Cinderella

Once upon a time, a young girl who lived alone with her widowed father, was surprised to hear that he planned to remarry. From that moment, life changed dramatically for her.

The new wife added two daughters of her own to the family. When the daughters saw that the little girl outshone them in kindness and beauty they began to treat her very badly. They took away the little girl's nice clothes and made her dress in rags.

And every morning the little girl had to wake up before anyone else, build the fire, carry water from the well and do all the cooking and cleaning. If anything dirty or hard had to be done, the little girl did it. At night, the only way the little girl could keep warm was to lie near the fireplace's ashes and cinders. And that is how she came to be called Cinderella.

Time passed. One day, a messenger delivered a message from the King's palace. The stepmother opened it excitedly. "The king is inviting all the young women in his kingdom to a royal ball," she announced, "So his son, the prince, may choose one of them to be his bride."

The sisters squealed with delight. "And if he chooses one to be his bride, then he will no doubt choose the most beautiful, kind and charming girl he can find," the stepmother said. "No doubt, he will choose one of my girls!"
When the day of the ball came the sisters made Cinderella wake up extra early to help them prepare. They had bought the most expensive silk and satin dresses money could buy. And they had sprayed so much perfume on themselves it was difficult to breathe in the house.

"Stepmother," said Cinderella timidly as she was shining one of the daughter's shoes (for the second time), "I was wondering if perhaps I could go to the ball too?"

"You?" said the stepmother loudly. "Heaven's no, you're all dirty and cindery. You'd embarrass us. You stay here and work!" And with that the stepmother and her daughters departed for the ball. Cinderella was left alone. She was very sad and began to cry.

"Why are you crying?" a gentle voice asked from behind her. Cinderella whirled 'round in surprise and saw a kindly old woman standing before her. "Who are you?" she asked. "I am your fairy godmother, and I've come to help you go to the king's ball," replied the old woman. "Would you please get me a pumpkin?"

Cinderella wondered what her fairy godmother could possible want a pumpkin for, but obeyed. Her fairy godmother touched the pumpkin with her magic wand--and it changed into a carriage covered with jewels!

"Do you have any mice?" the fairy godmother then asked. Cinderella found some in a mousetrap in the barn. A touch of the wand later the mice had changed into magnificent grey horses to pull the carriage. The old woman looked up and smiled. "Would you please bring me a rat from the barn and some lizards from the garden?" she asked kindly. Cinderella soon returned with them and was amazed to see them changed into coachmen and footmen for the carriage.

"Just one more little touch," her fairy godmother said and touched Cinderella's ragged dress with her magic wand. A second later Cinderella found herself wearing the most beautiful dress she had ever seen. The apron around her neck had changed into a strand of pearls and her wooden shoes into glass slippers.

"Cinderella," said the kind woman. "I have watched you work very hard without complaint. I know you are kind and sweet. When you are at the ball, remember that inner beauty is more precious than outer beauty. Also remember that the magic spell wears off at midnight. when everything will change back to the way it was before."

Cinderella thanked her fairy godmother and then set off for the ball in her carriage. When she arrived, everyone immediately noticed her, including her stepmother and stepsisters...who did not recognize her.

"Do you know who that is?" asked one sister. The stepmother peered at Cinderella. "I don't know her, but yes, she does look a bit familiar."

Unlike every other girl at the ball, Cinderella did not immediately rush to the prince's side and try to flatter him. Instead, she danced with everyone, ate, drank and had a great time. The poor prince, however, had to make small talk with one conceited girl after another. And Cinderella's stepsisters were among the worst. The poor prince was miserable.

And then he saw Cinderella. The prince asked her to dance and discovered that the mystery girl (for he did not know her either) was charming. He enjoyed being with her and was sad when their dance ended.
A few more dances with other girls convinced the prince that the mystery girl was the one he wanted to dance with the most. Each time he danced with her he fell more and more in love with her.

