A few days after starting school, I was asked to help the art class with an English illustrated storybook contest. (A note about ‘classes’ in Taiwan: some classes are split by interest/ability, e.g. the volleyball class, the art class, and the music class. Once you are in a class, you stick w/ them like butter on bread.  They have the same homeroom teacher together, which in some classes happens to be their coach, art teacher, music director, etc.), same science class, English class, etc.  They are like tiny armies that travel around the school together.)

The storybook had to be an English version of a Taiwanese myth or legend.  They were graded on artistic representation, the legend chosen, and correct English usage.  The storybook won first place and, not to be biased, but it was awesome.  Enjoy!

“Hello! I’m Yushan”

““Hi! I’m Banpingshan.  I’m the highest, most beautiful mountain in Taiwan.”

“Surrounded by mountains and rivers, I’m the supreme master, to whom no one can compare…Even the infinite sea has to surrender to me.“

Whenever Banpingshan met Yushan, he would boast of his strength while Yushan just listened carefully.

Yushan told Banpingshan, “Surrounded by mountains and rivers, Mother Nature has blessed you with the best environment.  You should cherish Her beauty and protect yourself from harm.”

Banpingshan replied, “That’s right.  I have all the best things that have never before been granted.  Let’s compete to see who is the tallest mountain in Taiwan.”

Yushan agreed to the challenge without hesitation.

“Ha ha! I’m certainly taller than you! By stacking three dried tofu cakes on top of my head, I’ll be able to reach the sky!” Banpinshan exclaimed.

The Sun overheard their conversation, and was angry with Banpingshan’s arrogance.

The Sun ordered that the thunder god punish Banpingshan.

Banpingshan couldn’t stop talking about his good qualities.

Suddenly, clouds filled the sky and thunder boomed and lightning flashed.

“BANG!” Banpingshan split in half and collapsed into the Taiwan Strait.

Poor Banpingshan, as Yushan had predicted, was forever doomed to be excavated and continuously damaged.

Meanwhile, the humble Yushan was surrounded by mountains and rivers and lived happily ever after.

Pride comes before fall but humility comes before honor.