Super Great Kids' Stories

Nian the Sea Monster & Why Rat is Number One

Super Great Kids' Stories

Show Notes

Alton Takiyama-Chung tells us two lively tales which help explain some of the traditions celebrated in China and other parts of East Asia at Lunar New Year. One story is about how the twelve animals who represent the Lunar New Year Calendar were chosen - by having an exciting river race. And a second story is about the Nian, a terrifying monster who arrives after dark every New Year’s Eve - to eat the people and their animals. Until one year, a brave old man, comes up with a plan to stop him. This legend explains some of the traditions and celebrations which still take place today at this popular festival which marks the beginning of Spring. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

More from Super Great Kids' Stories

Oct 16, 2026

Jason Buck tells the scary fairytale of Molly Whuppie - a traditional Scottish tale about a clever youngest sister who outsmarts a thuggish giant and tricks him out of all his riches. Jason conjures up a magnificently scary giant complete with terrifying sound effects. We rate this stroy at 3 screams out of 3. Pretty darn scary. But of course it has a fairytale happy ending for Molly and her sisters.

Oct 14, 2026

This is a: 'Best of Super Great Kids' Stories' selected from our Archive. Mary didn’t like bedtime and found all sorts of excuses to avoid going to bed. So, when she saw a face at her bedroom window with ruby, red lips, her mum didn’t believe her. Argh! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Oct 9, 2026

A young boy captures a magical glowing bird whose feathers shine and burn like flames. The bird uses its powers to help the boy defeat Bonio - a scary talking skeleton. A Russian fairytale, brilliantly told by Nell Phoenix. We rate this scarytale at two screams out of three. Fairly scary but of course, good wins out in the end. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Oct 2, 2026

Jack is a boy who is very good at concentrating on what he wants. So when he sets off to catch rabbits, he's not much troubled by news of a seven-headed giant who's rampaging through the forest. So how will he react when the giant finally crosses his path? Listen to Tiernan who told us The 'Ghost of the Bloody Finger' and find out. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sep 25, 2026

Two thought-provoking Sun and Moon stories to celebrate our sixth birthday: one from Alton and one from Kim. Alton's story - marks the brightest moon of the year - the harvest moon (Sept 25th.) The Wind and the Sun is an Aesop's fable from Greece about the power of persuasion over brute force. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

See all episodes →