The story of the Tortoise and the Hare. We all know it, right? 🐢 vs 🐰 Overconfident hare challenges slow tortoise to a race. Hare takes a nap. Tortoise keeps going. Tortoise wins. Slow and steady wins the race. That's it - four lines, one lesson.

​

But what if we told this story differently? We asked young creators like you on the Kokoverse to workshop new ways to tell this classic tale. Today, we're sharing one reimagining that puts a fresh spin on this ancient fable.

​

THE REIMAGINED STORY: "LEVEL UP: THE ULTIMATE RACE"

​

In the digital world of Woodland Legends, the most popular online battle racing game, lived two very different players.

​

TurtleTrooper42 was a new player with a basic character - a turtle avatar with no special items, skins, or power-ups. The turtle moved slowly across the screen, and other players often zoomed past, leaving TurtleTrooper in their digital dust.

​

Then there was SpeedyHare99, the reigning champion with millions of followers. SpeedyHare had all the best gear, exclusive skins, and an undefeated record in the Woodland Raceway arena.

​

One day, the game announced its biggest event ever: The Ultimate Championship. The prize? A legendary avatar upgrade that had never been available before, plus the title of Ultimate Woodland Legend.

​

SpeedyHare99 (voice chat): "This tournament is already mine! None of you stand a chance!"

​

TurtleTrooper42 (typing in chat): "I'm going to enter too."

​

While SpeedyHare created hype videos and practised spectacular stunts for their stream, TurtleTrooper spent time differently.

​

Hours turned into days. TurtleTrooper memorised every inch of the Woodland Raceway. They discovered unusual terrain features, practised the hardest sections repeatedly, and slowly saved enough in-game currency for one special item: a shield.

​

Tournament day arrived. Players from around the world logged in.

​

Game Announcer: "Racers, on your marks! The Ultimate Championship begins in 3...2...1...GO!"

​

SpeedyHare blasted off the starting line, leaving everyone in the dust. TurtleTrooper started slow but steady, taking an unusual route that no one else chose. 🧭

​

Halfway through, SpeedyHare was so far ahead that they began performing tricks and taunts for their streaming audience.

​

Meanwhile, TurtleTrooper activated a passage they'd discovered during practice. This path was longer but bypassed the Swamp of Slowness that every other racer would encounter.

​

As SpeedyHare entered the Swamp of Slowness, their avatar suddenly slowed to a crawl.

​

SpeedyHare99: "What?! This never happened before!"

​

A notification appeared on everyone's screen: 'TurtleTrooper42 has taken the lead!'

​

SpeedyHare99: "IMPOSSIBLE!"

​

TurtleTrooper's turtle avatar emerged from the secret passage just ahead of the swamp. Their shield glowed as they passed through the final obstacle—a rain of slowdown spells. While other players struggled, TurtleTrooper maintained their pace.

​

With SpeedyHare frantically trying to catch up, TurtleTrooper crossed the finish line first! The game exploded with confetti animations.

Game Announcer: "UNPRECEDENTED! TurtleTrooper42 is our new champion!

​

TurtleTrooper's avatar transformed, gaining a spectacular cosmic shell that glowed with stars and planets. Their username changed colour to legendary gold.

​

SpeedyHare99: "How did you beat me? I have all the best gear!"

​

TurtleTrooper42: "I found a different way."

​

The next day, players started creating turtle avatars. Even SpeedyHare's approach to the game had changed.

​

SpeedyHare99: "GG, Turtle. Want to team up for the doubles tournament next month?"

​

TurtleTrooper42: "Sure thing."

​

OK, gamers, let's talk about what just happened! We took the old Tortoise and Hare story and gave it a total respawn using something called a 'Rags to Riches' story arc!

​

Think of a story arc like a level progression in your favourite game. The 'Rags to Riches' arc is when your character starts as a total newbie with basic gear and no special powers. Then, through grinding, smart strategy, and not giving up when things get tough, they level up to become the ultimate champion!

​

Game developers and storytellers both know that watching a character go from zero to hero is super satisfying! That's why so many of your favourite games, movies, and books use this story pattern.

​

Here's a pro tip: When you're creating your own stories for school projects or just for fun with friends, try using the 'Rags to Riches' arc. Start with a character who's struggling or has a major disadvantage, then show how they overcome it step by step!

​

Great stories don't just tell us what to think - they give us a chance to discover meanings for ourselves. That's the power of storytelling!

This story was co-created with Zara from Nairobi and brought to life by KOKO the Pup and the magical streets of Bangalore.

​

Do you have a story to share? Submit it here - www.thekokoverse.com/submit-your-story⁠

​

It could be anything - a holiday you loved, a cooking adventure that went a little messy, or even a fun day with your friends. I’d love to hear it!