Story

Cinderella

15 minAges 7-9

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The story

Introduction

Hello, lovely listeners! Have you ever wished for something truly magical to happen? Something so wonderful it could change everything, just like that? Well, today we’re whisking you away to a world where kindness shines brightest, and even the smallest, most secret wish can come true. Get ready for a classic fairy tale, brimming with dazzling gowns, sparkling glass slippers, and a little bit of real magic. Join us as we discover the enchanting story of Cinderella, a tale about hope, birds, and a very special prince!

A Sad Beginning

Once upon a time, in a cosy little cottage nestled beside a whispering wood, lived a sweet girl named Cinderella. Her days were filled with laughter and sunshine, playing with her kind mum and loving dad. She had a favourite little kitten who would chase butterflies with her, and a cheeky robin who would sing special songs just for her window every morning. Everything was bright and happy, like a sunny summer's day! But then, one day, a big cloud of sadness drifted over their home. Her dear mum became very, very poorly. Cinderella sat by her bedside, holding her hand tightly, feeling a little sniffle coming on. Her mum looked at her with such love in her eyes and said, 'My dearest child, always be good and kind, and look after one another. Promise me this. Then, a little bit of magic will always be with you, even when things feel tough.' Soon after, Cinderella’s mum closed her eyes for the last time. Oh, how sad Cinderella and her dad were. The cottage felt so quiet now, without her mum's gentle hum.

The Magic Begins

Oh, how sad Cinderella and her dad were. The cottage felt so quiet now, without her mum's gentle hum. But time, you see, keeps moving, like a little train chugging along the tracks. And one day, Cinderella’s dad met a new lady. She had two daughters, just like Cinderella. Dad thought, 'Perhaps this will bring some cheer back to our home!' So, he married her, and the new family moved in. At first, everything seemed quite agreeable. But soon, the stepmother, with her rather pointy nose and even pointier words, showed her true colours. She didn’t like Cinderella one bit! And her two daughters, Grizelda and Anastasia, were just as mean. They had frilly dresses and shiny shoes, while Cinderella wore old, patched-up clothes. They called her ‘Cinderella’ because she often sat by the fireplace, covered in cinders from the ashes. Poor Cinderella. Her days were filled with endless chores, from dawn till dusk. She had to scrub the stone floors until they gleamed, polish the silverware until it sparkled, and fetch buckets of water from the outdoor well, even when it was chilly and foggy outside. While her stepsisters gossiped and munched on ginger biscuits, Cinderella toiled away without a single complaint. But even in the busiest of times, she never forgot her mum's precious words about magic always being nearby. And a tiny bit of magic was indeed brewing. You see, Cinderella wasn't truly alone. Her kind heart meant that the little creatures of the cottage were her secret friends. The plump mice scurrying behind the skirting boards, the chirpy sparrows nesting in the eaves, and even the robin with his bright red breast, they all adored her. They would often bring her little treasures – a shiny button, a perfect feather, a tiny wild strawberry from the garden. They whispered secrets to her, and she understood every squeak and tweet, like they were speaking British English! One sunny afternoon, while Cinderella was scrubbing the kitchen floor, a little mouse, called Pip, scurried right up to her. 'Cinderella, Cinderella! There's a grand ball at the palace! Everyone is invited! Even us, the little creatures!' Cinderella's eyes grew wide as saucers. A ball! Could she possibly go? The very thought made her heart do a little happy dance inside her chest. Oh, this was it! The magic was truly beginning.

