Nian the New Year Monster
This story sets out to explain the origin of the Chinese New Year festival. It tells how a mysterious old man helps a village to get rid of Nian, a rampaging monster who has been terrorising the villagers at the start of every spring (on the first day of the Chinese New Year). The story is told in the style of a traditional folk tale, but its origins are thought to be more recent.
About this resource
Series: Junior Journal 59 Level 2 2019
Reading year level: 3
Category: Fiction
Topics: celebration, China, Chinese New Year, cooperation, courage, culture, fireworks, helping others, monster, Nian, New Year, problem solving, tradition, traditional tale
Nian, the New Year Monster
A Chinese tale, retold by Chris Tse
Illustrations by Ant Sang
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Junior Journal 59 Level 2 2019
Inside this Junior Journal is one story (Nian, The New Year Monster) two articles (Bird of the Year; And the Winner is...) one poem (Garden Angels) and one play (The Competition).
1 of 5And the Winner is...
This article builds on ideas introduced in “Bird of the Year” (in the same journal) and provides information about six winners of the Bird of the Year competition. Much of the information is presented in the form of tables, allowing students to gain experience in reading different text formats.
2 of 5Bird of the Year
In this interview, Megan Hubscher of Forest & Bird talks to Iona McNaughton about the Bird of the Year competition – why it started and how it helps keep New Zealand native birds safe. Students can read about some of the past winners of the competition in an accompanying article, “And the Winner Is ...
3 of 5Garden Angels
Poem by Sarah Penwarden
4 of 5The Competition
Messy City has a big problem – it’s too messy! A group of superheroes are invited to take part in a competition to find a solution to the problem.
5 of 5
