8大中国传统故事英文版，值得收藏！（中英文本）(16)

Rat gets to the start of the race. He sees a lot of animals there. Ox is there. Horse and Pig are there. Even Dragon is there, along with others!
“Oh no!” thinks Rat. “Those animals are much bigger. They are much stronger. I am tiny. I am a bad swimmer. I can’t run fast.”
Rat is smart, though. He has an idea.
Rat runs up to Ox.
“Can you help me?” he asks. “I can ride on your head. I will sing songs in your ear.”
(Rats are smart and charming, too.)
“Okay. I like songs. That sounds good.”
Rat climbs on Ox’s head. He sings and sings. Ox swims and swims.
Ox is first to climb out of the river. He runs toward the finish line.
“We are going to win!” shouts Ox.
Rat jumps off Ox’s head. He runs ahead!
“Yes!” cheers the clever Rat. “I will be FIRST!”
And he is! Jade Emperor names the first year after Rat. Ox is second.
Tiger is third. Then comes Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Sheep, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig.
Rat walks home with the First Prize.