And then the clock at the head of the stairs began to toll the midnight hour: Bong! Bong! Bong! Cinderella pulled away from the prince. "I'm sorry, I have to leave," she cried and ran across the crowded dance floor and out of the palace. The spell wore off at the head of the outside stairs: the carriage changed back into a pumpkin, and the rat, mice and lizards scurried off into the night. The only thing left lying on the stairs was a glass slipper.

The prince had tried to follow Cinderella but lost sight of her. He found the glass slipper lying on the palace steps. "I don't know why she left me, but this glass slipper will lead me to her again," he vowed.

A royal proclamation was immediately thereafter sent throughout the kingdom stating that the prince would marry the girl whose foot fit the glass slipper, and that he would personally visit every home in his father's kingdom until he found her.

After many weeks of searching, the prince's carriage pulled up to Cinderella's home. The wicked stepsisters were waiting for him--Cinderella had slaved the entire morning to make them beautiful and was told to hide in the kitchen until the prince left.

The prince asked the first stepsister to try on the glass slipper. Her foot was thin but much too long. She pushed and pushed, but the glass slipper would not fit.

"I'm sorry," the prince said to the stepmother, "Could we please have your other daughter try?"

"Oh, I'm sure her foot will fit, why our servant was saying just this morning how trim and beautiful her foot is," said the stepmother.

The other daughter's foot was indeed trim, but too short. "Is there anyone else in the home?" asked the prince. "No-one," said the stepmother with a smile.

"Didn't you say something earlier about having a servant girl?" the prince asked. "Would you ask her to come out for me?"

The stepmother had to obey and called for Cinderella. Cinderella entered the room, sat on the chair the prince offer her, and smiled as the glass slipper slid easily onto her foot. It was a perfect fit!

"This is my princess indeed!" said the prince happily. Suddenly, with a flash of light, Cinderella's ragged dress changed into the same radiant gown she had worn at the king's ball.

"It's her," said one stepsister.

"The mystery girl..." said the other.

The wicked stepmother said nothing (she had fainted). The prince and Cinderella stepped into the royal carriage that was waiting outside and drove off together to the castle. There, they were soon married and lived happily ever after.

Little Red Riding Hood

Once upon a time a little girl and her mother lived in a house near the woods. The mother had made the little girl a cloak and hood like the ones rich ladies wore as they rode their horses through the woods. Because of this, everyone called her "Little Red Riding Hood."

One day, Little Red Riding Hood's mother asked her to take a pot of butter and some cakes to her grandmother, who was sick.

"Make sure you go straight to grandmother's house and don't speak to any strangers you meet along the way," the mother cautioned. Little Red Riding Hood said she would obey, and soon set off down the trail.

A short time later, in the darkest part of the woods, Little Red Riding Hood saw a wolf standing in the middle of the path. "Where are you going, little girl?" the wolf asked.

Forgetting her mother's good advice, Little Red Riding Hood said she was off to visit her grandmother, who was ill. She also told the wolf her grandmother lived in a little cottage by the stream. The wolf knew where this was.

"Why don't I come along and cheer her up too?" asked the wolf. "I'm sure she would love that--but why not make a game of it? Let's race and see who can get there first. You go that way (the wolf pointed to a path that was the long way to grandmother's house) and I'll go this way (he pointed to a shortcut)."

"Agreed," said Little Red Riding Hood, and she dashed off. The wolf, taking the shortcut, arrived at grandmother's home right away. He knocked on the door. "Who is it?" the grandmother asked from inside the house. "It's Little Red Riding Hood, I've brought you some cakes and a pot of butter," the wolf said, disguising his voice to sound like Little Red Riding Hood's. "Come in, sweet child," the old woman said. The wolf jumped in, chased the poor grandmother around the bed, caught her and locked her in the closet. He then put on one of grandmother's nightgowns and jumped into bed to await Little Red Riding Hood's arrival.

A short time later a knock came at the door. "Who is it?" the wolf asked, disguising his voice to sound like the grandmother's. "It's me, Little Red Riding Hood," came the reply. "I've brought you some cakes and a pot of butter."
"Come in, dear child, the door's not locked," the wolf said. Little Red Riding Hood opened the door and walked up to the bed. "Grandmother, what big, hairy arms you have," she said.

