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. She swept the floors, washed the dishes, and even cleaned the fireplace, but she never complained.
Cinderella loved all the little creatures in the garden. She left out crumbs for the birds, shared water with the thirsty bees, and even talked to the shy little mice. She believed everyone deserved kindness, no matter how small.
One day, a grand ball was announced at the palace! Cinderella’s stepsisters were very excited, but they told Cinderella she couldn’t go. “You’re too messy!” they giggled. Cinderella felt a little sad, but she didn’t let it ruin her day. She continued to be kind, helping a little lost ladybug find its way home.
As Cinderella was tidying the garden, a kind fairy appeared! She saw how gentle Cinderella was with all the creatures. “You have a truly beautiful heart,” the fairy said. With a wave of her wand, the fairy transformed a pumpkin into a shiny carriage, the mice into strong horses, and Cinderella’s old dress into a sparkling gown.
“But remember,” the fairy warned, “the magic will disappear at midnight!” Cinderella promised to be home before then. At the ball, everyone was amazed by Cinderella’s kindness and grace. She danced with the prince, and they talked and laughed all evening.
Cinderella remembered her promise and hurried home just before midnight. She lost one of her glass slippers as she ran! The prince was very sad to see her go, but he knew he would find her again.
The prince searched everywhere for the girl whose foot fit the slipper. Finally, he arrived at Cinderella’s cottage. Her stepsisters tried to squeeze their feet into the slipper, but it wouldn’t fit. Then, Cinderella tried, and it slipped on perfectly!
The prince was overjoyed! He realized that Cinderella’s kindness and gentle heart were more important than anything else. He asked Cinderella to be his princess, and she happily agreed. Cinderella always remembered to be kind to everyone, and she and the prince lived happily ever after, surrounded by friends and little creatures.
And as for Cinderella’s stepmother and stepsisters? They learned that kindness is the most beautiful quality of all, and they tried their best to be kinder too. Now close your eyes, little one, and dream sweet dreams of kindness and magic.