• Age: 4 to 8
• Grade: p to 3

Bear has fast legs. Turtle has a fast mind. Who will win the race? A fun Native American tale that kindergarteners and first graders can read on their own.

Ready, set, go!
Bear will go over the ice.
Turtle will go under the ice.
Bear runs fast.
But where is Turtle?

When a quick-footed bear and a quick-witted turtle race across a frozen lake, Turtle has a secret plan to win! Written and illustrated by Mohawk author-illustrator Arihhonni David, this easy reader based on a Native American tale combines exciting storytelling and easy-to-read language.

This book has been officially leveled by using the Fountas & Pinnell Text Level GradientTM leveling system.

The award-winning I Like to Read® series focuses on guided reading levels A through G, based upon Fountas and Pinnell standards. Acclaimed author-illustrators--including winners of Caldecott, Theodor Seuss Geisel, and Coretta Scott King honors--create original, high-quality illustrations that support comprehension of simple text and are fun for kids to read again and again with their parents, teachers or on their own!

A School Library Journal Best Book of the Year
A Bank Street Best Children's Book of the Year
A Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection

Arihhonni David's profile page

Arihhonni David (Ah-Lee-Who-Knee) is an illustrator and storyteller from Akwesasne Ontario and a Member of the Haudenosaunee Kanienkehaka (Mohawk) people. Growing up with the legends and imagery of the Haudenosaunee people he developed a visual mind and love of art. He received his B.F.A. in Illustration and a minor in Indigenous Studies from Syracuse University.

★ "A beginning reader that succeeds both as a learning tool for new readers and as a layered tale to appreciate over repeat readings. . . . There is a notable lack of beginning reader books from an Indigenous perspective, and this book is most welcome."—The Horn Book, Starred Review

★ "Fun for beginning readers, the book retells an amusing Native American tale with a satisfying ending, while the expressive illustrations help readers visualize the characters and setting. . . . Like many books in the I Like to Read series, this respectful retelling of a traditional trickster tale offers a welcome change of pace for beginning readers."—Booklist, Starred Review

"With just a few words per page, presented in a large font, and visuals that reflect the action, this one is ideal for beginning readers. Exaggerated, energetic cartoon illustrations enhance the easy-to-read text. Children will be charmed by the humor, drama, fun twist, and wonderfully entertaining characters. The characters’ strengths and savvy will delight emerging readers."—Kirkus Reviews

"This clever tale should find a place in most collections, especially given the lack of Indigenous voices and representation in the beginning reader format."—School Library Journal