The Crane Wife
10 pages · 3 min · ages 5+
Based on: Japanese Folk Tale
Farmer Aki walks in the snow. He finds a large white bird. Its wing has a small hurt. Aki brings the crane home quickly. He uses soft and warm blankets. The bird feels very safe now. Aki is a very gentle man.
A knock comes at the door. A woman stands in the cold. Her name is the kind Hana. She wants to help Farmer Aki. They share a bowl of rice. Hana is a very good helper. Aki feels happy in his heart.
Hana goes into a small room. She wants to weave some cloth. The loom makes a clatter sound. She makes one very small request. Aki must not peek inside ever. He promises to be very patient. He waits by the warm fire.
Hana comes out very soon now. She holds a long golden cloth. It is very exquisite and bright. They sell it for much gold. Aki is not a poor man. The neighbors see the rich silk. They want to know her secret.
Neighbor Ken is a greedy man. He wants more of the gold. He visits Aki one dark night. Ken tells Aki to look inside. Aki wants to be a friend. He slowly walks to the door. His heart beats very fast now.
Aki peeks through the small door. He sees a large white bird. It is his friend the crane. She uses her own soft feathers. She weaves them into fine silk. Aki feels very sorry for peeking. He should have kept his word.
The crane becomes Hana once more. She looks at the sad farmer. She knows he saw her secret. Hana chooses to forgive him today. She is a very kind spirit. She hugs her friend very tight. Boundaries are important for every friend.
Neighbor Ken feels very sorry too. He sees the crane's great love. Hana teaches the whole village now. They learn to grow fine silk. They use small worms for thread. Now everyone is very generous today. They all work together with joy.
The spring sun is very warm. Hana must fly far away now. She turns into a white bird. Aki waves his hand very high. He is not sad at all. He knows she will come back. The wind carries her away safely.
The autumn leaves are very red. A white bird flies down slowly. Hana is finally home at last. Aki has a warm meal ready. The village gathers to see her. Friends always return to their home. Love makes a very happy house.