The Fastest Tortoise in Town

Ages 3 to 7, Grades P to 2

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.

About the Author

Howard Calvert is a children’s book author and magazine journalist. He enjoys spending time outdoors trail running and mountain biking. Howard Calvert lives in Hampshire, England, with his wife and two daughters.

Karen Obuhanych was raised in California, where she enjoyed the outdoors, sports, and doing anything creative. Inspired by annual trips to Hawaii, where her father grew up, she moved to Oahu to attend the University of Hawai'i at Manoa and graduated with a BFA in painting. Karen Obuhanych currently resides on the Big Island of Hawaii.