George Stephenson tries out his invention, a steam locomotive. He allows his son, Robert, to ride on it as long as he stays on the edge of the carriage and gets ready to jump off if the rails buckle under the weight of the locomotive... which they do. Luckily his son followed his instructions!

The future of the railroad depends on whether George Stephenson's locomotive, 38 cars long, will run or not. The local townspeople debate whether it will go full speed ahead or not budge at all due to its size.

This next part of the Il était une fois series on George Stephenson deals with the Rainhill Trials, a competition that determined what kind of trains (steam engines or locomotives) would be used on the Liverpool and Manchester Railway.

This last part of the Il était une fois episode on George Stephenson deals with the Rainhill Trials, a competition that determined what kind of trains (steam engines or locomotives) would be used on the Liverpool and Manchester Railway. Stephenson proves to be the best competitor.

Lionel reads us the fairy tale, "The Frog King" (also known as "The Princess and the Frog"). The princess loses her precious gold ball in a pond. A frog appears, recovers it for her, and asks for a small favor in return. Will the princess honor her promise?

In the second episode of "The Frog King," the princess follows the frog's instructions, albeit reluctantly. And as you might guess, he turns into a handsome prince!

If you're familiar with the story of the Ugly Duckling, you may enjoy revisiting this classic fairy tale in French, as read by Lionel and Patricia.

Lionel reads part two of the Ugly Duckling story, which has, as you may already know, a very happy ending.

Enjoy Yabla's rendition of "The Little Mermaid" (or "La petite sirène"), originally written by the Danish author Hans Christian Andersen. In part one, the little mermaid swims ashore to a handsome prince. But will she see him again?

The little mermaid visits a sea witch who gives her human legs in exchange for her voice. Will she get her wish to live happily ever after on land with her beloved prince?

Lionel and Patricia present their version of "Cinderella," written by Charles Perrault. You'll learn some classic fairy tale vocabulary in this video, such as "glass slipper," "golden carriage," and much more!

Lionel brings Cinderella's fairy tale to its happy conclusion. She will never have to scrub the floor again, thanks to Prince Charming and his army of servants.

Enjoy the fairytale "Puss in Boots" as told by Lionel. A very resourceful cat helps his master become rich thanks to a cunning plan.

In the second part of "Le Chat Botté" (Puss in Boots), the cat arranges for a poor boy to meet and marry a princess. He sets up an elaborate scheme that works perfectly according to plan.

Enjoy the classic tale Le Petit Chaperon rouge (Little Red Riding Hood), as told by Patricia.