The Clever Tortoise

10 pages · 3 min · ages 5+

Based on: East African Folk Tale

Elephant was very big and strong. He loved to stomp his feet. Hippo was also very, very large. She liked to splash in water. Both animals were quite boastful today. They told everyone about their power. The small animals felt very tiny.

Little Tortoise lived in the grass. He watched the big animals play. Elephant almost stepped on a bird. Hippo made the fish feel dizzy. "They are not being kind," Tortoise said. He wanted to teach them something. Tortoise felt very determined and brave.

Tortoise walked slowly to the Elephant. "I am stronger than you," Tortoise said. Elephant laughed a very loud laugh. "You are just a small shell!" "Let us have a contest," Tortoise said. Elephant agreed to the silly game. He thought he would win easily.

Tortoise found a very long rope. He gave one end to Elephant. "Do not pull yet," Tortoise said. "Wait until I blow my whistle." Elephant held the rope with pride. He stood by a large tree. Tortoise walked away into the bushes.

Tortoise took the rope to Hippo. Hippo was resting in the river. "I am stronger than you," Tortoise said. Hippo blew bubbles and laughed loudly. "You are very tiny!" Hippo shouted. "Hold this rope and wait," Tortoise said. "Pull when you hear my whistle."

Tortoise went to the middle bushes. The rope was now very tight. Elephant was on the dry land. Hippo was in the deep water. They could not see each other. Tortoise blew a very loud whistle. The great tug-of-war began now.

Elephant pulled with his strong trunk. The rope did not move much. Hippo pulled with her big mouth. She was surprised by the weight. "That little tortoise is very strong!" Elephant pulled harder and harder still. Dust flew up into the air.

Hippo was now exhausted and tired. Elephant was very sweaty and hot. They both pulled one last time. The rope suddenly went very loose. They both fell down with bumps. Tortoise walked out with a smile. He looked very small and happy.

Elephant and Hippo met together soon. They saw the rope between them. "You were pulling against her!" Tortoise said. Elephant looked at the big Hippo. They both started to laugh loudly. "You are a very clever animal!" They were not angry at all.

Now they help the small animals. Elephant lifts heavy logs for birds. Hippo helps the frogs cross water. Tortoise is a very brave hero. Everyone lives in the green forest. Wisdom is better than just strength. The animals are all good friends.