Once upon a time, in a faraway kingdom, there lived a beautiful girl named Cinderella. Her mother was gone, and her father had married another woman, her cruel stepmother. She had two stepsisters who were just as wicked as she was.

Cinderella's stepmother and stepsisters treated her terribly. They made her do all the hard work in the house. They treated her like a maid and gave her nothing but tattered clothes to wear and a little corner in the attic where she slept.

Despite her harsh life, Cinderella remained kind and gentle. She would often sit by the hearth and dream of a better life. It was because of this habit that her stepsisters started calling her Cinderella.

One day, an invitation arrived at their home. The prince was throwing a grand ball at the palace. All the unmarried ladies in the kingdom were invited, as he was looking for a bride.

Cinderella's stepmother and stepsisters were thrilled. They started preparing for the ball, trying on fancy dresses and jewelry. Cinderella, too, wished to go to the ball, but her stepmother laughed at her.

On the day of the ball, Cinderella's stepmother and stepsisters left, leaving her alone at home. Poor Cinderella was sad and started to cry. Suddenly, a magical light filled the room.

In front of her stood a beautiful woman with a kind smile. She was her fairy godmother. She told Cinderella she was there to help her go to the ball and waved her magic wand.

In an instant, Cinderella's rags turned into a beautiful dress. Her worn-out shoes became sparkling glass slippers. The fairy godmother then turned a pumpkin into a dazzling carriage and some little mice into horses.

But the fairy godmother warned Cinderella that her magic would only last until midnight. After that, everything would return to the way it was. Cinderella thanked her and set off for the ball.

As she entered the palace, everyone was mesmerized by her beauty. Even her stepmother and stepsisters couldn't recognize her. The prince was especially taken by her charm and asked her to dance.

Cinderella and the prince danced all evening. They laughed and talked, and Cinderella almost forgot about the time. Suddenly, she heard the palace clock strike midnight.

Cinderella ran from the palace, leaving the prince behind. In her hurry, she lost one of her glass slippers. But she didn't have time to pick it up as she rushed to get home before the magic wore off.

The prince found the glass slipper. He was determined to find the lady who had enchanted him and declared that he would marry the one whose foot fit into the slipper.

The next day, the prince and his men started their search. They visited every house where eligible maidens lived. But the glass slipper was either too small or too large for everyone.

When they reached Cinderella's house, her stepmother tried to prevent Cinderella from trying on the slipper. But the prince insisted on letting every girl have a chance.

Cinderella sat down, and the slipper fit perfectly on her foot! The prince recognized her from the ball. He knelt before her and proposed marriage, which Cinderella happily accepted.

Cinderella's stepmother and stepsisters were shocked. They hadn't recognized Cinderella at the ball and never imagined the beautiful lady to be their maid. But no matter their surprise, Cinderella did not hold any grudges.

Cinderella and the prince got married. The wicked stepmother and stepsisters were sorry for the way they had treated Cinderella. Cinderella forgave them and invited them to live in the palace.

From that day, Cinderella lived happily with her prince. They ruled their kingdom with kindness and love, reminding everyone that beauty is not only about how you look, but it's also about your heart.

And so, dear little ones, the tale of Cinderella teaches us to be kind and brave no matter what. And remember, magic exists, but it's our love and kindness that really make the world a beautiful place.