Hare and Tortoise Race Across Israel

Hare and Tortoise Race Across Israel written by Laura Gehl and illustrated by Sarah Goodreau (2015)

 Israel is the new setting for an age-old story. Follow Hare and Tortoise as they watch the trains at the Hashalom station in Tel Aviv and enjoy some hummus or rugelach from the bakery. When Hare proclaims that he is faster than a train, Tortoise challenges him to a foot race across Israel to the Dead Sea. Hare accepts and quickly takes off through the olive groves while Tortoise plods along calling out ‘Shalom’ to everyone he passes. Hare is so far ahead that he stops in Jerusalem to buy some dried apricots and take a short break. He watches a soccer game and some street performers losing track of time until he hears Tortoise offering him some of his falafel. Hare takes off again and doesn’t stop until he gets to an oasis in the desert. There he shares a cup of tea and a flaky baklava with his Bedouin host, and finally resumes the last leg of his journey. Just before he reaches the shores of the Dead Sea, Hare lays down under a palm tree and takes a quick nap. Slowly, but surely, Tortoise passes the sleeping Hare and approaches the finish line first. Hare admits to being too sure of himself and losing the race. And both Hare and Tortoise are so sore and hot, that they float in the water of the Dead Sea together.

Classic stories like Aesop’s Fables have been retold in many languages and cultures around the world. This is a great opportunity to enjoy the cultural tastes of Israel with your child.

Personally, I prefer to buy my treats ready-made but if you prefer to make your own, here are a few recipes.

Shalom!

Hummus

Rugelach

Baklava