Melisande
Melisande is a novel written by Edith Nesbit and first published in 1901.
Melisande is a princess born with an unfortunate curse that leaves her completely bald, cast by an evil fairy who was not invited to her christening.
To correct the situation, the king has a wish granted by his fairy godmother and kept in his safe. When the princess uses it, the queen asks him to wish for "golden hair one meter long, to grow an inch longer every day, and to grow twice as fast every time it is cut".
However, the queen's well-intentioned wish to make her daughter more beautiful soon leads to problems, as Melisande's hair grows rapidly and becomes a burden to her and others...
"When the Princess Melisande was born, her mother, the Queen, wished to have a christening party, but the King put his foot down and said he would not have it..."
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Public domain (US)·No sign-up·DRM-free·Real text, not scans
Copyright note. Melisande by Edith Nesbit is believed to be in the public domain in the United States only. It may still be copyrighted in other countries. If you are not in the United States, please check your local laws to ensure this eBook is in the public domain in your country before downloading Melisande in PDF or EPUB.
- Pages
- 22
- Reading time
- 25 minutes
- Pace
- Intermediate
- First published
- 1901
- Language
- English
125 years later, still timely
Why Read Melisande in 2026?
A fairy tale that plays with wishes, limits, and gentle humor. Nesbit turns a simple problem into clever puzzles and caring teamwork, perfect for shared reading and early independent explorers.
Today's connection
Good for families and classrooms that want a smart, kind story about cause and effect. It invites talk about patience, problem solving, and how small choices grow into big tangles.
Everyday magic
Wonder appears in ordinary rooms.
Clever turns
Plans that teach cause and effect.
Read-aloud charm
Short beats, clear rhythm, warm smiles.
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About the author
Edith Nesbit
Modern family fantasy where play, magic, and ethics share the same room.
