Little Ida is heartbroken when her bouquet wilts overnight—until a merry student shares a secret: after bedtime, flowers slip away to dance at a royal ball. That night, Ida peeks into a moonlit room where hyacinths and tulips whirl in pairs, a golden lily plays the music, and her doll Sophie wakes to join the revels. Come morning, the flowers have faded for good, and Ida gives them a tender farewell, burying them in a pretty box with the hopeful promise that they will return more beautiful next summer.
Hans Christian Andersen’s charming tale celebrates imagination, empathy, and the quiet magic hiding in everyday things. Richard Michael Stibbard’s warm, expressive narration honors the classic’s lullaby cadence—gentle pacing, clear character voices, and a soothing tone that invites young listeners to dream along. Ideal for family listening, classroom storytime, and bedtime winding down, this short, sparkling story reminds us that kindness helps wonders bloom. Perfect for fans of timeless fairy tales and anyone who believes the night holds a dance of its own.
