Cinderella by Charles Perrault

Once upon a time, there lived a beautiful girl named Cinderella. She lived with her stepmother and two ugly stepsisters. The stepmother and sisters were conceited, bad tempered and horrid to Cinderella. They did not let her have any nice food or pretty clothes. She had to sleepnear the fireplace, near the cinders. This is why they named her Cinderella.They treated the poor girl very badly. She had to stay at home all day and do the chores. She had to tidy the house and scrub the floor and she had to prepare the food for the family. The two stepsisters, on the other hand, did not work about the house. Their mother gave them many handsome dresses to wear.

One day a messenger arrived at home with an invitation. How wonderful! exclaimed her stepmother. Prince Charming is having a ball to find his wife! Am I invited to the ball, asked the horrible womans stepdaughter shyly. Her wicked stepmother laughed mockingly and told the girl to stay at home. Cinderella was very sad.All of a sudden her godmother, the good fairy, appeared and said: I want to help you my darling. You shall go to the ball! She took a pumpkin and four mice. Wonder of wonders! The pumpkin turned into a beautiful coach and the four mice changed into horses! But there was one problem: she was still dressed in rags. The good fairy took her magic wand and magically Cinderella was wearing a fantastic gown and the most beautiful glass slippers! Have fun my dear but you must leave the ball before midnight! the godmother said.

Cinderella went to the ball and when he saw her, the Prince immediately fell in love with Cinderella. They danced all evening. But suddenly the clock began to strike twelve. It was nearly midnight, time to leave! Cinderella ran back home and lost one of her slippers.The Prince found it and promised himself he would find the girl whose foot would fit into the slipper. Young girls from all around the kingdom tried to put on the shoe, but in vain. Even Cinderellas ugly half-sisters tried it on, but it didnt fit! May I try the slipper on? Cinderella asked shyly. It fitted perfectly! Eventually the prince and his beloved princess married and lived happily ever after.

Translated and adapted from Cendrillon by Charles Perrault