Tops & Bottoms
By Janet Stevens
The Story
A broke, clever hare strikes a deal with a rich, lazy bear who'd rather sleep than farm: split the crops tops and bottoms, and let the harvest decide who really comes out ahead.
Why It's Special
For the kid who's already figured out how to talk a sibling out of the last cookie, Hare's deal-making will feel like watching a master at work.
- Big idea: Cleverness and effort can outmatch wealth and power — the sharpest mind in the room doesn't need the most land.
- Vibes: sly, funny, and satisfying, with a trickster-tale bounce
Perfect For Kids Who
- enjoy trickster tales and clever schemes
- like to guess what happens next in a deal
- are working on thinking ahead and planning
- respond well to stories with a satisfying twist
Ask Your Little Reader
- Story & problem-solving: Why did Hare suggest splitting the crops into tops and bottoms instead of just asking Bear for help?
- Imagination: If you were Hare, what other clever deal might you have offered Bear?
- Real-life connection: Have you ever come up with a clever plan to solve a problem at home?
- Feelings & empathy: How do you think Bear felt about sleeping through the whole planting season?
- Character choices: Why do you think Hare worked so hard while Bear just wanted to nap?
