Prince Pip was a very playful prince, but sometimes he forgot his manners. He loved to zoom around the castle gardens, chasing butterflies and splashing in the fountain. One sunny afternoon, while playing near the lily pond, he accidentally dropped his favorite golden ball into the water. Oh dear!
Pip tried to reach for it, but it was too far. Just then, a little green frog popped his head out of the water. “Can I help you, Prince?” croaked the frog. Pip was surprised! He didn’t usually talk to frogs. “Oh, please, Mr. Frog,” he said. “Could you get my golden ball?”
The frog smiled a wide, froggy smile. “I can, but I want a promise. If I get your ball, will you let me eat from your plate, sleep in your bed, and be your friend?” Pip thought for a moment. It didn’t sound very fun to share his plate or bed with a frog, but he really wanted his ball back. “Okay, I promise!” he said quickly.
The frog dove into the water and, with a little splash, returned with the golden ball. Pip was so happy! He grabbed the ball and started to run back to the castle, but then he remembered his promise. He felt a little sad. A frog as a friend? It didn’t seem right.
But Pip’s mother, the Queen, always said a promise is a promise. So, Pip reluctantly let the frog eat from his plate (he gave him the tastiest flies!), and sleep near his bed (on a soft cushion, of course!). It was a little strange at first, but the frog was a good listener and told funny stories.
One evening, as Pip was reading to the frog, something amazing happened! The frog began to glow. The glow grew brighter and brighter, and then…POOF! Standing before Pip was a handsome prince! It turned out the frog had been a prince who was turned into a frog by a grumpy wizard.
“Your kindness and for keeping your promise broke the spell,” the prince explained. “The wizard said only a truly kind heart could break it.” Pip was overjoyed! He had a new friend, and he learned that being kind and keeping your word is always the right thing to do, even when it’s hard. And sometimes, the most unexpected friends are the best of all.
From that day on, Pip and the prince were the best of friends. They played in the gardens, shared stories, and always remembered the importance of kindness and keeping promises. Now close your eyes, little one, and remember to always be kind, just like Prince Pip. Sweet dreams!