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Tortoise and the Jackrabbit / La tortuga y la Liebre
The Tortoise and the Hare with a southwestern flair. Tortoise, living comfortably in her home on Slow Lane, awakens one morning feeling good and challenges cocky Jackrabbit to a race. Patiently bumping her way through the desert landscape, Tortoise heads for the finish line as Jackrabbit cheerfully skips--and sleeps. Roadrunner, Tarantula, Gila Monster and even a Javelina or three cheer them on. Irresistible fun for the young and old alike.
32 pages, Paperback
First published December 31, 1993
About the author
Susan Lowell
30 books17 followersSusan Lowell often writes about the Southwest border country in both fiction and nonfiction. Her forthcoming adult short-story collection, "Two Desperados,” returns to the genre of her first book, “Ganado Red.” Her family has lived in the American West since Gold Rush days, and family stories have inspired many children’s books as well as an adult novel in progress called “The Wild West Waltz” (see the story “Two Desperados” for a preview!)
She and her husband divide their time between Tucson, Arizona and a ranch near the Mexican border.
She and her husband divide their time between Tucson, Arizona and a ranch near the Mexican border.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
September 9, 2025
I love a twist on an old Aesop’s Fable, especially when it’s centered on the American Southwest. In this fun children’s picture book, the hare is a bumptious and youthful Jackrabbit, long of ears and long of legs. The tortoise is now an elderly Desert Tortoise, full of old-age wisdom and grandmotherly politeness. Along the way, their famous race will include other denizens of the blazing hot Southwest, a delight for desert lovers everywhere.
It all begins with old Tortoise, who wakes up one morning after a particularly refreshing sleep. She lives on Slow Lane, in her old adobe, a true Southwestern home. She feels so good, in fact, that when lickety-split Jackrabbit skedaddles past, she actually challenges him to a race! The youngster wears a Native Indian hat and carries a bottle of sarsaparilla with him, to take the edge off the heat. He’s in disbelief, as he already knows he is the fastest runner in the desert. Little old Tortoise doesn’t have a chance…or does she?
The updated story by Susan Lowell and the wonderful illustrations by Jim Harris tell more than an old fable, however. Each page has something about the low desert, whether it’s a rattlesnake assisting with the starting line, a tarantula cheering on the sidelines, or a javelina carrying the victory basket. Also, each illustration has a little green lizard that the reader (child) can find, which makes turning each page a winner. The book also reminds us that Desert Tortoises are having a difficult time surviving, and they need our help. All in all, a wonderful children’s picture book.
Book Season = Summer (prickly pears)
It all begins with old Tortoise, who wakes up one morning after a particularly refreshing sleep. She lives on Slow Lane, in her old adobe, a true Southwestern home. She feels so good, in fact, that when lickety-split Jackrabbit skedaddles past, she actually challenges him to a race! The youngster wears a Native Indian hat and carries a bottle of sarsaparilla with him, to take the edge off the heat. He’s in disbelief, as he already knows he is the fastest runner in the desert. Little old Tortoise doesn’t have a chance…or does she?
The updated story by Susan Lowell and the wonderful illustrations by Jim Harris tell more than an old fable, however. Each page has something about the low desert, whether it’s a rattlesnake assisting with the starting line, a tarantula cheering on the sidelines, or a javelina carrying the victory basket. Also, each illustration has a little green lizard that the reader (child) can find, which makes turning each page a winner. The book also reminds us that Desert Tortoises are having a difficult time surviving, and they need our help. All in all, a wonderful children’s picture book.
Book Season = Summer (prickly pears)
September 2, 2017
Of course you hear about this story as a child. I was reminded of it five years ago during our first-ever Financial Peace University go-round. Dave tells us the story of a wealthy guy who told him "The Tortoise and the Hare" was the best book on financial advice. For the past five years "Slow and steady wins the race. The tortoise wins every time" has been my mantra in our long, long journey through The Baby Steps.