The First Ball

The magic was truly beginning! Cinderella felt a flutter in her tummy, but her clothes were old and ragged. As if on cue, her little white bird friend landed gently on her shoulder. "Chirp, chirp!" it sang, then flew to her old dress, tugging a loose thread. Soon, more birds arrived, bringing shimmering silk, colourful ribbon, and delicate lace. They stitched with their beaks and wove with their claws, transforming her plain dress into something neat and pretty, with pale blue silk and lace trim. On her feet, they polished her mother's old slippers until they gleamed. "Oh, thank you!" Cinderella whispered, hardly recognising herself in the dusty mirror. She looked lovely, and a warmth spread through her heart. Soon, her stepmother and stepsisters, dressed in their finest, rode past in a carriage. When they saw Cinderella ready, their smiles vanished. "What do you think you're doing?" snapped Anastasia. "You, go to the ball? In *that*?" cried Drizella. The stepmother, with a sneer, declared, "That dreadful little dress isn't even fit for a scullery maid!" Before Cinderella could speak, Anastasia and Drizella tore at the beautiful silk and delicate lace. The birds chirped sorrowfully as the dress was shredded into a pile of rags. "Now you look exactly as you should!" the stepmother declared, her voice cold. "Stay here and dream of dancing, you silly girl!" They swept out, their cruel laughter echoing as they rode away towards the grand palace. Cinderella sank to the floor, her hopes in tatters like her dress. Big, hot tears rolled down her cheeks. Her little bird friends tried to comfort her, but her heart felt heavy. All her dreams of the ball were gone. "Oh, dear, dear Cinderella," said a gentle voice, warm and sweet. Cinderella looked up. Standing before her, shimmering with golden light, was a beautiful sprite with wings like a dragonfly. "Don't cry, my dear," the sprite said, her voice tinkling like tiny bells. "You are kind and good, and you deserve to go to the ball!" Cinderella, still sniffling, gestured to her ragged clothes. "But how? My dress is ruined, and I have no way to get there." The sprite smiled, making the room brighter. "Nothing is impossible with a little magic! Now, quick! Bring me the biggest pumpkin you can find!" Cinderella, filled with a tiny spark of hope, ran out and returned, struggling with an enormous, bright orange pumpkin. "Excellent!" chirped the sprite. She waved her shimmering wand. Poof! With a flash of golden light and a puff of sparkly smoke, the pumpkin transformed into a magnificent, golden carriage, gleaming like sunshine. "Oh, my goodness!" gasped Cinderella. "And now for you, my dear," the sprite said, tapping Cinderella’s ragged clothes with her wand. Whoosh! Another burst of light, and Cinderella’s old dress vanished, replaced by the most breathtaking gown she had ever imagined. It shimmered with silver and gold, with layers of fine tulle and sparkling jewels. On her feet, two delicate, clear glass slippers gleamed like diamonds. "Oh, it's... it's perfect!" Cinderella breathed, twirling gently. "One more thing," the sprite said, turning sleepy field mice into four plump horses, and a friendly badger into a smart coachman. "Now, off you go!" the sprite exclaimed, giving Cinderella a gentle push. "But remember, my dear, this magic won't last forever. At the stroke of midnight, all will turn back. So be home before the last chime!" "I will!" promised Cinderella, stepping into the luxurious carriage. She waved goodbye, and the golden carriage rolled away towards the palace and her very first ball. The palace gates were enormous. Inside, hundreds of candles lit the grand ballroom, and music drifted out. When she stepped out, the air was filled with the scent of flowers. As she walked into the ballroom, holding her breath, every head turned. The chattering stopped. All eyes were on her. No one recognised the scullery maid; they only saw a beautiful, mysterious princess. Even her stepmother and stepsisters didn't recognise her. Then, the Prince saw her. His eyes lit up like two bright stars. He walked straight over, bowed deeply, and asked, "May I have this dance, beautiful lady?" Cinderella curtsied. "Yes, your Royal Highness," she whispered. And they danced. They danced every single dance. The Prince was captivated by her kindness, her gentle smile, and her twinkling eyes. They talked and laughed, completely forgetting everyone else. Cinderella had never felt so happy, so free, so... magical. But then, a deep, resonant sound echoed through the ballroom. Dong! It was the palace clock, beginning to strike midnight! Cinderella's eyes widened. She remembered the sprite's warning. "Oh!" she gasped. "I must go!" "But why?" asked the Prince, holding her hand. "Please, stay! I haven't even learned your name!" But Cinderella couldn't stay. The magic was fading! With a swift movement, she pulled her hand away and began to run. She ran past the amazed guests, through the grand doors, and down the long, winding staircase. She had to get out before the last chime! Dong! The second chime rang out. Dong! The third. She ran faster than ever. As she raced down the steps, one of her beautiful glass slippers slipped off her foot. It clattered against the stone, but Cinderella didn't stop. She couldn't! Dong! Dong! Dong! She flew out of the palace doors, just as the final chime of midnight echoed through the night. As she tumbled into the darkness, the golden carriage vanished, the horses became mice, the coachman a badger, and her magnificent gown became her old, ragged clothes once more. Cinderella, breathless and a little shaken, was left standing on the pavement outside the palace, holding one single, sparkling glass slipper. It was the only proof that her magical night had been real. The ball was over. But oh, what a ball it had been!