"All the better to hug you with, my dear," the wolf said sweetly.

Little Red Riding Hood came closer to the bed. "Oh, Grandmother, what big ears you have!"

"All the better to hear you with, my dear," the wolf said again.

Little Red Riding Hood stepped to the very side of the bed. "And grandmother, what big teeth you have!"

"ALL THE BETTER TO EAT YOU UP WITH!" roared the wolf as he leaped out of bed. Little Red Riding Hood ran 'round and 'round the bed, shouting for help as loudly as she could. But the wolf was fast and came closer and closer!
Just then the door flew open and a woodsman ran into the room. He had been cutting wood nearby and heard Little Red Riding Hood's cries for help. With one mighty blow of his axe he killed the wolf. After that he found the grandmother and let her out of the closet. All was well.

Little Red Riding Hood learned a valuable lesson that day: she never spoke to strangers again. And, of course, she lived happily ever after.

Beauty and the Beast

Once upon a time a rich man lived in a beautiful house with his three equally beautiful daughters. Because of their riches, two of his daughters had become proud and haughty. They looked down on people who had to work for a living.

But the youngest sister, who was called Beauty, was a kind, sweet girl. She didn't care about fancy clothes or royal balls--she preferred to read or play music.

One day, bad news came. A ship the father owned had been lost at sea, which meant the family became poor overnight. They had to dismiss all their servants and move to a humble, little cottage where they would have to work for a living like everyone else.

The two eldest daughters cried day and night when they heard the news, and absolutely refused to do any work around the house. Beauty also cried, but soon stopped. "What good does crying do me?" she asked herself. "I will resolve to be happy, poor as I may be."

Beauty worked hard around the house and quickly became good friends with the neighbors. Her sisters, who refused to speak to the neighbors at all, laughed at Beauty and said "She was obviously born to be a servant girl since she likes working so much."

The family lived in this way for over a year until one day joyful news came. They learned that the ship, which was thought to have been lost, had only been damaged and was soon expected in port. This meant the family was rich again!

Everyone was very happy. As the father left to reclaim his fortune, he asked his daughters what he could bring back for them from the city. "Beautiful clothes and jewels!" the two eldest daughters cried. "Lots and lots of them!"
Beauty thought for a moment and realized she was happy as she was, but if he wanted to bring her back something, why not a rose?

"A rose it will be," her father replied, and smiled. Because of her charming personality, Beauty had quickly become his favorite.

Bright and early the next morning, the father rode off on his horse. But when he arrived at the port he found that a mistake had been made--the ship was not his. He was as poor as ever.

It was a long, miserable ride home. Darkness fell and was followed by a drenching rainstorm. The weather was cold, the path unfamiliar, and the father quickly became lost. Hours later, drenched to the bone, the father noticed wolves were following him. He could see them darting in and out of the shadows in the woods. They came nearer and nearer.

Then, through the trees, the father saw the lights of a castle dimly shining ahead. He spurred his horse and galloped through the castle gate. The wolves did not follow.

The father was surprised not to see anyone. He tied up his horse and entered the castle. In the great hall, he noticed a dinner had been laid out. "I will wait here until the master of the house returns," said the father, and warmed himself by the fire.

But hours later he was still alone. "Perhaps a good fairly noticed my plight and prepared this meal for me," the father said and sat down and ate. When he finished he wandered upstairs and found that a bed had been prepared for him. Exhausted, he fell instantly asleep.

In the morning, the father found breakfast waiting for him, and that his clothes had been dried and pressed. His horse had even been fed and groomed. "Thank you again, good fairy," the father said gratefully as he prepared to depart. "You have been kind and I will not forget you." He then rode away.

As he rode through the gate, the father saw beautiful roses framing the castle wall. Remembering what Beauty had asked him, he dismounted and picked a rose for her.

