Cinderella

Once there was a girl named Cinderella. She lived with her mean stepmother and two very mean stepsisters.

Cinderella dressed in rags. She worked all day long. She scrubbed the floors, cooked the meals, and washed the clothes. The others wore fancy gowns and didn’t do any work.

One day, the king’s palace announced that everyone in the kingdom was invited to a grand ball. The prince planned to choose a wife from the maidens who were there.

Cinderella wanted more than anything to wear a beautiful dress and go to the ball.

The stepsisters laughed at Cinderella. “And what will you wear to the ball?” said one.

“She can use a mop for a wig, and cobwebs for her ribbons!” said the other.

Cinderella knew they were right. She didn’t have anything nice to wear.

That night, the sisters left for the ball. Cinderella sat in the garden and cried.

“Don’t cry, Cinderella,” said a kind voice. “I’m your fairy godmother. I’ll make sure you’re the most beautiful girl at the ball.”

Cinderella was so happy to hear those words. “But how?” she asked.