But it's also a motto for life as a whole as well.
It's a good one, for kids and adults :)
But it's also a motto for life as a whole as well.
It's a good one, for kids and adults :)
January 28, 2017
Susan Lowell writes and Jim Harris illustrate a children's picture book called The Tortoise and the Jackrabbit. One fresh crisp morning, the tortoise was feeling good and fast. An overly confident Jackrabbit heard the conversation and felt the need to claim the title ‘fastest runner in the desert.’ He pointed out to tortoise that she has to carry a huge shell whereas the jackrabbit is “free, free, free!” With a gentle smile on her face, she requested they race. Jackrabbit couldn’t refuse such an easy task, so they both agreed. They lined up at the starting line, coyote started the count, one.. two...three... owww, the jackrabbit screeched off while the tortoise started on her stroll. Although the jackrabbit is nowhere to be seen tortoise has a trick up her sleeve.
My initial reaction to the book is positive. Stories like these always catch my eye because of the animated animals. I noticed It’s very similar to the Tortoise and the Hare only it’s a desert version. I also noticed throughout the picture book when it came to a difficult words such as ‘tarantula,’ next to it would be (ta-RAN-chu-la) helping you properly sound it out. I think is an absolutely great tool within a picturebook for children learning how to pronounce the bigger words. I think this book is greatly done, 1) the illustrations matched the text, 2) there were tools provided in text, and 3) the plot of the story is also a teaching aid.
The main theme that is intertwined through the book can also teach kids a valuable lesson. How, being overconfident is not a likeable trait and how although you may have skills in an area it’s better to stay humble. I also think there’s a second lesson to be learned: faster isn’t always better. You can apply that to any aspect of your life, such as school, work, projects, racing cars, ect. You can see this when rabbit runs off and the tortoise is just casually walking along. The tone coming from the characters are different. The Jackrabbit’s tone is overly excited, arrogant, confident with a little snarkiness. You can read this in the beginning when he says “ silly tortoise! You drag that heavy shell wherever you go. As for me, I’m free, free, free!” The tone for the tortoise is calmer, more humble, happy, appreciative of her day and surroundings. You can read this when it says “Tortoise rustled through desert dandelions and golden poppies, purple sand verbena and creampy butterflys lilies. Although she loved flowers she didn’t stop.” The illustration that accompany the text is the tortoise with a magnifying glass looking at the pretty flowers.
The illustrations were done by Jim Harris, and he did such a great job making the characters look like they have personalities. Dressed in clothes accordingly to their character played in the book. For example the tortoise who is shown in more grandma attire, with a little pink hat with s flower on the side and a pink hand bag brings her some pop of color to the brown, orange, green and yellow colors often used for the desert. The tone of the book was neutral just like the colors and the images contribute to the setting by showing the desert throughout the book.
My initial reaction to the book is positive. Stories like these always catch my eye because of the animated animals. I noticed It’s very similar to the Tortoise and the Hare only it’s a desert version. I also noticed throughout the picture book when it came to a difficult words such as ‘tarantula,’ next to it would be (ta-RAN-chu-la) helping you properly sound it out. I think is an absolutely great tool within a picturebook for children learning how to pronounce the bigger words. I think this book is greatly done, 1) the illustrations matched the text, 2) there were tools provided in text, and 3) the plot of the story is also a teaching aid.
The main theme that is intertwined through the book can also teach kids a valuable lesson. How, being overconfident is not a likeable trait and how although you may have skills in an area it’s better to stay humble. I also think there’s a second lesson to be learned: faster isn’t always better. You can apply that to any aspect of your life, such as school, work, projects, racing cars, ect. You can see this when rabbit runs off and the tortoise is just casually walking along. The tone coming from the characters are different. The Jackrabbit’s tone is overly excited, arrogant, confident with a little snarkiness. You can read this in the beginning when he says “ silly tortoise! You drag that heavy shell wherever you go. As for me, I’m free, free, free!” The tone for the tortoise is calmer, more humble, happy, appreciative of her day and surroundings. You can read this when it says “Tortoise rustled through desert dandelions and golden poppies, purple sand verbena and creampy butterflys lilies. Although she loved flowers she didn’t stop.” The illustration that accompany the text is the tortoise with a magnifying glass looking at the pretty flowers.