The Search for the Princess

The very next morning, a hush fell over the grand palace. The Prince, usually so cheerful, looked rather gloomy. He held a single, tiny, sparkling glass slipper in his hand. It was all he had left of his mysterious princess. He remembered her beautiful smile, her kind eyes, and the way she danced like a shimmering fairy. But who was she? And where had she gone? He decided then and there that he would find her. 'I will search every corner of my kingdom!' he declared to his loyal royal advisor. 'I will find the foot that fits this slipper, and that's the foot of my princess!' And so, a royal proclamation was sent out. It travelled on horseback, on speedy coaches, and even by carrier pigeon, fluttering over the green fields and bustling towns of the land. The message was clear: 'The Prince will marry the lady whose foot perfectly fits this magical glass slipper!' Meanwhile, back at the grubby little house, Cinderella was already up and about, sweeping the floors and lighting the fire. She felt a little tired after her incredible adventure, but a secret smile played on her lips. She thought of the handsome Prince, the wonderful music, and the way her beautiful gown had swished and swirled. What a night! Her two stepsisters, Anastasia and Drizella, were still asleep. But not for long! A loud, booming voice from outside announced the Prince’s royal decree. 'Wake up, you lazy bones!' screeched the Stepmother, rushing into their room. 'Did you hear that? The Prince is looking for the lady whose foot fits the glass slipper! One of you must be her!' Anastasia and Drizella tumbled out of bed, their hair a frightful mess. 'It must be me!' cried Anastasia, puffing out her chest. 'I danced with him for ages!' 'No, it was me!' shrieked Drizella, 'He barely took his eyes off my stunning dress!' They spent the whole morning preening and polishing, dreaming of being a princess. They talked of nothing else, imagining their grand wedding and all the lovely jewels they would wear. Cinderella, as usual, had to listen to it all while scrubbing the pots and pans. She kept her own tiny glass slipper hidden carefully in her apron pocket, a secret warmth against her heart. Soon enough, there was a great commotion outside the house. 'They're here!' shrieked the Stepmother, pushing Anastasia and Drizella towards the door. 'The royal messengers, with the slipper!' A grand coach, pulled by six magnificent white horses, pulled up to the door. Out stepped a very important-looking royal advisor, holding a velvet cushion. And on the cushion? The most beautiful, sparkling glass slipper you ever did see. The Stepmother curtsied so low her nose nearly touched the floor. 'Welcome, welcome, honoured sir!' she gushed. 'My beautiful daughters are just waiting to try on that exquisite slipper!' She practically shoved Anastasia forward. 'You first, my darling!' she whispered fiercely. Anastasia, giggling nervously, sat down. She pointed her foot, which was rather large and bony. The royal advisor, with a polite smile, gently tried to slide the slipper onto her foot. It wouldn't go past her toes! 'Oh dear,' he said, very kindly. Anastasia pushed and pulled. She wiggled her toes. She even held her breath until her face turned purple. 'Just a little more!' she grunted. The Stepmother even tried to help, pushing her heel down. But it was no good. The slipper just wouldn't budge! The Stepmother sighed dramatically. 'Perhaps it's a little tight today. She has very delicate ankles, you see.' Then she glared at Drizella. 'Now you, my flower!' Drizella's foot was even wider. She squished and squashed. She used all her might. Her foot turned bright red. She pulled and tugged until her face was a mottled shade of red and white. But the slipper, oh the slipper, remained firmly in its original shape. It was simply too small! It didn't fit. The royal advisor shook his head sadly. 'I'm very sorry, ladies. This slipper is quite particular. It only fits one person.' The Stepmother was furious! Her dream of having a princess in the family was fading fast. She looked around, her eyes darting from side to side. And that's when she spotted Cinderella, quietly trying to dust a cobweb from the ceiling. 'What are you staring at, you lazy girl?' she snapped. 'Go back to your chores!' But the royal advisor had seen her too. 'Excuse me, ma'am,' he said to the Stepmother, 'but is there anyone else in this house who might try on the slipper?' The Stepmother scoffed. 'Her? Oh no, sir! That's just Cinderella, the kitchen maid. She couldn't possibly be the one. She’s dirty and messy, and she never goes anywhere fun!' Cinderella, however, bravely stepped forward. 'Please, sir,' she said, 'may I try?' The royal advisor, who was a kind man, nodded. 'Of course, my dear. Everyone must have a chance.' The Stepmother and stepsisters tutted and rolled their eyes. 'She'll never fit it!' they mumbled. Cinderella sat down, her heart thumping like a little drum. She stretched out her small, dainty foot. The royal advisor gently took the sparkling glass slipper and, oh, with the softest sigh, it slid right on. It fitted perfectly, as if it had been made just for her! Not too big, not too small, but just right. It was magic all over again! The Stepmother and stepsisters gasped. Their mouths hung open like fish! They couldn't believe their eyes. But then, Cinderella reached into her apron pocket and pulled out the other matching glass slipper. She held it up for all to see. The two slippers sparkled together, a perfect pair, twinkling in the light. The royal advisor's eyes widened. 'It's you!' he exclaimed, 'You are the Prince's lost princess!' And just like that, Cinderella's life was about to change for ever!

Outro

What a wonderful story, full of magic and dreams come true! Thank you so much for joining us on this adventure. We loved sharing Cinderella's journey with you. We hope it sparks your imagination to dream up your own amazing tales! Do let Sonacasts know if you have any thoughts or ideas. Until our next story, keep exploring, keep dreaming, and keep believing in a little bit of magic. Goodbye for now!