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Hurry Up and Slow Down
Hare is always raring to go. He races through the day while the ever-patient Tortoise does his best to keep up. Hare, it certainly seems to Tortoise, has boundless energy. So Tortoise has plans for when it is time for Hare to go to bed - a well-deserved rest with a cup of chamomile tea! And, for the first time in the day, it is Tortoise who is in a hurry. He reads speedily, with one eye on his cuppa. But Hare has other ideas. As far as he is concerned, when it's time for his bedtime story from Tortoise, he is no longer in a hurry. In fact he wants to take all the time in the world and linger over every picture. After all, some things just shouldn't be rushed!
Toddlers will love this simple story, with its cosy farmland setting and lovable characters. And while adults are reading a story that highlights the differences between the energetic and impetuous Hare and the rather more circumspect Tortoise, they will no doubt smile as they recognise the parallels with their own experiences of childcare!
Toddlers will love this simple story, with its cosy farmland setting and lovable characters. And while adults are reading a story that highlights the differences between the energetic and impetuous Hare and the rather more circumspect Tortoise, they will no doubt smile as they recognise the parallels with their own experiences of childcare!
Hardcover
First published January 1, 2008
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77 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 92 reviews
November 30, 2020
If I say to you that Hurry Up and Slow Down is a book for very young children, about a hare and a tortoise, you may think, “Aha! It’s obviously going to be a story about a hare who is always rushing around, wasting his time, and a tortoise who gets things done slowly and methodically.” A moral tale, designed to encourage young children to take their time. We all know the fable by Aesop, where patient Tortoise beats Hare, and wins the race. And to begin with, it is a retelling of that story.
Hare is always in a hurry: rushing about and raring to go. “Hurry Up!” he keeps saying to Tortoise. Hurry up and get up … hurry up and keep up …. hurry up and tidy up … Poor patient Tortoise does his best to keep up, but he is naturally thoughtful and cautious. The two friends are like chalk and cheese, and bossy Hare seems to have boundless energy.
At the end of the day, when it is time for bed, Tortoise has plans for a well-deserved rest with a cup of chamomile tea. Hare though, has other ideas. He knows Tortoise is better at reading than he is, and asks his friend to read aloud their favourite picture book. Now though, for the first time in the day, Tortoise himself is in a hurry. He wants to read the book quickly, as he has one eye on his cuppa. Hare is disappointed:
“Hurry Up and Slow Down Tortoise”, he objects.
“We need to take our time Tortoise! We need to look at the pictures!”
As far as Hare is concerned, he wants to savour the story, taking his time and lingering over every single picture. After all, some things just shouldn’t be rushed! Tortoise would love to have his tea, which is going cold, but he just smiles.
And the two friends enjoy their book together all over again.
The moral for a young child is clear. We are all different, and need to accept each other’s ways of doing things. Using a book to show the twist in the Hare and Tortoise story is perfect. Using traditional stories in this context is a good idea too, as the child may already know the age-old story, and this adds an extra dimension. Alternatively it gives the opportunity to share a traditional tale.
Interestingly it lends itself to various interpretations. The child may identify with Hare - or Tortoise - and know someone just like their friend. Or, they might assume that Tortoise is the parent or adult, willing to read a story to them. Whichever is true they will be likely to enjoy this sympathetic and fun story by a well-established author of young children’s picture books.
Layn Marlow is both the author and illustrator of Hurry Up and Slow Down. Born in Essex, she studied the History of Art, and still lives and works in the South of England. She knows her audience well, and her work is full of warmth and humour. It is popular worldwide, having sold over a million copies, and been translated into over 20 different languages. In 2015, she was chosen to illustrate the website of the famous children’s book author Dick King-Smith.
Hurry up and Slow down is delicately drawn, with gentle humour, and carefully coloured using naturalistic water colours or soft gouache. It has been short-listed for various awards. Other acclaimed books illustrated by Layn Marlow include “A Very Strange Creature”, “Too Small For My Big Bed”, and “I’ll Catch You If You Fall”.
Hare is always in a hurry: rushing about and raring to go. “Hurry Up!” he keeps saying to Tortoise. Hurry up and get up … hurry up and keep up …. hurry up and tidy up … Poor patient Tortoise does his best to keep up, but he is naturally thoughtful and cautious. The two friends are like chalk and cheese, and bossy Hare seems to have boundless energy.
At the end of the day, when it is time for bed, Tortoise has plans for a well-deserved rest with a cup of chamomile tea. Hare though, has other ideas. He knows Tortoise is better at reading than he is, and asks his friend to read aloud their favourite picture book. Now though, for the first time in the day, Tortoise himself is in a hurry. He wants to read the book quickly, as he has one eye on his cuppa. Hare is disappointed:
“Hurry Up and Slow Down Tortoise”, he objects.
