The Ramayana

This is Hanuman. He is a strong monkey with special powers! Hanuman lived in a big, green forest where the happy birds sang chirp, chirp all day. Hanuman's best friend was Prince Rama, a very kind prince who loved the beautiful Princess Sita. Rama and Sita lived happily in the forest with Rama's brother, Lakshmana. But one day, a tricky king with ten big heads named Ravana came and took Princess Sita away to his faraway island. Oh no! Prince Rama was very, very sad. This was the start of the great story of The Ramayana, and Hanuman knew he had to help his friends.

Rama asked Hanuman, "Can you please find Sita?". Hanuman promised he would. He climbed a tall, tall mountain and took a big, deep breath. POOF! Hanuman grew bigger and bigger, as big as a fluffy white cloud in the sky. With a mighty WHOOSH, he leaped over the big, blue ocean. He flew like a super bird all the way to the island. Then, Hanuman made himself very small, as tiny as a little kitten. He tiptoed into a beautiful garden full of bright flowers and found Princess Sita sitting sadly under a big tree. He quietly gave her Rama's shiny ring to show her that help was coming soon.

Hanuman flew back, back, back across the water. He told Rama, "I found Sita! I found her!". Hanuman and his whole monkey army helped Rama. Lots of other amazing animal friends helped, too! Together, they brought Princess Sita all the way home. Rama and Sita were so happy to be together again. Everyone celebrated with little glowing lamps and watched bright, colorful fireworks pop in the night sky. Pop! Bang! Fizz! The story of The Ramayana shows that friends helping friends is the best power. It reminds everyone that good and light will always win, which is why people celebrate the festival of lights called Diwali. Being brave and kind makes the whole world a happy place.