The Fast and the Slow Friends

A lively grasshopper learns the value of slowing down from his slow-moving friends.

Cover illustration for The Fast and the Slow Friends
Recommended age
4-6
Theme
Moral
Length
13 story pages

Page 1

A lively grasshopper learns the value of slowing down from his slow-moving friends.

Page 2

In a meadow full of flowers lived a happy grasshopper named Jazzy. He loved to hop and play. He said, 'I love hopping high! What's my next adventure?'

Page 3

One morning, Jazzy saw his friend Sammy the Snail moving slowly to the pond. Jazzy asked, 'Hi Sammy! Why are you so slow?'

Page 4

Sammy replied, 'Good morning, Jazzy. I like to enjoy the journey and see all the sights.'

Page 5

Jazzy giggled. 'But if you go faster, you can play more!' Sammy said, 'But I might miss the flowers and the sun if I hurry.'

Page 6

Later, Jazzy saw his friend Kaleidoscope the Chameleon sitting quietly on a branch. Jazzy asked, 'Hi Kaleidoscope! What are you doing today?'

Page 7

Kaleidoscope replied, 'I'm just watching, Jazzy. Being still helps me see hidden wonders.'

Page 8

The sky grew dark, and it began to rain. Jazzy exclaimed, 'Oh no! I need to find a dry place!'

Page 9

Jazzy ran around looking for shelter. He saw Sammy under a big leaf. Jazzy asked, 'Sammy, can I join you? I can't find shelter!' Sammy said, 'Sure, Jazzy. There's room for both.'

Page 10

Kaleidoscope came and joined them. They huddled together as the rain fell. Kaleidoscope said, 'You found a good spot.' Jazzy said, 'Thanks to Sammy. I should have slowed down.'

Page 11

After the rain, a rainbow appeared. Jazzy thought, 'Maybe there's more to life than rushing. I've missed the little things.'

Page 12

Sammy said, 'Maybe I can go faster when I need to.' Kaleidoscope added, 'Balance is important, friends. Sometimes we go fast, sometimes we go slow.'

Page 13

From then on, Jazzy slowed down to enjoy the world. The moral of the story is: 'When we balance playing and resting, we enjoy life and make good friends.'

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