In the heart of the African jungle, a tiny rat proves that courage and clever thinking can outmatch even the fiercest beast. The Rat Who Roared is a playful folktale where kindness is rewarded, strength is challenged, and a clever plan saves the day. This story reminds us that being small doesn’t mean being powerless.
CHARACTERS:
HUNTER – A kind but skeptical man.
RAT – A small, clever creature.
LION – Proud and fierce… but not as brave as he seems.
SCRIPT
(A hunter walks through the jungle carrying a bow and arrow. A food bag hangs from his shoulder. He stops when he hears a noise coming from the ground.)
HUNTER: Who’s making that noise?
RAT: It’s me! Please help me! I fell into this hole and I can’t get out.
HUNTER: Hold on. I’ll help you.
(The hunter lowers his bow into the hole. The rat climbs up and shakes himself free of dirt.)
RAT: Thank you! You saved my life. If you ever need help, I’ll be there for you.
HUNTER: (laughing) You? Help me? You’re so tiny!
RAT: We’ll see.
(The rat scurries away. The hunter continues walking and looks up.)
HUNTER: Uh-oh… those clouds look bad. I’d better find shelter.
(He runs into a cave, sits on the floor, and takes out his food. Suddenly, a large lion appears at the entrance.)
HUNTER: Oh! Good day, Mr. Lion. Is this your cave? I didn’t mean to intrude. It was raining… but the rain’s stopped, so I’ll just go and—
LION: Stay! Eat your food… then I will eat you.
(A booming voice echoes through the cave.)
RAT: Ha, ha, ha! Yes! The hunter will eat his food. The lion will eat the hunter. Then I… will eat the lion!
LION: Who’s there?
RAT: I am everywhere!
LION: Who are you?
RAT: I am the terrible lion hunter. Hurry up so I can eat you!
LION: On second thought… I’m not that hungry.
(The lion runs away in fear.)
HUNTER: Who is this terrible lion hunter? Who could scare such a fierce lion?
(The rat emerges from behind a rock.)
RAT: Me.
HUNTER: You?! How?
RAT: I can’t fight a lion… but this cave has a wonderful echo. It made my voice sound powerful.
HUNTER: You’re small, but you’re clever. Forgive me for not believing in you.
(They shake hands… or paw and hand.)
BOTH: Friends forever!
The Rat Who Roared shows that brains can be stronger than brawn, and kindness can create unexpected friendships. Even the smallest voice can make the biggest impact.
Moral: Never underestimate someone because of their size—wisdom and courage come in all shapes
The End
Author: African Folktale
Adapted by: K I D S I N C O
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External Resources:
- African Folktales Collection – Read more traditional stories from across Africa.
- Aesop’s Fables Online – Explore short animal tales with morals from around the world.
- National Geographic Kids – Animal Facts – Learn fun facts about lions, rats, and other jungle animals.
- Storynory – Free Audio Stories for Kids – Listen to fables, fairy tales, and legends.
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