The Magic Brocade

No brocades are more lovely or lifelike than the ones the widow weaves to sell at the marketplace. One day she returns home with a marvelous painting of a fairy palace and her son Chen suggests that she weaves the image as a brocade. Devoting all her loving skill, she creates the finest brocade of her life. But so fine it is that the fairies of the palace send a wind to carry if off for themselves.

Knowing his mother will die without her beloved creation, Chen stars out after it. But the way to the fairy palace lies over Fiery Mountain and across the Icy Sea. Even if he gets there, will the fairies give up the brocade?

This popular Chinese folktale will enchant young and old as Chen and his mother find their way to a happiness beyond their dreams.


Retold by Aaron Shepard
Illustrated by Xiaojun Li
For ages 6 to 9 - HB 32p