Story

The Frog Prince

15 minAges 7-9

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The story

Introduction

Once upon a time, in a grand kingdom filled with towering castles and whispering woods, lived a princess. She had a most treasured toy: a beautiful, shiny golden ball that sparkled in the sunlight. Every day, she would play with it by an old, cool well in the forest. But one sunny afternoon, something truly unexpected happened that would change her life forever. Join us now as we journey into the magical tale of 'The Frog Prince'.

The Princess and the Golden Ball

One sunny afternoon, the princess was playing her favourite game with her beautiful golden ball. She would toss it high into the air, watching it shimmer like a tiny sun as it flew, then catch it gently in her hands. Up it went, higher and higher! But this time, oh dear! Instead of landing safely in her grasp, the ball bounced once, twice, and then, with a tiny 'plop!', it rolled right into the deep, dark well! The princess gasped. Her precious golden ball! She peered into the well, but it was so dark and deep she couldn't see a thing. Tears welled up in her eyes, big, glistening drops that rolled down her cheeks. Oh, how she loved that ball! What could she do? It was gone forever, she thought, and she began to cry and sob, her heart feeling very heavy indeed.

The Frog's Promise

The Princess was very, very sad. Her favourite golden ball, the one she loved to play with, was now at the bottom of the deep, dark well. She just couldn’t stop crying! But then, a funny thing happened. As she sat there, sniffling, a little voice piped up from the water. “What’s the matter, Princess? Why are you crying so bitterly?” The Princess looked down. Peeking out from the cool, green water was a plump, green frog with big, shiny eyes! Ribbit! She hadn't noticed him. "Oh," she sniffled, "I'm crying for my beautiful golden ball. It's fallen into the well!" The frog blinked. "Hmm," he croaked, "I could fetch your golden ball for you. But what will you give me in return, Princess?" The Princess's eyes brightened. "Oh, anything you wish, dear frog! My fine dresses, my pearls, my precious jewels, even my golden crown!" She was so desperate, she'd promise anything! But the little frog shook his head. "I don't want your dresses or your jewels, Princess. They wouldn't fit me, and I wouldn't know what to do with a golden crown!" "What I want is this: if I bring your ball back, you must let me be your friend. You must let me sit at your table, eat from your golden plate, and sleep in your soft, warm bed, right next to you." "Will you promise me all these things?" The Princess wasn't sure. A frog as a friend? Eating from her plate? Sleeping in her bed? That sounded a bit… slimy. But she wanted her golden ball so, so much. And surely, she thought, he'd just hop back into his well. He wouldn't really follow her home, would he? "Yes!" she said, quickly, "I promise you everything, dear frog, if only you'll bring me my golden ball!" She crossed her fingers behind her back, just in case. The frog smiled, a wide, froggy grin. "Splendid!" he croaked. And with a splash, he dove down, down, down into the dark well.

A Royal Invitation

The little princess, golden ball safe in her hands again, felt a huge weight lift. She was so happy she didn't spare a thought for the promise made to the slimy frog. All she wanted was to run back to her warm castle with her favourite toy. So, she turned and scampered away, her dress fluttering, leaving the poor frog alone at the bottom of the deep well, feeling forgotten. The frog, however, was not easily deterred. He was determined! He had helped the princess and expected her to keep her royal word. The next morning, as the sun touched the castle turrets and breakfast smells filled the air, there was a loud knock at the grand castle door. The princess sat at breakfast with her father, the King, enjoying scrambled eggs and a buttered crumpet, when the knocking startled her. "Who could that be so early?" she wondered, her mind still on her golden ball. The royal footman, surprised by the interruption, went to open the door. When he opened it, there on the steps, was the frog! The very same green, warty frog from the well, looking very pleased. He hopped right in, past the surprised footman, making his way straight towards the dining room. Hop, hop, hop, across the shiny floor until he was right outside the dining room door. Then he croaked in his deep, froggy voice, "Princess! Open up! Let me in! I've come for my breakfast!" The princess heard the sound and, recognising the voice, her eyes grew wide with horror. "Oh no!" she gasped, dropping her crumpet with a clatter. "It's the frog! He's actually here!" She didn't want him inside. He was so wet and slimy, not like a proper castle pet. She certainly didn't want him at her breakfast table! Her father, the kind King, noticed her distress. "My dear child," he asked, looking up from his newspaper, "what is it? Why are you so troubled this lovely morning?" The princess, almost in tears, explained everything in a rush. "Oh, Papa," she began, her voice trembling, "yesterday, my golden ball fell in the well! This horrid frog fetched it, but only after I promised he could be my companion, eat from my plate, and sleep in my bed! I never thought he'd actually come! He's at the door now, demanding to come in!" She shuddered, imagining him on her crisp white bedsheets. The King listened carefully, his wise old eyes twinkling. "My dear daughter," he said, putting down his newspaper, "You must always keep your promises. Especially when someone has helped you. A promise made is a debt unpaid, even to a little frog, no matter how slimy." He gave her a firm but gentle look. The princess looked down at her plate. She really didn't want the frog to come inside, but she knew her father was right. "Alright, Papa," she mumbled, "I'll let him in. But I don't have to like it!" With a heavy heart, she walked slowly to the dining room door. She opened it just a little crack, hoping he might have disappeared. But no, there he was, sitting patiently, his big froggy eyes looking up at her. "Hooray!" croaked the frog, and he hopped right in, past her feet, into the grand dining room! The footman, aghast, looked utterly astonished. The frog didn't waste time. He hopped to the table and, with a spring, landed right on the edge of the princess's beautiful, shiny plate! "Good morning, Princess!" he chirped. "I'm ready for my breakfast! And I do love a good crumpet!" The princess was utterly horrified. Her beautiful plate, with her lovely breakfast, now had a wet, green frog on its edge! She recoiled, pushing her chair back with a loud scrape. "Ew!" she exclaimed. "Get off my plate! You're all wet and slimy, and you'll ruin my food!" But the frog just blinked his big eyes, completely unfazed. "Remember your promise, Princess?" he reminded her gently. "You said I could be your companion, and eat from your plate." He then hopped a little closer to her half-eaten crumpet. The princess felt hot tears welling up. This was truly awful! She looked at her father, hoping he might send the frog away, but the King just gave her a gentle, encouraging nod. So, with a deep sigh, she pushed her plate a little closer to the frog, who immediately helped himself to a generous piece of her crumpet. She couldn't bear to eat another bite. Her lovely breakfast was completely ruined! She just sat there, watching the frog eat, feeling very miserable indeed.

The Prince's Kiss

The Princess couldn't believe her un-luck! Here she was, trying to enjoy her breakfast, and a slimy, green frog was slurping up her crumpet. Ugh! After he devoured the last crumb, she asked, not very politely,

Outro

And so, our tale of the Frog Prince comes to a happy, glittering end! Thank you so much for joining us on this adventure. We loved sharing it with you. Do let Sonacasts know if you have any feedback on our stories. Perhaps you could even dream up your own magical adventures, filled with talking animals and brave princesses! The world is full of amazing stories, just waiting to be discovered. Until next time, keep exploring and let your imagination sparkle!