“We need to take our time Tortoise! We need to look at the pictures!”
As far as Hare is concerned, he wants to savour the story, taking his time and lingering over every single picture. After all, some things just shouldn’t be rushed! Tortoise would love to have his tea, which is going cold, but he just smiles.
And the two friends enjoy their book together all over again.
The moral for a young child is clear. We are all different, and need to accept each other’s ways of doing things. Using a book to show the twist in the Hare and Tortoise story is perfect. Using traditional stories in this context is a good idea too, as the child may already know the age-old story, and this adds an extra dimension. Alternatively it gives the opportunity to share a traditional tale.
Interestingly it lends itself to various interpretations. The child may identify with Hare - or Tortoise - and know someone just like their friend. Or, they might assume that Tortoise is the parent or adult, willing to read a story to them. Whichever is true they will be likely to enjoy this sympathetic and fun story by a well-established author of young children’s picture books.
Layn Marlow is both the author and illustrator of Hurry Up and Slow Down. Born in Essex, she studied the History of Art, and still lives and works in the South of England. She knows her audience well, and her work is full of warmth and humour. It is popular worldwide, having sold over a million copies, and been translated into over 20 different languages. In 2015, she was chosen to illustrate the website of the famous children’s book author Dick King-Smith.
Hurry up and Slow down is delicately drawn, with gentle humour, and carefully coloured using naturalistic water colours or soft gouache. It has been short-listed for various awards. Other acclaimed books illustrated by Layn Marlow include “A Very Strange Creature”, “Too Small For My Big Bed”, and “I’ll Catch You If You Fall”.
May 16, 2021
It seems as though Hare is always in a hurry, while his friend Tortoise likes to take things slow. HOWEVER - there is ONE activity they both agree should be done as slowly as possible . . .
The highlight of this book is the author's GORGEOUS watercolory illustrations.
The highlight of this book is the author's GORGEOUS watercolory illustrations.
September 15, 2025
Adorable illustrations with hidden details on fly leaves. Story is pat, but as picture books for young children go, this is a sweet one. (I've stopped reviewing every picture book we read, but wanted to review this one because it was so cute to look at).
March 1, 2018
Wonderful book of a Hare who is always in a rush. The tortise tries to keep up but just cant do it, he rushes through playing eatting and walking. The Hare soon discovers that what he really enjoys his reading with his friend and now wants to slow down.
March 1, 2018
The hare is always rushing. The turtle is slow. But in the end the rabbit realizes that he really enjoyed spending time with his friend. I would teach children the importance of friendship
June 8, 2015
Read as part of the Seymour Library’s Summer Story Walk. Marlow puts a new spin of the Aesop classic, The Tortoise and the Hare. The friendship between supposed rivals comes to life through the author’s wonderful artwork.
July 10, 2020
There seems to be a niche category of "introverted/thoughtful friend gets pushed around by more demanding friend" and this falls into that. The pictures are really, really cute but Hare is a pretty horrible friend. It's one thing if it's a give and take/different types of people can still be friends but should make allowances and take turns doing/being how the other friend wants to do and be, it's another for a "friend" to just continually push for their own way.
I would have given it another star or two if Hare could have waited until after Tortoise had his tea and then they slowed down together. Instead, even when Hare finally did slow down, it was still at the expense of Tortoise, his comforts and his needs. To even have Tortoise enjoy his tea while reading would have been a bit better, tea and books go wonderfully together.
I would have given it another star or two if Hare could have waited until after Tortoise had his tea and then they slowed down together. Instead, even when Hare finally did slow down, it was still at the expense of Tortoise, his comforts and his needs. To even have Tortoise enjoy his tea while reading would have been a bit better, tea and books go wonderfully together.
July 21, 2017
Two friends, the tortoise and the hare, go about their day together. The hare is always pulling the tortoise along (Hurry up!). At night, when the tortoise wants to settle down with a cup of tea, the hare asks to read a book together. The tortoise wants to get done, but the hare wants to examine all the pictures, etc. (Hurry up and slow down.). The tortoise longs for its tea, but grins and takes the book slowly.
Reminds me of a parent (tortoise) and an energetic child (hare).
Reminds me of a parent (tortoise) and an energetic child (hare).
February 19, 2020
Story Time
Ages: 1-4
Theme: Turtles
A cute book about Tortoise and Hare. Tortoise is slow and does things slow. Hare likes to hurry up and do things fast.
The Title of the book comes from the end where they are reading a story together. Hare both wants to read the story fast, but doesn't want the book to end.
I'm not sure it super worked as a story time book. But the kids especially liked the ending.
Ages: 1-4
Theme: Turtles
A cute book about Tortoise and Hare. Tortoise is slow and does things slow. Hare likes to hurry up and do things fast.
