King Midas and the Golden Touch
By M. Charlotte Craft
The Story
A rich king who prizes gold above all else is granted his wish that everything he touches turns to gold — until he accidentally touches his own daughter.
Why It's Special
For the kid who's already asking what happens if you get everything you wish for, this retelling makes the answer unforgettable.
- Big idea: Some things matter more than treasure — and you don't always know it until you almost lose them.
- Vibes: Lush, painterly, and weighty — a fairy tale with real consequences.
Perfect For Kids Who
- enjoy myths and classic retellings
- are drawn to richly detailed, painterly illustrations
- are working on understanding cause and consequence
- like to talk through what a wish would really mean
Ask Your Little Reader
- Story & problem-solving: What did King Midas wish for when the stranger offered him a reward?
- Feelings & empathy: How do you think Midas felt the moment he realized he'd turned his daughter to gold?
- Imagination: If you could turn anything you touched into something else, what would you choose — and why?
- Real-life connection: Have you ever wanted something so much that you didn't think about what might go wrong?
- Big ideas: Why do you think the story shows gold as both a treasure and a problem?
