Once upon a time, there was a group of animals who lived in a forest. There was a stern bear named Bert, a sophisticated snake named Sydney, a simple rabbit named Roger, a strong elephant named Ellie, a timid deer named Tim, a tender tortoise named Toni, a smart squirrel named Sam, a soft kitten named Sally, and a stubborn mule named Moe.

One day, Bert the bear gathered all the animals in the forest and announced that they were going to have a big race. The winner would be crowned the fastest animal in the forest.

As soon as the race started, everyone was tense. Roger the rabbit was hopping as fast as he could, but Ellie the elephant was lumbering ahead with her long legs. Tim the deer was too timid to even start running, and Sally the kitten was jumping around trying to catch butterflies.

Sydney the snake was being very sophisticated and was slithering smoothly along the path. Sam the squirrel was using his smarts and was running up trees and then down again. Toni the tortoise was being tender and was taking it slow and steady, and Moe the mule was being stubborn and refused to move.

Just when everyone thought Ellie the elephant was going to win, she suddenly tripped and fell. This gave Toni the tortoise a chance to catch up and cross the finish line first.

Everyone was surprised and cheered for Toni. Bert the bear was so impressed with Toni's determination that he declared Toni the winner and crowned him the fastest animal in the forest.

From that day on, all the animals in the forest learned that being simple, smart, soft, strong, stern, sophisticated, timid, tender, or stubborn doesn't always determine who will win. It's the determination and persistence that counts.

Reflections

1. Who was the winner of the race in the forest?
2. What did Bert the bear announce to all the animals in the forest?
3. Why was Ellie the elephant surprised when she lost the race?
4. Why did Toni the tortoise win the race?
5. What did the animals learn from the race in the forest?
6. What was Sally the kitten doing during the race?
7. What was Tim the deer's behavior during the race?
8. Who was the most determined animal in the story?
9. Why was Sydney the snake considered sophisticated?
10. Why was Moe the mule stubborn?