The Rabbit in the Moon

5 pages · 1 min · ages 4+

Based on: Japanese / East Asian Folk Tale

Three friends live together. They are Monkey, Fox, and Rabbit. One day, a man visits. He is old and tired. The old man is hungry. He needs help today.

Monkey climbs a tall tree. He brings sweet yellow fruit. Fox goes to the river. He catches a silver fish. They give the man food. The old man says thanks. The man is very happy.

Little Rabbit has no food. He looks in the grass. He looks under the bushes. Rabbit feels very sad now. Then, Rabbit has an idea. He will tend the fire. He will keep it warm. Rabbit wants to help too.

Rabbit works all night long. He adds wood to the fire. The fire stays very bright. The old man feels warm. Suddenly, the old man glows. He is the Moon Man. He smiles at kind Rabbit.

The Moon Man takes Rabbit. They fly to the sky. Look up at the moon. Do you see a shape? It is the kind Rabbit. He is always there now. Rabbit glows for us all.