Suddenly, a horrible and terrifying beast leaped out from behind some bushes and roared at him "You thief! I shelter you, feed you, and this is how you repay me? By stealing my beloved roses!"

The father fell at the Beast's feet. "Please forgive me, Sir," he cried. "I didn't know the roses belonged to you. I only wanted to bring back a present for one of my beloved daughters."

The Beast through for a moment. "You have daughters, do you?" it said. "I will make a bargain with you. If one of your daughters will come back to die in your place then I will let you live. I will let you go on your honor. But you must promise to return if none will take your place. Do you promise?"

The father realized that, at worst, he would be able to see his daughters again before he died. "I promise," he said sadly.
When he returned and related what had happened, his eldest daughters reacted with fury. "It's all her fault," they shouted. "If Beauty had been content with clothes and jewels like us, then none of this would have happened!"
The two daughters said this because they were jealous of Beauty. Their offers of marriage had stopped since the move, while Beauty's had only increased.

"My sisters are right," said Beauty. "I will go to die in your place, Father."

"No," cried her father, but Beauty was determined. "You must live for them," Beauty said and gestured toward her sisters. "They need you."

Beauty's father fell in to her arms, sobbing. Her sisters, who had rubbed their eyes with onions, also cried loudly (but a little bit "too" loudly).

The next morning, Beauty and her father rode to the castle. The Beast awaited them. "Your daughter stays, now go!" the Beast said harshly. The poor father hugged his daughter one last time and then rode off, brokenhearted.

Beauty turned to face the monster. The Beast was hideously ugly, with wild hair, sharp fangs and glowing eyes. Being dressed in human clothing only made it look more frightening. "Come with me," the Beast snarled. Trembling, Beauty followed.

She followed the Beast through the castle and was taken to a room. "This is where you sleep," the Beast said and walked away. Beauty fell onto the bed and cried. But a short time later, Beauty pulled herself away from the bed and told herself that she would make the most of her last hours on Earth. If she was to die, then she would die happily.

It was then that she noticed something odd. Written in gold on the door to her room was "Beauty's room." And bookshelves throughout the room were filled with the most beautiful books (Beauty loved to read). And a piano in the corner was stocked with the best music (Beauty loved to play the piano). "Why would the Beast go to all this trouble if he was planing to kill me?" she wondered. "Perhaps he intends to just keep me here as his prisoner."

Then she heard the dinner bell ring and her heart leaped to her throat. She slowly walked to the dining hall...and found that a delicious meal had bee prepared for her. And the Beast was nowhere to be seen.

As Beauty ate, she noticed the castle was beautifully decorated. Paintings on the wall showed that whoever had bought them had great artistic taste. Beauty ate alone in silence, and then retired to her room.

And that is how she came to live in the castle. During the day, she explored the castle grounds, where the rose garden was her favorite place. At night, she ate alone. One evening, however, everything changed.

That fateful evening, the Beast entered the hall and took a seat at the table. The monster watched her eat. After Beauty had finished he spoke. "Tell me, Beauty, do you think I am ugly?"

Beauty didn't know what to say. If she told the truth, the Beast would undoubtedly tear her to pieces. If she didn't the Beast would know she was lying. She thought for a long time and then said, "Yes, Beast, I do think you are ugly. I am sorry."

The Beast was silent for a few moments and then said, "Beauty, will you marry me?"

Beauty was horrified! Again, she didn't know what to say. Finally, slowly, she said "No Beast, I cannot."

With that, the Beast bowed and left the room. Every night, from then on, the Beast would join her at dinner and chat amiably throughout. When Beauty had finished eating, the Beast would ask her to marry him. And every night, Beauty said no.

Months passed. With the passing of time, Beauty found that her fear of the Beast disappeared. She found that the Beast was a charming dinner host and a wonderful conversationalist. In fact, she began to look forward to their nightly meeting, fearing only the inevitable question that would come at the end.

One evening, after the Beast had again proposed to her, Beauty said "Beast, you must stop asking me to marry you. I never will. I only came here to save my father's life. I appreciate your kindness, but you must realize that it will never, ever happen."

