Kindergartners visiting the library continued their journey into India with the Indian legend, The Rabbit in the Moon. Upon entering the back room of the library, students were invited to sit on the floor around my rose and gold sari. Here I shared with them a legend that explains why the moon has a rabbit shaped spot on it. Using puppets and props, we learned that long ago a rabbit helped to encourage his forest friends (an otter, an elephant and a monkey) to curb their mischievous ways by setting a good example of kindness and generosity. The goddess Shiva tested the rabbit’s commitment to being kind and gentle by coming down to earth as a beggar. The rabbit was so loving that she offered herself as food to the beggar, but just as she was doing so, the beggar turned back into Shiva. Shiva honors the rabbit by saving her from being served as a snack and sets her gently up on the moon to serve as an example for all the creatures of the world. This story reminds us how important is to think of others’ needs and to be a good friend, something the Kindergarten really takes to heart. This legend was taken and adapted from The Barefoot Book of Animal Tales From Around the World. We concluded with book browsing and checkout. Happy Reading!
