The Weaver Girl and the Cowherd

10 pages · 3 min · ages 5+

Based on: Chinese Folk Tale

Zhinü lived in the bright sky. She was a very skilled weaver. She made clouds with her loom. The clouds were soft and pink. Her work was very important. Her mother watched her work. Zhinü loved to see the earth.

Niulang lived on a green farm. He was a kind cowherd. He took care of his cow. They walked through the tall grass. Niulang was a very good friend. He shared his water and food. The cow was happy with him.

One day, Zhinü visited the earth. She saw the beautiful green trees. She met Niulang by a river. They played games in the sun. They laughed and told many stories. A great friendship began that day. They were happy to be together.

Zhinü and Niulang spent many days together. They helped each other every day. Zhinü told stories of the stars. Niulang showed her the colorful flowers. They shared their favorite snacks. Friendship made their hearts feel warm. Every day was a new adventure.

The Queen Mother missed her daughter. She saw Zhinü playing on earth. The clouds in the sky stopped. The loom was quiet and still. The Queen Mother felt very worried. She took Zhinü back to heaven. She wanted Zhinü to work hard.

Niulang was sad without his friend. He looked up at the sky. The Queen Mother used a hairpin. She drew a line of stars. It was a shimmering Silver River. It moved across the dark sky. The friends were now far apart.

The magpie birds saw the friends. They felt very sorry for them. Thousands of magpies flew together. They made a long, strong bridge. The bridge went over the river. Zhinü and Niulang met once more. They hugged and were very happy.

The Queen Mother watched from above. She saw their great devotion. Their friendship was strong and true. She saw that they worked better. Zhinü was happy and she wove. Niulang was happy on his farm. She decided to be very kind.

Now they can meet many times. The magpies help them every year. They share secrets across the stars. They are never truly alone. True friends always find a way. The Queen Mother smiles at them. The sky is full of light.

People celebrate the Qixi Festival now. They look at the night sky. They see the two bright stars. They remember the weaver and cowherd. It is a day for friends. We celebrate kindness and love today. Happy Qixi to all our friends.