The Frog Prince
The Frog Prince — an illustrated tales story. 10 illustrated pages, free to read on Wonder Tales.
Page 1
Within the grand, ever-shifting branches of the Great Tree School resided Princess Aurelia, known for her golden laughter, and a mysterious, croaking Frog, whispered to be under a dark enchantment. The Princess yearned for genuine connection, while the Frog dreamed of breaking free from his amphibious prison. Their destinies intertwined when a golden ball, a cherished heirloom, tumbled into the deep, shadowy pond at the Tree's base. A tale of promises, prejudices, and the unexpected forms of love began to unfurl.
Page 2
Aurelia twirled the golden ball in her hands, its surface gleaming in the sunlight filtering through the Tree's leaves. Laughter echoed from the open-air classrooms. 'Papa says a princess must marry a prince,' she sighed, 'but none I've met care for anything beyond lineage.' Suddenly, the ball slipped from her grasp, bouncing off the wooden railing and disappearing into the dark water below. 'Oh, no!' she cried, rushing to the edge, peering into the shadowy depths.
Page 3
A voice croaked from the pond's edge. 'Perhaps I can assist, fair princess?' A small, green frog with large, intelligent eyes sat upon a lily pad, regarding her with unnerving patience. Aurelia recoiled slightly. 'A talking frog?' she whispered, more to herself than to the creature. The frog blinked slowly. 'Indeed, and one with certain... skills,' he replied, his voice surprisingly resonant.
Page 4
'If I retrieve your golden sphere,' the Frog continued, 'you must promise me three things: friendship, shared meals, and that I may sleep within your chambers.' Aurelia hesitated, wrinkling her nose. The pond was dark, and the golden ball was her mother's. 'Very well,' she conceded, 'retrieve the ball, and I shall grant your requests.' The frog dove beneath the surface, disappearing into the murky depths.
Page 5
True to his word, the Frog emerged moments later, the golden ball clutched tightly in his small, webbed hand. Aurelia snatched the ball, her gratitude fleeting. 'Here, take it, and be gone,' she said, turning to leave. 'Remember your promise, Princess,' the Frog called after her, but Aurelia ignored him, hurrying back towards the sunlit classrooms. 'Promises made to frogs are easily broken,' she muttered to herself.
Page 6
That evening, as Aurelia dined alone in her chambers, a soft croaking echoed at the door. Annoyed, she bade whoever it was to enter. The Frog hopped into the room, his green skin glistening in the candlelight. 'Princess, you promised me supper,' he stated, his voice surprisingly firm. Aurelia scowled. 'You cannot truly expect me to eat with a frog?' she demanded.
Page 7
The frog looked at her evenly. 'As Voltaire said, Princess, "I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it." A promise is a promise.' Aurelia sighed, a flicker of guilt crossing her face. 'Very well,' she conceded grudgingly, 'but you must eat from the floor.' The Frog hopped onto the table, his eyes fixed on Aurelia's. 'Friendship is not born of condescension, Princess, but of equality.'
Page 8
Night fell. Aurelia, exhausted by the Frog's persistence, reluctantly allowed him to sleep in a silken box near her bed. But when she awoke, a chill filled the room. The Frog was gone. In his place stood a young man, no older than herself, with kind eyes and a hesitant smile. 'Princess,' he said, his voice filled with a strange sorrow, 'a curse bound me to that form. Only true friendship can break it.'
Page 9
Aurelia stared, her prejudices crumbling. Reaching out, she gently took his hand. 'Friendship,' she whispered, 'is not about form, but heart.' As their fingers intertwined, a warm light filled the room, banishing the shadows. The curse was broken, not by a kiss, but by a shared understanding. The Frog Prince was free, and Aurelia had found a friend where she least expected it.
Page 10
And so, Princess Aurelia learned that true connection transcends appearances, and that even a frog can hold a prince within. Their friendship bloomed within the Great Tree School, a testament to the strength in vulnerability and the beauty of accepting others for who they are, not what they seem. For in embracing the unexpected, they both found the truest form of themselves.
About this story
- Audience: kids (ages 6–12)
Questions and answers
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