Hello and welcome to super great kids stories.
Wise tales from storytellers around the world which will make you laugh and sometimes cry.
Recommended for ages 5 to 105.
I'm Kim and I love stories.
Today we have not one but two stories from China to mark the Lunar New Year which is celebrated in many parts of Asia.
The stories are told by Alton Takayama Chong and the first is called Why Rat is Number One and explains how the animals were chosen to represent each Lunar New Year.
And the second is the Nien, which is about a monster with long horns and pointy teeth.
Did you have a happy week, Super Great Kids?
I'm happy because you've been sending in some lovely pictures and very kind messages,
which makes my heart sing.
Also, right now, we're in the middle of Lunar New Year celebrations,
also known as the Spring Festival.
which means that winter is coming to an end and spring is beginning.
The birds in my garden are already singing more loudly,
as if to say, don't worry, spring is just around the corner.
And there are lots of snow drops and primrose is flowering in the woods near my home.
So, Xin Yen Hao, that's happy new year in Chinese.
This is the year of the horse.
And just before we start the story,
I wonder