The crane wife (Passports)

A poor man finds a wounded crane, pierced by an arrow. He heals its wound, then releases this symbol of loyalty, fidelity, and longevity back to the skies. Then, from nowhere, a beautiful woman appears at his door and begs to be his wife. Although the story gets off to a non-Western start, it follows a familiar course. She brings him happiness and wealth, but has a secret. The poor man can't resist uncovering her secret and, in learning it, loses everything. The watercolor illustrations never drew me in, but I liked the story anyway. Maybe a read-to-me kid in your house will like it too. -- wiredweird

My daugher (8) loves this tale, even though it does not have a happy ending.