Once upon a time, in a cozy little cottage, lived a sweet girl named Cinderella. She wasn't a princess, but she had a heart of gold. Her stepmother and stepsisters weren't very kind, and they made Cinderella do all the chores – sweeping, cooking, and cleaning. Even though it was hard work, Cinderella always tried to be cheerful.
One day, a grand invitation arrived! The Prince was having a ball, and all the young ladies in the kingdom were invited. Cinderella’s stepsisters were very excited, spending hours choosing beautiful dresses. Cinderella wished she could go too, but her stepmother said, “You? Go to the ball? Don’t be silly! You have too much work to do.”
Cinderella felt a little sad, but she didn’t complain. She finished her chores and then went to sit by the warm fireplace. Suddenly, a kind fairy appeared! “Don’t worry, Cinderella,” she said. “You *will* go to the ball!” With a wave of her wand, the fairy transformed a pumpkin into a beautiful carriage, mice into horses, and Cinderella’s old clothes into a sparkling gown.
“But remember,” the fairy warned, “the magic will wear off at midnight! Be sure to return before then.” Cinderella promised she would and happily went to the ball. The Prince was immediately charmed by Cinderella’s kindness and gentle smile. They danced and talked all evening, and Cinderella felt like she was in a dream.
As the clock began to strike twelve, Cinderella remembered the fairy’s warning. She quickly said goodbye to the Prince and rushed away. In her hurry, she lost one of her glass slippers! The Prince was very sad to see her go, but he vowed to find the girl whose foot fit the slipper.
The Prince searched the kingdom, and finally, he arrived at Cinderella’s house. Her stepsisters tried to squeeze their feet into the slipper, but it didn’t fit. Then, the Prince saw Cinderella hiding in the corner. He asked her to try, and the slipper fit perfectly!
The Prince was overjoyed! He realized that Cinderella’s kindness and gentle heart were more beautiful than any fancy dress. He asked Cinderella to be his wife, and she happily agreed. Cinderella didn’t become a princess because of a beautiful gown, but because of the beautiful person she already was. She always remembered to be kind, even to those who weren’t kind to her, and that’s what truly made her special.
Cinderella and the Prince lived happily ever after, always remembering that a kind heart is the most magical thing of all. Now close your eyes, little one, and dream sweet dreams of kindness and happiness.