The Cinderella story is the ultimate tale of good vs evil, of tragedy and triumph.

As the Cinderella tale unfolds, children are offered important insights: life is not always fair and difficult circumstances befall good people.

Cinderella's plight in the beginning of the tale sets the stage for the story's happy resolution. But, long before Cinderella is rescued from a life of poverty and care she has already triumphed. Why?

The Cinderella story teaches children about the importance of choices.

Cinderella's Challenges & Her Choices

• Cinderella is an orphan and her stepfamily is unloving--Instead of becoming despondent, Cinderella looks elsewhere for friendship. The story teaches children that comfort and friendship can be found if one chooses to look for them.

• Cinderella is treated unfairly and unkindly. Instead of returning evil for evil, Cinderella chooses to remain kind and thoughtful.The Cinderella story teaches children that they can act appropriately, even when surrounded by bad behavior.

• Cinderella has chores--and lots of them. The Cinderella story depicts Cinderella as being industrious and uncomplaining. Her work ethic teaches children that tasks, while unpleasant, can be approached in a constructive manner.

• Cinderella is forced to live in poverty while those around her enjoy creature comforts. At this juncture, the Cinderella tale teaches young ones much about enjoying simple pleasures, about endurance, and the importance of maintaining an optimistic attitude and holding onto hope.
  
• Cinderella has appearance issues for she has to wear unattractive clothing and sits in cinders. Children that seek peer approval are often concerned about how they look to others. A lesson from the Cinderella story is that inner beauty shines through, regardless of the exterior.

Children learn about maintaining personal integrity in the face of adversity, of holding onto hope and not giving into despair. They learn the importance of developing a greater value system.

The real magic in the Cinderella story is how Cinderella chooses to respond when faced with a host of challenging circumstances.

A secondary message is revealed when Cinderella's circumstances change. Cinderella is still faced with choices. She is cautioned to leave the ball at midnight because her good fortune will end. Children learn that good fortune can be fleeting and that caution and diligence are needed to safeguard it.

Questions for Young Readers

1. Do you think you could be as brave as Cinderella if you were alone in the world?
2. What would you do if you had no friends?
3. If you were treated unkindly how would you react?
4. What's the best way to approach chores?
5. What does Cinderella teach us about patience?
   
6. If you were poor, what could you do to make your life more enjoyable?
7. Why is inner beauty more important than outer beauty?
8. How is Cinderella rewarded by being kind to her animal companions?
9. Why is it important to hope?
10. Why is it important to dream?
11. Is Cinderella rewarded immediately for being good?
12. Why does Cinderella try harder when she is faced with challenging circumstances and then, when she is at the ball, almost forgets about the time?