To me fairy-tales are the heart of all storytelling. I love a good story and where they come from is a fascination for me. When I was little my dad bought me a wonderful book when he was on a business trip. He often brought presents home when he’d been away. Once a book about animals and once this book of stories, which I still have the book as a constant reminder of my dad and of the importance of a good fable.

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My favorite of all the stories is Cinderella. I loved it so much as a child, my brother called me Cinderandie. He even sang it with the Disney tune.

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This seemingly simple tale has everything. It is a rags to riches, a good conquering evil, a magic really does exist and a love finding a way story that invades our hearts and children and stays with us through our adult life. It gives us hope for the future and lets us know that everything will be all right.

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It’s about a man who is willing to run from door to door with a shoe to find the one girl whose foot fits and whose heart fits his. No small feat and a pretty foolish one. Isn’t that what we all want? A man to make a public fool of himself to show how much he loves us?

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Over the centuries the story is told in many ways. One with a fur or gold slipper and another with Cinderella favoring her stepsisters after winning the prince. Some where they are banished. I love them all, but my favorite adaptation is Ever After with Drew Barrymore and Dougray Scott. Anjelica Houston is a terrifying stepmother. Here we get it all: unjust oppression and triumphant reward and even a visit from Leonardo Da Vinci.

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There are versions throughout the ages with her father as the villain. Some with just her evil stepsisters and not mother. The stories go back as far as 7 BC and from as far away as China. Almost every culture has some form of this magnetic story that draws us in and holds us for a lifetime. It furthers our belief that we can succeed, we can overcome any disaster and better ourselves.

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I believe this simple tale had a hand is shaping who I am. I believe that from good comes happiness and that we can triumph no matter what. Do you?

What’s your favorite children’s story?

Come on and make your wishes all come true. Pick up a copy of Wishing Game.