Chao-Chao

Everyday, Chao-Chao the giant panda would eat his weight in bamboo, like all other giant pandas, it was the only thing he ate for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. “I’m tired of eating only bamboo” Chao-Chao said to himself, “Even though it gives me the energy my kind needs, there surely must be other things I could eat?” It was there Chao-Chao decided to go out and try something new for a change.

So, Chao-Chao went roaming around looking to find anything that looked appetizing, when all of a sudden, he came upon a river where he met his friend Crane. “Hello Chao-Chao how are you today?” she asked. “I’m fine, I’m just looking for new foods to try”, Chao-Chao replied. “What do you like to eat?” Crane said she liked to eat fish and asked Chao-Chao if he would like to try one, since bears generally like to eat fish? So, Chao-Chao tried one of the fish Crane had caught; “YUCK!” Chao-Chao said out loud, “Sorry Crane, but fish aren’t some that I like to eat”; Chao-Chao said and went off looking for something else to eat.

Before long, Chao-Chao came to an open grassland where he saw his friend Ox grazing on grass. “Hello Ox” Chao-Chao said, “Hello to you too Chao-Chao, what brings you to these parts?” he asked. “I’m just looking for something new to eat” Chao-Chao replied, “Well then, you’re just in time to join me for lunch, care to try some grass?” Ox offered. Chao-Chao figured that since grass and bamboo was pretty much the same thing, maybe he would like it? “ICK!” Chao-Chao said as he spit the grass out, “Sorry Ox, but this grass isn’t like the kind I eat at all!” Chao- Chao said and moved along.

Next, Chao-Chao met his friend Monkey. "Hi-Ya Chao-Chao! How's it going?" Monkey asked. "I'm looking for something different to eat", Chao-Chao replied. Monkey brought Chao-Chao to his family who were eating lichen. Chao-Chao tasted it, but didn't like it. - BLECH! Sorry Monkey, but I don't like lichen.

As Chao-Chao continued on his way, feeling discouraged and hungry. He came across his friend Pangolin, who was up on a tree branch licking up ants. “Hello Chao- Chao are you looking for something?” she asked, “Actually I’m feeling kind of hungry”, Chao-Chao explained. “Well, I don’t have any bamboo to offer you”, Pangolin replied, “That’s okay, I’m actually looking for new foods to try.” Chao-Chao explained, “Well here, try some ants”, she offered. "Uh-uh!" Chao-Chao said shaking his head. "Sorry, but I don't like bugs."

Chao-Chao felt very hungry and thought about giving up. He really missed his bamboo. - Maybe I should just go back to eating bamboo, he thought. - But I really want to find something new. He sat down, feeling sad and hungry.

Just then, Yi-Yi the red panda appeared. - What are you doing out here, Chao-Chao? she asked. - I'm trying to find something new to eat, but nothing tastes good, Chao-Chao explained. Yi-Yi smiled and said, - Come with me, I have something you might like.

Yi-Yi took Chao-Chao to her home and showed him a bunch of fruit and honeycombs. - Try some, she offered. Chao-Chao tasted the fruit and honey. - Mm-Mm! Delicious! These are some of the best foods I've ever tasted, he exclaimed. Yi-Yi suggested they share this with their friends.

The next day, Chao-Chao and Yi-Yi prepared honey-glazed fruit platters. They invited their friends to join them. - Yum, these are great! said Monkey. - Very tasty, agreed Crane. Everyone enjoyed the meal and decided to share food more often.

From then on, every month, Chao-Chao and his friends shared a special meal together. They mixed fruits and honey with their favorite foods. Chao-Chao discovered a new favorite: honey-dipped bamboo with fruit on the side. - Delicious! he said happily. Chao-Chao learned that sharing made everything taste better.