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 Takuyama 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 snowdrops and primroses flowering in the woods near my home.

So, Xin'ien Hao, that's Happy New Year in Chinese.

This is the year of the horse.

And just before we start the story, I wonder if you can think of any of the 12 animals

which have a year named after them in the Chinese lunar calendar. Here are a couple of clues.

Bho-woo! Well, that's three to set you off. See how many more animals you can guess if you don't know.

While we have a quick word with the grown-ups. Ready? Off you go.

Hello, super great kids, I'm back!

I wonder if you know or manage to guess any of the animals which have a year named after

them in the Chinese calendar.

Here's the list.

See how many you got right.

Rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, sheep, goat, monkey, monkey, rooster, dog and pig.

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