Cinderella

Once upon a time there was a gentle girl named Cinderella who lived with her stepmother and two stepsisters. They were proud and not kind to her. Cinderella always tried to smile and help at home.

Her stepmother made Cinderella clean and tidy everything. While the sisters slept in pretty rooms, she slept near the warm fireplace. That is why they called her Cinderella.

One day an invitation arrived from the palace: there would be a grand ball. The sisters were excited and talked about dresses and hair. Cinderella helped them kindly, even though she could not go.

When her sisters left for the ball, Cinderella cried sadly. Then her Fairy Godmother appeared, glowing softly. She told Cinderella she could help her dream come true.

The Fairy turned a pumpkin into a pretty coach and some mice into horses. She changed a big mouse into a coachman and six lizards into cheerful helpers.

She touched Cinderella with her wand, and her old clothes became a shining dress. Her glass shoes sparkled like tiny stars. The Fairy reminded her to return before midnight.

At the ball, everyone grew quiet when she entered. The prince took her hand and they danced happily. Cinderella felt light as a feather and smiled brightly.

When the clock neared midnight, Cinderella ran from the palace. The prince followed, but only found a glass slipper on the steps.

The next day, the prince searched the kingdom for the slipper’s owner. Many young women tried it without success. Cinderella’s sisters tried too, but it did not fit.

Cinderella asked to try it, and everyone was surprised. The slipper slid on perfectly. She took the matching slipper from her pocket, sparkling just the same.

Her beautiful dress appeared again in a flash of magic. Her sisters felt sorry, but Cinderella hugged them kindly and forgave them.

The prince brought Cinderella to the palace and they were married happily. They lived with joy and love. And they lived happily ever after.