The Crane Wife
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 1981

The Crane Wife

Written by Retold by Sumiko Yagawa · Translated by Katherine Paterson · Illustrated by Suekichi Akaba

A mysterious woman weaves a magical fabric, hiding a secret.

4.1 Goodreads · 102 ratings
32 pages· ~520L

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Bookroo's summary

Yohei saves a wounded crane, only to find a mysterious woman at his door, pleading to be his wife. She weaves a stunning silken fabric, but her secret looms large. What truth lies behind her enchanting craft, and how will it change Yohei's life forever?

From the publisher

After Yohei tends a wounded crane, a beautiful young woman begs to become his wife and three times weaves for him an exquisite silken fabric on her loom.

Awards

The New York Times/New York Public Library Best Illustrated Children’s Books Award (1981)
At a glance
Format
Hardcover
Pages
32
Reading age
4–8
Audience
Picture
Lexile
~520L
Themes & topics
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The fine print

Book details

Reading levels
ATOS
~3.4
F&P level
~N
Publication
Published
October 1, 1981
First published
January 1, 1981
Publisher
William Morrow & Company
Edition
Language
English
Type
Picture Book
Identifiers
ISBN
9780688004965

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