Early autumn in the pumpkin garden, seven little mice escaped from a big, terrifying cat. They rushed into a thick patch of vines and leaves, hiding among the big, round pumpkins.
The proud cat hunted around in vain, like a chicken with its head cut off, and finally left in dismay.
"Hooray, we're safe now!"
When they came out, they were amazed. The giant pumpkin leaves were as large as lotus leaves, and the pumpkins glowed orange from a summer's sunlight.
The smallest mouse's nose jutted out close to a pumpkin. He sniffed and smiled: "Wonderful! It's sweet! This must be the biggest pumpkin I've ever seen. I'm so hungry. I bet it would be even better in my belly!"
The other six mice were also hungry. "Running uses up energy!"
They rushed to the pumpkin and bit holes into it with their sharp teeth. They ate and ate, enjoying not only the delicious flesh but also the seeds. Finally, full and satisfied with their round bellies, they stopped.
They burped and climbed out. Seeing their handiwork, they laughed: "Aha, look! The pumpkin is full of holes!"
The smallest mouse suddenly had a brilliant idea and shouted: "Why not roll it as a pumpkin cart? That would be so much fun!"
The other six mice agreed: "Let's do it!"
They all climbed back into the hollow pumpkin shell and pushed with all their might: "One, two, three, go!"
Just then, the cat, unwilling to give up, returned.
When he saw the giant pumpkin rolling toward him with bright eyes shining from the holes and heard the deafening singing, he screamed: "A ghost is coming!"
The terrified cat ran away and never came back.
All the mice cheered and sang:
"Pumpkin cart, pumpkin cart,
Orange and beautiful,
We are your great drivers.
Pumpkin cart, pumpkin cart,
Giant and brave,
You can defeat the evil.
Pumpkin cart, pumpkin cart,
Belong to seven mice…"