Diamonds and Toads

Quick Answer

Why This Story Works for Bedtime

It’s a classic ‘kindness wins’ story with a satisfying ending. Parents can emphasize gentle speech and empathy, keeping the mood warm rather than punitive.

Story Synopsis

A widow has two daughters: one is sharp and unkind, like her mother, and the other is gentle and hardworking. The mother favors the rude daughter and treats the kind one harshly. One day, the gentle girl goes to fetch water and meets an old woman who asks for a drink. The girl answers politely and helps her. The old woman is no ordinary stranger—she is a fairy in disguise. As a reward for kindness, the fairy grants a gift: whenever the girl speaks, beautiful things fall from her mouth—flowers, jewels, or bright treasures. When the mother learns of this, she sends the rude daughter to try for the same gift. But because the second girl is impatient and disrespectful, she receives an opposite “gift” that reveals her harshness. The tale lands as a bedtime reminder: the way we treat others—and the words we use—shape the world around us.

Story Excerpt

Once upon a time, there was a widow who had two daughters. The older daughter was so much like her mother — sharp - tongued and proud — that whoever saw the girl saw the mother twice over. They were both so disagreeable that hardly anyone could bear to be around them. The younger daughter was different. She was gentle and kind, just like her father had been, and she was one of the loveliest girls anyone had ever seen. But the mother couldn't stand her. She made the younger girl eat in the kitchen and do all the hard work around the house. Every day, twice a day, the poor child had to walk more than a mile to the fountain and carry home a heavy pitcher of water. One afternoon, as she knelt by the fountain, an old woman came along the path. " Please, dear, " said the old woman, " might I have a drink? " " Of course! " said the girl. She rinsed out her pitcher, filled it with the…

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