Once upon a time, there was a little white rabbit, a yellow-haired fox, and a little monkey. They were the best of friends. They lived in the forest with a hermit. Little rabbit loved to gather herbs and vegetables with the hermit. Playful monkey jumped from tree to tree, picking fruits and throwing them down for his friends to eat. Fox was clever and often disappeared. Sometimes he would return with a fish for everyone to share. They all loved to listen to the hermit’s stories.
One day there was a drought, and the river ran dry. The hermit was so hungry he fell sick, so the little rabbit and her friends decided to search for food. Little monkey searched many mountains, and only found three tiny, dried nuts. Fox could not find any prey in the woods. So, he went into the village. But not a single grain of rice was left. So, fox brought back some firewood to make a cooking fire. Little rabbit searched all the fields, but she could not find any vegetables at all. She returned home empty handed.
Little white rabbit went back to the cave, and saw there were only three dried nuts and some firewood. They looked at each other, and felt very sad. The hermit said, “I am glad all three of you came home safe and sound. You must feel so hungry after looking for food. Take the nuts and eat it, do not worry about me.” Little white rabbit cried and said, “I cannot let you starve to death, you can cook and eat me.” Little rabbit jumped into the fire. The Jade Emperor saw the rabbit and saved her from the fire. He told the little rabbit, “You were willing to sacrifice yourself for your friends, your courage and kindness sets a good example for all.” He put the little white rabbit on the moon where everyone could see her, and made it rain to end the drought.
