The Frog Prince

On a warm day, a princess went to her favorite spring in the forest. She tossed a golden ball into the air and caught it again and again.

One throw went too high. The ball rolled into the deep spring and vanished. As she cried, a frog lifted his head above the water.

The frog offered to find the ball. He wanted no jewels. Instead, he asked the princess to welcome him as a friend, let him eat from her plate, and give him a place to sleep.

The princess agreed, thinking he would never leave the spring. The frog dived deep and returned with the golden ball.

As soon as the golden ball was in her hands, the princess forgot her promise. She hurried back through the trees toward the palace.

The frog called for her to take him along. She kept going, certain he could never make it all the way to her door.