"Ward uses this tale as a vehicle for her absorbing pictures of animals from around the world . Beautiful and scientifically precise ink-and-watercolor illustrations." -- School Library Journal "In this age of satirical versions of fables and fairy tales, a straightforward, elegant, witty retelling of an old favorite such as "The Hare and the Tortoise" comes as a particular pleasure. The focus of this large, spacious picture book is real animals, from the two title characters to the many that come to see the race. With black ink outlines meticulously delineating the creatures' fur and markings, Ward's watercolor-and-gouache paintings show each animal as both warmly cuddly and realistic . The brief story, with its large, easy-to-see pictures, makes a fine story hour choice for younger children. For older ones, there's more fun at the back of the book. In tiny print, Ward provides a key and some chatty background information on all the animals portrayed in the story, making the volume a treat that animal lovers can return to again and again .

" -- Booklist.