The Great Race

NARRATOR: Long ago in China, there was no way to count the years. The Jade Emperor wanted to help.

EMPEROR: We will have a big race! The first twelve animals to cross the river will win.

NARRATOR: Rat and Cat were best friends back then. But they were both very bad at swimming.

RAT: The river is too wide. We will never win.

CAT: Let us ask Ox for help. He is big and strong.

OX: Hello, friends! You can sit on my back while I swim.

NARRATOR: Rat and Cat jumped onto the back of Ox. Ox began to swim across the deep water.

NARRATOR: They were ahead of all the other animals. But Rat wanted to win the first place for himself.

RAT: Look at that pretty fish, Cat! Lean over and see!

NARRATOR: Rat gave Cat a big push. Splash! Cat fell into the cold water.

CAT: Help! I do not like water! Why did you push me, Rat?

NARRATOR: Ox did not see Rat push Cat. He kept swimming to the shore.

EMPEROR: I see Ox coming! He is almost at the finish line.

RAT: I must be first! Here I go!

NARRATOR: Rat ran up the neck of Ox. He jumped onto the dry land.

EMPEROR: Rat is the winner! The first year of the zodiac belongs to Rat.

OX: Oh! You jumped ahead! But I am happy to be second.

EMPEROR: Good job, Ox. You are second.

NARRATOR: Cat finally got out of the water. But he was too late to win a year.

CAT: I am so mad at you, Rat! We are not friends anymore!

NARRATOR: And that is why cats still do not like rats today. That is how the great race ended.