kids don't know what a mussels is.
May 8, 2023
This was super cute. I love how the tortoise trained and everything. I love how he got put into a slower division and how all the other animals in his group celebrated his victory with him.
The book lost a little quality as the author tried to end it, so only 4 stars.
The book lost a little quality as the author tried to end it, so only 4 stars.
May 24, 2023
What an adorably cute story! The illustrations by Karen Obuhanych are really enjoyable. I just love Barbara the Turtle's expressions!
A good message to keep working hard and never give up. A really fun surprise at the end of the book to connect to a very familiar story kids know.
A good message to keep working hard and never give up. A really fun surprise at the end of the book to connect to a very familiar story kids know.
June 5, 2023
Believe in yourself is the theme of this cute picture book. The animals are having a race and Barbara the tortoise is filled with self-doubt. The book ends with a nod to the Tortoise and Hare fable which would be a nice tie in.
June 12, 2023
Barbara Hendricks is my new favorite tortoise. Her adorable little expressions (worried, strength training, and "legs-in-the-shell kinda day") along with her spiky helmet are just the cutest! Great message about perseverance.
November 2, 2023
Very cute and a fun story. My main complaint is that in this world humans and other animals live as equals but the tortoise Barbara has an owner. This doesn’t make sense unless buying and selling being that are equal to you is ok. In other words it is indirectly in my opinion saying slavery is ok.
March 29, 2024
I really enjoyed this. The pictures are so nice! I also really enjoyed the random funny things, like the turtle weight-lifting, the robo vacuum clever, and racing competitors and frame-by-frame illustrations. I also appreciated the message of doing your best when you're not super athletic.
June 6, 2024
I read this book as an adult reader for the AR Diamond Book Award. This book was a cute play on the original Tortoise & the Hare fable. The story and the illustrations are so cute! This book would be a perfect introduction to perseverance, self-doubt/self-motivation, etc.
July 23, 2024
I WUV THIS BOOK SO MUCH I WANT TO DIE!
(ahem, beg pardon...)
This book is absolutely one of the cutest books I've encountered this year. I'm glad I found it in time to put it forward for the Beehive Picture Book Award nomination :D
DEFINITELY going to put this in the Storytime rotation.
(ahem, beg pardon...)
This book is absolutely one of the cutest books I've encountered this year. I'm glad I found it in time to put it forward for the Beehive Picture Book Award nomination :D
DEFINITELY going to put this in the Storytime rotation.
August 20, 2022
Okay, this is adorable.
February 11, 2023
Clever concept. Doesn't quite deliver
April 18, 2023
A clever but not entirely successful take on the Aesop fable.
May 6, 2023
OBSESSED.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews