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. Hello, Super Great

Kids and how are you? I'm happy because you've all been sending

in some lovely pictures and messages, which always puts a wag in my tail. Also, Xin Yan Hao. That's

Happy New Year in Chinese. Yes, this is the week which marks the beginning of

Chinese New Year, which is also known as the Spring Festival, which tells me that it's coming

to the end of winter and the beginning of spring. The birds in my garden are already singing loudly,

as if to say, don't worry, spring is in the air.

To mark Chinese New Year, we have a story for you,

which explains why each lunar New Year is given an animal to represent it.

This is the year of the s. You guessed it, the snake.

Each animal represents different qualities. Although a snake can be sneaky, it's also known in China

for its wisdom and its elegance.

So, if you were born in the year of the snake,

many Chinese people believe you're likely to be wise and elegant.

Last year was the year of the dragon,

and in China people see the dragon as a creature which brings good luck, so lots of people were

hoping to have their babies last year.

And just before we start the story, which is called the Great Race, I wonder if you can

think of any of the 12 animals which have a year named after them in the lunar calendar.

Have a guess if you don't know while we have a quick word with the grownups.

Are you ready? Off you go.

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