Otter's Coat: The Real Reason Turtle Raced Rabbit: A Cherolachian Tortoise and Hare (Cherolachian Tales Book 1)
#1 of 1 in Cherolachian Tales Series
What’s inside...
When Rabbit hears the animals talking about what a beautiful coat Otter has, he becomes jealous. After he tricks Otter out of the coat, Turtle races to make sure it is returned to the true owner in this cross between the Cherokee and Appalachian (Cherolachian) retelling of the Tortoise and the Hare. This enchanting twist on the classic Aesop's fable is beautifully illustrated and loved by both children and adults. Young readers also enjoy finding where the chipmunk is hiding in the illustrations. Critics praise the book as a beautiful pairing to a classic story and find humor in its unique storytelling.
Discussion points
Why do you think Turtle wanted to race Rabbit, and what can we learn from his decision?
How did the other animals in the story react to the race? What does that tell us about teamwork and support?
What do you think 'Otter’s Coat' symbolizes in the story? How does it connect to the characters?
How would you have felt if you were Turtle or Rabbit during the race? Would you have acted differently?
What’s the biggest lesson you take away from this story?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to put themselves in the shoes of Turtle and Rabbit, exploring different perspectives.
Discuss the importance of perseverance and how it was demonstrated in the story.
Highlight the role of support from friends and family during challenges, drawing parallels to your child’s own experiences.
Use the story's themes to discuss with your child the value of honesty and fair play.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Persistence pays off
Explanation: In the story, Turtle's determination to complete the race despite being slower than Rabbit exemplifies persistence.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of consistent effort in achieving goals, whether it's finishing a school project or learning a new skill.
Example Lesson: Clever problem-solving
Explanation: Turtle uses clever strategies to compete in the race, showcasing problem-solving skills.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to think creatively to solve problems they encounter in school or in play.
Example Lesson: Humility
Explanation: Rabbit's overconfidence leads to his downfall, highlighting the value of humility.
Real-World Application: Children are taught to remain humble and respect others' abilities, which fosters better relationships and teamwork.
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of challenges
Explanation: Turtle faces various obstacles but does not give up, demonstrating resilience.
Real-World Application: Kids learn to maintain their effort and enthusiasm even when faced with difficulties, building a robust character.
Example Lesson: Importance of fairness
Explanation: The story underscores the importance of playing fair and not underestimating others.
Real-World Application: This can help children understand the importance of fairness in their interactions and competitions with peers.