The illustrations were done by Jim Harris, and he did such a great job making the characters look like they have personalities. Dressed in clothes accordingly to their character played in the book. For example the tortoise who is shown in more grandma attire, with a little pink hat with s flower on the side and a pink hand bag brings her some pop of color to the brown, orange, green and yellow colors often used for the desert. The tone of the book was neutral just like the colors and the images contribute to the setting by showing the desert throughout the book.
September 10, 2021
Slow and steady ultimately wins.
But this story is on steroids! Tone it down, and I'd like it a lot better. Drop all of the human props. Eliminate the automobile. And the animals should be sized appropriately.
The message at the end is important. Do kids take the time to read it? (The art on that page is exactly right -- clean, simple, and conveys a message.)
But this story is on steroids! Tone it down, and I'd like it a lot better. Drop all of the human props. Eliminate the automobile. And the animals should be sized appropriately.
The message at the end is important. Do kids take the time to read it? (The art on that page is exactly right -- clean, simple, and conveys a message.)
March 2, 2020
The illustrations in this book are life-like. The words depict animals as they would act in the wild (the coyote howling, the eagle floating silently, and the scorpion hiding under a rock).
I think this book would be ideal for pre-k through 2nd grade.
I think this book would be ideal for pre-k through 2nd grade.
December 2, 2025
The story is not 'fractured' but instead is gracefully & faithfully told. The critters wear clothing, but I forgive the illustrator for making that choice because he does it so charmingly; the art is beautiful. We learn quite a bit about the desert from story, art, and back matter.
June 12, 2018
Love the illustrations!
December 10, 2018
Tortoise and the hare folktale retold.
Read
May 8, 2020It takes the classic tale of the tortoise and the hare but makes it southwest by making it a jackrabbit. It's entertaining enough and teaches the theme of slow and steady wins the race.
January 14, 2023
Good clean fun. A twist on an old classic tale—set in the desert of Arizona!
February 20, 2019
Genre: Traditional Literature-Fable/Myth/Folk Tale/Legend
Awards:
Audience: K-3rd
A) The two main characters are the tortoise and the Jackrabbit. The tortoise is low and slow and the jackrabbit is more amped and excitable.
B) I'm more familiar with this story as the tortoise and the hare. However, the story remains the same throughout.
C) I would use this for storytelling because it provides children with a good lesson, and one that is easy to refer back to in the future.
D) Why was the tortoise able to win the race? He remained focused, consistent and was not distracted.
Awards:
Audience: K-3rd
A) The two main characters are the tortoise and the Jackrabbit. The tortoise is low and slow and the jackrabbit is more amped and excitable.
B) I'm more familiar with this story as the tortoise and the hare. However, the story remains the same throughout.
C) I would use this for storytelling because it provides children with a good lesson, and one that is easy to refer back to in the future.
D) Why was the tortoise able to win the race? He remained focused, consistent and was not distracted.
February 2, 2016
Summary: In the story, the jackrabbit is over-confident, thinking he is the fastest animal and can beat anyone in a race. The tortoise is sure she can beat him in a race, and in order to protect his reputation, the jackrabbit agrees. In the beginning of the race, the jackrabbit shoots off very fast, getting a substantial lead on the tortoise. But the tortoise believe slow and steady will win the race. With such a large lead, the jackrabbit thinks he can take a nap since he is so fast, but ends up sleeping too long and wakes up just as the tortoise crosses the finish line, beating him.
