Vasilisa the Beautiful

Once upon a time, in a village in Russia, there lived a kind young woman named Vasilisa. She had long, flowing hair and the gentlest heart you could imagine. Vasilisa lived with her father, who loved her very much. But she also lived with her stepmother and two stepsisters, who were not very kind to her. Before Vasilisas own mother had died, she gave Vasilisa a special gift - a tiny wooden doll. The mother said, Keep this doll with you always, my dear daughter. When you are in trouble, give her a little food and ask for her help. She will know what to do. Vasilisa kept the doll safe in her pocket, and it brought her comfort whenever she felt sad or lonely.