灰姑娘 Cinderella

Cinderella, or the Little Glass Slipper, is one of the most famous fairy tales in the world. The original version was written by French author Charles Perrault in 1697, but similar stories exist in almost every culture.

The Story:

Once there was a kind and beautiful girl named Cinderella. She lived with her cruel stepmother and two ugly stepsisters. They made her do all the housework all day while they did nothing but dress nicely and go to parties.

One day, the King announced a royal ball! Every girl in the kingdom was invited. The stepsisters were so excited - they dreamed of marrying the Prince. They bought beautiful new dresses and spent hours getting ready.

Cinderella wanted to go too, but her stepmother said: "You? Look at you! You have nothing to wear and you're covered in ashes from the fireplace. Stay home and clean the house."

The stepsisters left for the ball. Cinderella sat sadly by the fire and began to cry. Suddenly, her Fairy Godmother appeared! "Don't cry, my dear," she said. "You shall go to the ball too!"

With magic words, she turned a pumpkin into a golden carriage, six mice into six white horses, and a rat into a coachman. Then she touched Cinderella's ragged clothes - and they became a beautiful ball gown made of silk and gold! On her feet were the most beautiful glass slippers in the world.

"Go to the ball, but remember," said the Fairy Godmother, "You must leave before midnight! At the stroke of twelve, the magic will break and everything will go back to how it was."

Cinderella arrived at the ball. She was so beautiful that nobody recognized her - not even her stepsisters! The Prince saw her and immediately fell in love. He danced with her all night long. Nobody had ever seen anyone so beautiful.

Cinderella was having such a wonderful time that she almost forgot the time! When the clock started striking midnight, she remembered! She ran away from the Prince and down the palace stairs so fast that she left one of her glass slippers behind!

The Prince called after her, but she was gone. All he had was the glass slipper. He announced to the whole kingdom: "Whoever this glass slipper fits perfectly shall become my wife!"

The Prince and his servants went from house to house, trying the slipper on every girl. First one stepsister tried, but her foot was too big. Then the other stepsister tried, but her foot was too wide. Only Cinderella was left.

"Let me try," said Cinderella. The slipper fit perfectly! The Prince looked at her and recognized his beautiful mystery girl. Cinderella and the Prince were married and lived happily ever after.

Discussion: Why do you think the glass slipper was the only thing that didn't turn back at midnight? What does this story teach us about kindness and patience?