The Title of the book comes from the end where they are reading a story together. Hare both wants to read the story fast, but doesn't want the book to end.
I'm not sure it super worked as a story time book. But the kids especially liked the ending.
February 16, 2018
This is a beautiful classical story. The illustrations were amazing and this book shows how children could learn how not to rush their friends, but instead help them. I thought of many ways that I could teach children to not rush their friends to hurry up, but to wait for them. I enjoyed the story’s twist, the pictures, and the characters.
February 16, 2018
This book is a lovely way to describe opposites in friendships, directions, and personalities. Teachers can base activities upon this book at show differences and similarities within their classrooms. The book also describes the attributes of the animals mentioned; teachers can build upon that by allowing the children to think of other animals that are opposites of each other.
June 8, 2021
Existem dois tipos de pessoas.. as que fazem tudo muito depressa e as que fazem tudo muito lentamente... ou será que no fundo somos um bocadinho dos dois?
Uma história muito fofa que junta estas personagens clássicas! Recomendado pelo plano nacional de leitura é uma ótima opção para os pequeninos que estão a aprender a ler!
Uma história muito fofa que junta estas personagens clássicas! Recomendado pelo plano nacional de leitura é uma ótima opção para os pequeninos que estão a aprender a ler!
June 22, 2017
Cute story about a tortoise and hare who do things differently. One is fast and other is slow. Pretty illustrations throughout. I like the ending thought about the need to slow down while reading a book. Wise indeed. Recommended for Gr. K-1
February 12, 2018
This book is such a cute spin on the fable "The Tortoise & the Hare". I find this book appropriate for preschoolers as it introduces great vocabulary and opposites such as slow and fast. I thought the book offered nice artwork and was just an all around feel good book.
February 11, 2018
Hurry Up and Slow down is a great book for children to learn that the tortoise and the hare are different but they are still friends. The children will be able to learn all people are not the same.It teaches opposite words.
February 24, 2018
This is a lovely book to share with young children to help them to appreciate just what a pleasure it can be to hurry up and slow down. Teacher can use this book in the classroom as a read aloud. Discussing the value of slowing down and enjoying things.
March 1, 2018
It is about friendship, opposite, and the differences of each person. The story is suitable for preschoolers and above. Children will learn about what the animals are. There are many ways we could use and discuss in the classroom.
July 6, 2020
All day long long Hare hurries doing things fast, while Turtle likes to take his time doing things. Hare is so fast, that Turtle can barely keep up. There is something however, that makes Hare want to hurry up and then slow down when it's being done by Turtle.
April 19, 2022
Una preciosa versión de la liebre y la tortuga en dónde no se percibe competitividad y hay compañerismo y estima. El plus con las ilustraciones es un gran obsequio. Puedes encontrarlo libremente en facebook.
May 20, 2022
5/20/22: Awe...this is a super cute book about some things being worth slowing down and savoring. I quite enjoyed it. Glad I have a copy for my grandchild. Tortoise is very patient and the artwork is stunning.
October 21, 2023
5/20/22: Awe...this is a super cute book about some things being worth slowing down and savoring. I quite enjoyed it. Glad I have a copy for my grandchild. Tortoise is very patient and the artwork is stunning.
November 13, 2023
Wonderful book. Seems like a continuation from the hare and tortoise 🐢 story, which lays emphasis on doing things in calm and relaxed way. Towards the end highlights the importance of reading and inspiring others to read as well
October 9, 2017
The tortoise and the hare are friends with different styles. They find ways to work together and change roles along the way.
December 6, 2017
Amusing and cute. I can see the ending getting very old, very quickly.
February 28, 2018
A good book to use with Kindergarten students. Not only helps them learn opposites, but also to celebrate the differences of each other.
February 16, 2019
This cute story will definitely be relatable to any parent of toddlers, who will see themselves in the tortoise and their toddler in the rabbit. I think the illustrations are especially cute.
February 20, 2019
Una especie de retelling de la fábula de la liebre y la tortuga muy ameno
October 22, 2021
A beautifully written book with brilliant illustrations and a lovely message that had year 1/2 captivated.
December 6, 2022
La vida va tan rápido que lo que nos queda es poder disfrutar de cada instante. Que la monotonía y el piloto automático no nos prive de atesorar momentos y darles su tiempo.
February 14, 2024
Read to my son at bedtime.
A lovely book starring Hare and Tortoise. Tortoise likes to take his time, except for one thing, and Hare is opposite.
Lovely illustrations. Will read again.
A lovely book starring Hare and Tortoise. Tortoise likes to take his time, except for one thing, and Hare is opposite.
Lovely illustrations. Will read again.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 92 reviews