Tops & Bottoms: A Clever Folktale Story About Trickery and Hard Work for Children

Last updated Saturday, April 11, 2026

Author: Janet Stevens
Date of Publication: 1995
ISBN: 0152928510
Grade Level: 1st    (GLCs: Click here for grade level guidelines.)
Date(s) Used: May 2026

Synopsis: Wily Hare solves his family's problems by tricking rich and lazy Bear into giving up half his crops.

Once a upon a time, there was a lazy Bear and a clever Hare. Bear had lots of money and lots of land but all he wanted to do was sleep. Hare had nothing but hungry children, so he came up with a plan to convince Bear to split his land down the middle - tops and bottoms. Hare can work all day and Bear can sleep.

It's the perfect solution! Or is it?

Discussion topics: To be posted soon ...

Craft ideas: To be posted soon ...

*Note: These craft ideas are just suggestions. You can use them, but you don't have to use them. You can expand upon them, or add your own twist. Remember, though, that the focus of your time should not be on the development and execution of a craft; the focus should be on the read-aloud and the enjoyment of the book!