Main theme: over-confidence does not get you anywhere and one should be humble and work hard to perservere in the end.
Recommendation: I would certainly recommend this book to someone. It teaches young kids and even adults an important lesson that faster isn't always necessarily better. This is a lesson we all gave to learn at some point in our lives when completing a task. I can personally relate to the story from certain times in my life where I had to learn the hard way, that faster is not always better, sometimes costing me severely in my life. We can all take something away from this story and realize that we sometimes need to slow down and do it right, not fast.
Main theme: over-confidence does not get you anywhere and one should be humble and work hard to perservere in the end.
Recommendation: I would certainly recommend this book to someone. It teaches young kids and even adults an important lesson that faster isn't always necessarily better. This is a lesson we all gave to learn at some point in our lives when completing a task. I can personally relate to the story from certain times in my life where I had to learn the hard way, that faster is not always better, sometimes costing me severely in my life. We can all take something away from this story and realize that we sometimes need to slow down and do it right, not fast.
Read
September 27, 2016The book is about a tortoise and jackrabbit that race through the desert. At the beginning of the story the jackrabbit chastises the tortoise for thinking she can be fast and he bets her to a race. The rest of the desert animals join in on the bet and prepare for the race. Finally the race begins and the two animals take off with the jackrabbit in the lead. In the end the outcome is not as obvious as it may seem.
The style used is extraordinary animals. The animals are given people like characteristics to deliver the message to readers. The point of view is through third person omniscient so the reader has a look into both of the characters actions and feelings. The setting is developed based off of these animals, a tortoise and jack rabbit. The tone for this folktale book helps readers develop new insights and understandings. Most readers would guess that the Jackrabbit would win the race, but the tortoise delivers a powerful message. The plot is very simple yet very useful. The theme and tone tie together to allow the reader to think outside the box and understand the morals the author is trying to display.
The style used is extraordinary animals. The animals are given people like characteristics to deliver the message to readers. The point of view is through third person omniscient so the reader has a look into both of the characters actions and feelings. The setting is developed based off of these animals, a tortoise and jack rabbit. The tone for this folktale book helps readers develop new insights and understandings. Most readers would guess that the Jackrabbit would win the race, but the tortoise delivers a powerful message. The plot is very simple yet very useful. The theme and tone tie together to allow the reader to think outside the box and understand the morals the author is trying to display.
Read
September 27, 2016The book is about a tortoise and jackrabbit that race through the desert. At the beginning of the story the jackrabbit chastises the tortoise for thinking she can be fast and he bets her to a race. The rest of the desert animals join in on the bet and prepare for the race. Finally the race begins and the two animals take off with the jackrabbit in the lead. In the end the outcome is not as obvious as it may seem.
The style used is extraordinary animals. The animals are given people like characteristics to deliver the message to readers. The setting is developed based off of these animals, a tortoise and jack rabbit. The tone for this folktale book helps readers develop new insights and understandings. Most readers would guess that the Jackrabbit would win the race, but the tortoise delivers a powerful message. The plot is very simple yet very useful. The theme and tone tie together to allow the reader to think outside the box and understand the morals the author is trying to display.
The style used is extraordinary animals. The animals are given people like characteristics to deliver the message to readers. The setting is developed based off of these animals, a tortoise and jack rabbit. The tone for this folktale book helps readers develop new insights and understandings. Most readers would guess that the Jackrabbit would win the race, but the tortoise delivers a powerful message. The plot is very simple yet very useful. The theme and tone tie together to allow the reader to think outside the box and understand the morals the author is trying to display.
May 22, 2015
Susan Lowell - Jim Harris - Northland Pub. - 1994 Ages 8+ The Tortoise and the Jackrabbit is a fun, entertaining and comical book for children that discusses the story of the Jackrabbit and Tortoise racing, when at first the rabbit believes that he is going to win, but the tortoise ends up winning because the rabbit was so caught up and thought he had already won, so he rested, but in reality he let it get the best of him and wasn't able to win the race. I thought that this book was decent in the fact that I could kind of relate, because at times when I would think that I were to win in a race with others I soon realized that those others involved are actually faster than I am. I think that this is a great book for those who are not willing to accept the fact that they are slower than others. This is a good reality and good life lesson book.
