King Midas: The Golden Touch [Hardcover]

Demi (Author, Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 1, 2002 | Age Level: 7 and up

King Midas is a proud and foolish king who loves gold above all else. In return for helping him one day, a satyr grants the king his dearest wish -- all that he touches will turn to gold. For a time, the king enjoys his gift. But then the food he puts to his mouth turns to gold so he cannot eat. And the horse he mounts turns to gold so he cannot ride. And everyone he touches turns to gold so he no longer has any family or friends. He has all the gold he could ever want, but he's not at all happy.

How King Midas learns his lesson and finds happiness is the heart of this classic Greek myth, brought to new life by award-winning artist Demi's own golden touch. Sparkling with the colors of the Aegean Sea and with the splendor of gold, this elegant and humorous retelling of an ancient myth will be cherished by readers of all ages.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

"Blessed" by the god Dionysus with the ability to turn everything he touches to gold, greedy and ignorant King Midas quickly learns that one must be careful what one wishes for. When his food and drink turn to gold, as well as his servants and every other living thing in the palace, Midas is immediately penitent. "Why did I ever ask for such a stupid gift?" he cries, as his teardrops turn to gold.

This classic Greek myth may be familiar to many readers, but few will deny that it has ever been presented so spectacularly. Award-winning artist Demi's paintings are shot through with gold, against Mediterranean backdrops of sea blue and purple. Each page of this gorgeous picture book is bordered with golden patterns, and a four-page fold-out depicts Midas transforming his many-columned palace into solid, immobilized gold. Here is a perfect introduction to Greek mythology for young readers who will be as mesmerized as Midas by the allure of the golden touch--Demi's in this case! (Ages 4 to 8) --Emilie Coulter

From Publishers Weekly

King Midas: The Golden Touch by Demi retells the classic Greek myth about the greedy king. Gold-leaf accents fittingly embellish illustrations reminiscent of those found on a Grecian urn.
Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 7 and up
  
• Hardcover: 48 pages
• Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry (May 1, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0689832974
• ISBN-13: 978-0689832970
• Product Dimensions: 10.3 x 10.3 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #904,215 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Demi was born in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and now lives in Yarrow Point, Washington. Demi is the author and illustrator of more than one hundred children's books, including picture-book biographies. Her work has received numerous awards and accolades.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars King Midas and the Golden Touch, April 29, 2002

A Kid's Review

This review is from: King Midas: The Golden Touch (Hardcover)

This book is about a king that loves shiny, gold.He loved another thing too. He loved his sweet daughter. One day he walked outside and got his wish granted. He wished that everything that he touched would turn to gold. So,he got his wish and a problem started. My favorite part was when everything King Midas touched turned to gold. Read this book to find out what happened. I think others would like this book because of the suspense.

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Be Careful What You Wish For....., October 21, 2002

By 

Roz Levine - See all my reviews

This review is from: King Midas: The Golden Touch (Hardcover)

"Long ago the ancient Greeks believed their gods were in the sky and the winds, the seas and the mountains-in everything. The people prayed to the gods for wisdom and power, knowledge and generosity, and moderation in all their ways. There reigned in Phrygia a king named Midas. He was weak and ignorant, miserly and greedy. And he didn't think he needed to pray to the gods at all..." So begins Demi's brief and rather inaccurate retelling of the King Midas myth. As always, this award winning artist's exquisite and elegant illustrations make this picture book stand out. Each page is filled with dazzling, vibrant, rich color and meticulous detail. Children will want to linger and explore each stunning page, and will be especially mesmerized by a creative and imaginative 4 page fold-out spread, as King Midas runs through his palace turning everything in his path to gold. Unfortunately the storytelling does not live up to the marvelous artwork. The uninspired text feels rushed and choppy, and lacks wit, drama and magic. Though a weak introduction to King Midas and Greek myths, the book is worth a look just for the captivating pictures. Hopefully it will whet the appetite, and send kids 5 and older out looking for more.