From then on the Beast did not ask her to marry him again. They continued to talk every night, and Beauty found herself growing fonder and fonder of the Beast.

One evening, the Beast said, "I am sorry, Beauty. I do not wish to hurt you, I only want you to be happy." Beauty was quick to reply. "If you want me to be happy, then you would let me go so I could visit my father and sisters one more time," she replied.

"If I let you go, you'd never return," the Beast said. Beauty felt the hurt in his voice.

"No Beast," Beauty said. "I would return to you. I care for you very much. I just want to see my father and sisters one last time. I'd return, I promise!"

The Beast pondered this for a while and then handed her a ring. "This is a magic ring," he said. "Put it on when you go to sleep tonight. When you awaken you will be in your father's home. You only need to take it off to return to me."
"But promise me you will only stay two days!" the Beast said.

"I promise," Beauty said, and leaned over and kissed the Beast on the cheek. That evening, as Beauty lay in her bed she put the ring on. When she awoke, she was indeed in her old bed in her father's home.

Beauty ran downstairs, saw her father, and flew into his arms. Tears of delight were shed, and soon, Beauty had to explain everything.

The father sent messengers to have Beauty's sisters come to see her. And come they did, with their husbands in tow.
The first sister had married a loutish prince of inferior rank who was even more haughty than she was. Life with him was unbearable.

The second sister had married a rich, old man. But he was cruel, and paid more attention to his money than to his wife.

As Beauty spent time with them, she realized that her life with the Beast was so much better than the life her sisters led. The more Beauty stayed with her sisters, the more she missed her garden, her books...and the Beast.

At the end of the second day, Beauty told everyone she would return to the Beast the next morning. When they heard this, her sisters hatched an evil plan. "Let's keep her here longer, and make her break her promise," they said to each other. "That way, when she returns the Beast will devour her!"

The two sisters agreed to do this. After having rubbed their eyes with onions once again to make themselves cry, they begged Beauty to stay just a little bit longer.

Beauty was touched by her sister's tears, for they had never treated her so nicely before. She decided to stay just one more day. But even as she said the words, she felt bad for the Beast.

The next day the sisters spent more time with Beauty than ever before. And once again they rubbed their eyes with onions and begged her to stay longer.

Beauty considered this, and then said no. "The Beast may be ugly, but he is also the kindest, most considerate person I have ever met. I must return to him. And when I do, I will tell him that I will marry him, because I do love him so!"

The sisters tried to convince her to stay, but failed. That evening, as she lay in bed, Beauty took off the magic ring. When she woke the next morning, Beauty smiled when she realized she was back at the Beast's castle. She couldn't' wait for the day to pass so she could dine with the Beast and tell him how much she loved him.

The hours crept by. But when it was time, the dinner bell did not ring. And when Beauty entered the great hall, she saw that the table had not been set for her.

Something was wrong. Beauty rushed through the castle and called the Beast's name. No answer came.

Then, remembering that the Beast loved the rose garden as much as she did, Beauty ran there--and found the Beast lying in the brambles, at the point of death!

"Oh Beast," Beauty cried as she ran to his side. "Tell me that you live!"

The Beast opened his eyes weakly. "Beauty, you have returned," he said softly. "When you didn't come back after two days I became heartsick, and am now about to die."

"Please don't die, Beast," Beauty begged. "I've seen the life my sisters lead, with all their jewels, power ad gold. I would trade it all to spend my life with you. Live, Beast, and marry me!"

Beauty had no sooner said those words than a tremendous flash of light appeared where the Beast lay. It blinded her! When she opened her eyes again, she saw a handsome prince lying where the Beast had lain. "Who are you?" Beauty asked.

"I am...I was...the Beast," the Prince said. "Many years ago, an evil fairy cursed me to live in a beast's body until I found someone who would marry me as I was. You are the only one who would do so. I do so love you, Beauty. Will you marry me?"

"I would love that," Beauty said demurely.