The Frog Prince

One evening, a princess walked to a cool spring in the woods. She tossed her golden ball high and caught it as it fell.

One throw went too high. The ball splashed into the spring and sank deep down. The princess peered in and began to cry.

A little green frog poked his head up from the water. "I will fetch your ball," he said. "Just be my friend: share your plate and your pillow." The princess promised, and the frog dove deep.

The frog came back up with the ball. He set it on the grass. The princess grabbed it and ran home, forgetting all about her promise.

The next day, the frog followed the princess all the way to her palace. A little voice sang: "Open the door, my princess dear! Open the door, your friend is here!" There stood the frog.

The princess was surprised and did not want to let him in. 'You gave your word,' said her father the king, 'and you must keep it.' So the princess opened the door.

The frog hopped in and ate from the princess's golden plate.

That night, she kept her promise. The frog slept on her soft pillow.

The next night, the frog returned and sang: "Open the door, my princess dear! Open the door, your friend is here!" He came the third night too, and again slept on her pillow.

On the third morning, the princess gasped. A kind young prince stood by her bed, smiling warmly. 'A fairy put a spell on me,' he said, 'and your promise broke it.'

The prince invited the princess and her father to visit his kingdom. A golden coach with eight white horses carried them all.

That night, the princess rested peacefully in the castle's guest room. Keeping your promise can lead to something wonderful.