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Printable coloring story · Ages 2–5

The Tortoise and the Hare

The familiar fable of a boastful hare, a steady tortoise, and a race won one step at a time.

Haru the hare boasts about being fast and challenges Tomo the tortoise to a race. Haru races ahead, rests under a tree, and falls asleep, while Tomo keeps walking, reaches the finish first, and is congratulated by the hare.

A 10-page story to read, color, and keep

Read, color, learn

Ten little scenes to read and color.

Read one short sentence, color the scene, then pause for the little fact and question. The pages follow the story in order.

  1. 01Page 1
    Haru the hare standing proudly and pointing down the meadow race path while Tomo the tortoise listens calmly; the challenge is accepted before the start., printable black-and-white coloring page

    Page 1

    The Hare Challenges the Tortoise

    Haru the hare boasts about being fast and challenges Tomo the tortoise to a race.

    Little fact

    A hare's strong back legs help it run and jump quickly.

    Talk together: Which friend is boasting about being fast?

  2. 02Page 2
    Haru the hare and Tomo the tortoise standing side by side at a broad marked starting line beside one simple flag, ready for their race., printable black-and-white coloring page

    Page 2

    The Race Is Set

    The two friends agree to race and stand beside the marked starting line and flag.

    Little fact

    A tortoise's hard shell is an outer covering that helps protect its body.

    Talk together: Where is the marked starting line?

  3. 03Page 3
    Haru the hare sprinting ahead along the meadow race path while Tomo the tortoise starts behind him; the starting flag is far back., printable black-and-white coloring page

    Page 3

    The Hare Races Ahead

    The race begins, and Haru races ahead while Tomo starts behind on the path.

    Little fact

    Long back legs help a hare take quick, powerful leaps.

    Talk together: Which friend is farther ahead?

  4. 04Page 4
    Tomo the tortoise large in the foreground taking one slow careful step along the path while Haru is a small recognizable hare far ahead., printable black-and-white coloring page

    Page 4

    Tomo Keeps Steady Steps

    Tomo starts slowly and steadily, taking one careful step after another.

    Little fact

    A tortoise uses four legs to support its body as it walks.

    Talk together: Can you find Tomo's careful step?

  5. 05Page 5
    Haru the hare far ahead sitting awake and resting beneath one broad shade tree while Tomo the tortoise continues along the path behind., printable black-and-white coloring page

    Page 5

    The Hare Rests Under the Tree

    Far ahead, Haru decides to rest awake under a shady tree while Tomo keeps walking behind.

    Little fact

    Leaves and branches make shade that can block some sunlight.

    Talk together: Who is resting under the tree?

  6. 06Page 6
    Haru the hare sleeping peacefully with closed eyes beneath the broad tree while Tomo the tortoise walks onward along the path., printable black-and-white coloring page

    Page 6

    The Hare Falls Asleep

    Haru falls asleep under the tree while Tomo keeps walking along the race path.

    Little fact

    Sleep gives an animal's body time to rest and recover.

    Talk together: Where is Haru sleeping?

  7. 07Page 7
    Tomo the tortoise walking in the foreground past the peacefully sleeping Haru beneath the broad tree, continuing toward the finish., printable black-and-white coloring page

    Page 7

    Tomo Passes the Sleeping Hare

    Tomo passes the sleeping Haru and keeps walking toward the finish.

    Little fact

    A tortoise carries its shell with it as it walks.

    Talk together: Who is passing Haru?

  8. 08Page 8
    Haru the hare waking and rushing from the tree toward the finish ribbon while Tomo the tortoise is already near it ahead., printable black-and-white coloring page

    Page 8

    The Hare Rushes to the Finish

    Haru wakes and rushes toward the finish ribbon, but Tomo is already ahead.

    Little fact

    A hare's strong back legs help it run quickly and change direction.

    Talk together: Where is the finish ribbon?

  9. 09Page 9
    Tomo the tortoise crossing the finish ribbon first with a gentle proud smile while Haru runs toward it from behind., printable black-and-white coloring page

    Page 9

    Tomo Reaches the Finish First

    Tomo reaches the finish first, crossing the ribbon while Haru is still behind on the path.

    Little fact

    A finish line shows where a race ends.

    Talk together: Who reaches the finish first?

  10. 10Page 10
    Haru the hare arriving on the near side of the finish ribbon with one friendly paw raised to congratulate Tomo, who is already beyond the ribbon on the far side., printable black-and-white coloring page

    Page 10

    The Hare Congratulates the Tortoise

    Haru arrives too late, congratulates Tomo, and learns that steady effort wins.

    Little fact

    Steady practice can help living things build skill over time.

    Talk together: Who is congratulating Tomo?

Free story book

Print the whole story for a coloring afternoon.

Download all 10 uncolored pages, then read each tiny fact as your child colors from beginning to end.

10 pages · free PDF
Paper size
Page layout
Book language

The cover and picture titles use this language. Some existing prompts and hints teach English and remain in English; read them under “Choose for each picture” before printing.

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