Bear owns a lot of land to work it and the neighboring hares are down on their luck, so Hare devises a plan. He goes into business with Bear in order to farm on his land, and promises Bear "part" of the harvest. But every time, he outsmarts Bear by planting food that will benefit Hare and not Bear. Eventually, Hare has enough money to buy his own land and they call a truce to be neighbors but business partners no longer.

Independent Reading Level: Grades Prek-3
Bill Martin, Jr. Picture Book Award (Winner – 1997)
Black-Eyed Susan Book Award (Nominee – Picture Books – 1997)
Buckaroo Book Award (Nominee – 1999)
Caldecott Medal (Honor Book – 1996)
Colorado Children's Book Award (Nominee – 1997)
Flicker Tale Award (Nominee – Picture Books – 1997)
Grand Canyon Reader Award (Nominee – Picture Books – 1997)
Growing Good Kids Book Award (Classics)
Kentucky Bluegrass Award (Nominee – Grades K-3 – 1997)
Nebraska Golden Sower Award (Nominee – Little Bluestem (Picture Book) – 1997)
Pennsylvania Young Reader's Choice Award (Nominee – Grades K-3 – 1997)
Red Clover Book Award (Nominee – 1997)
Show Me Readers Award (Nominee – 1998)
Washington Children's Choice Picture Book Award (Nominee – 1998)
Young Hoosier Book Award (Nominee – Picture Book – 1997)

Hare is so silly, but I guess you'll do anything when your children are hungry. ( )

I remember Stella reading this in class last year, so when I was asked for a good trickster tale it's what came to mind. ( )

Genre:
Fairy tale and folklore-inspired fiction
Picture books for children
Tone:
Funny
Illustration:
Colorful
Detailed
Subject headings:
Hibernation
Tricksters
Cleverness
Hares
Bears
Vegetable gardens
Vegetable gardening
Laziness
Deals
Options, alternatives, choices