Once upon a time, in a high stone castle, lived Princess Penny.
Tonight was the night of the royal ball. The King and Queen put on shiny gold crowns. Penny’s sisters put on pink silk dresses and glass slippers. They loved to twirl and bow.
Penny did not want glass slippers. She pulled on her thick leather boots. Penny did not want to dance at the ball. Penny wanted to tame dragons.
Her little helper, a tiny blue fairy named Pip, flew to her ear. Pip told her the ancient rule of magic: "Dragon magic has one rule. A wild beast can be tamed, but only if you share three sweet gifts with a kind heart."
Penny smiled. She grabbed her basket and marched up the rocky mountain.
At the top, a giant red dragon leaped from a dark cave. "Roar!" he cried. Hot gray smoke puffed from his nose. His claws scratched the stones.
Penny took a deep breath. She was ready for her test.
First, she held out a crisp red apple. The dragon sniffed the fruit. His smoke stopped.
Second, she held out a warm honey bun. The dragon took a bite. His sharp frown melted away.
Third, she held out a silver bowl of fresh milk. The dragon drank every drop with a loud slurp.
Suddenly, magic filled the air! Golden sparkles swirled around the beast. A wonderful transformation took place. The dragon’s spiky scales softened into smooth velvet. His angry yellow eyes grew wide, round, and gentle. He wagged his big tail just like a happy puppy.
Penny clapped her hands. She hopped onto the dragon’s back. Together, they flew down to the royal courtyard. Penny did not dance a single step that night, but she gave everyone rides across the starry sky.
It is always best to be yourself and treat others with kindness.