Tilly the Turtle’s First Race
🐢Tilly the Turtle’s First Race
For ages 4–8
Tilly the Turtle was small, shy, and always the last to arrive.
The forest animals were preparing for their annual race. Rabbits stretched, squirrels sprinted, and birds flapped with excitement.
Tilly wanted to join, but everyone laughed.
“You’re too slow!” giggled the fox.
“You’ll never finish!” chirped the bluebird.
But wise old Owl said, “Let her try. A steady heart can go far.”
So Tilly lined up at the starting line. The whistle blew—ZOOM! The others raced ahead.
Tilly moved slowly, one step at a time. She saw a squirrel trip and helped him up. She showed a lost chick the way home. She even shared her water with a tired rabbit.
By the time Tilly reached the finish line, the sun was setting—and the crowd was waiting.
They clapped and cheered. “You didn’t win the race,” said Owl, “but you won everyone’s hearts.”
Tilly smiled. She didn’t need to be fast to be amazing.