June 15, 2015
This is a classic tale about the race in between a tortoise and a hare. This is a story that kids like to here, but it's not original. There are many others like it, but this is a good and accurate version of the story as well. There are well detailed pictures that kids would love to examine and look at. The way the two main characters are dressed would also keep kids attention on the story since it is adorable to look at. It is a good read and teaches a great lesson of making sure to slow down and enjoy things because in the long run, you will win, the race of life. This is a story that kids should be familiar with and enjoy several times over. It is acceptable for either boys or girls and not gender exclusive.
March 21, 2015
The illustrations are really what make this book so special. While I don't have children (or ever plan to), this book is an obvious choice for parents of younger children who still heavily rely on pictures more than words to complete the story. This book is a Southwestern variation of the infamous fable "The Tortoise and the Hare", if you haven't caught onto that already. It features creatures found only in the deserts of the Southwest (like the javelina, roadrunners, coyotes, et cetera) to tell the tale paired with Jim Harris' drawings, which are to die for. The Tortoise and the Jackrabbit is an essential part of anyone's book collection - it certainly is in mine!
September 16, 2015
I thought this book was a great take on the classic "The tortoise and the hare." The story teaches children that it is okay to not be the best at something and that you should always stay humble. An activity that you could have students do with this is to go around the room saying the morals and the themes of the story. By changing the story to 'the jackrabbit' instead of 'the hare' it allowed the author to bring awareness to the types of troubles that these animals are having in her town of Tucson, Arizona.
October 16, 2011
This was a cute redo of the tortoise and the hare. I like the south western twist on it and how it incorporated that theme into the pictures. How they had some Spanish words and all the desert animals.
Its a good book to read to first or second graders in the region. I feel like if this was read anywhere other than the southwest children would be confused. But it can also be read to kids not from the are to spark their imagination about the desert.
Its a good book to read to first or second graders in the region. I feel like if this was read anywhere other than the southwest children would be confused. But it can also be read to kids not from the are to spark their imagination about the desert.
May 7, 2015
"The Tortoise and Jackrabbit" is about an old tortoise and a jackrabbit that race. The tortoise wins the race because she never takes a break. She endures across the finish line. This book uses white space behind the texts to create suspense for the reader. The color yellow is used around the tortoise the most to show that she is happy. The pictures create a humorous tone for the story. I would read this book to a child to teach the importance of being kind and not prideful.
September 19, 2011
This fable is a remake of the tortoise and the hare. This is a cute story with wonderful pictures that are sure to keep the children's attention, exspecially when they try to find the little catipillar that is in every picture.
September 3, 2007
Great Southwestern take on a familiar favorite. Accurate illustrations of both animals and plants, but very funny. Nice for story time.
CMB
CMB
November 8, 2008
Detailed illustrations. Amusing.
February 10, 2009
Cute illustrations in this southwestern retelling of the Tortoise and the Hare.
March 1, 2009
A fun variation of the traditional.
Read
December 21, 2010Cactus & Canyons - unit 5
Theme Library
Theme Library
January 8, 2011
The illustrations are wonderful in this southwest version of the familiar folktale. "She was tired and hot, but Tarantula waved his eight furry arms to cheer her onward" made me giggle.
May 17, 2011
Cute southwestern (USA) take on the classic fable, The Tortoise and the Hare.
March 3, 2012
Fun southwestern adaptation of the tortoise-and-hare story.
February 22, 2013
LOVE this version of the Tortoise and the Hare! Especially love all the desert lingo. Really fun addition to learning about deserts. :)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews