Reading Metrics
Description
A king finds himself bitterly regretting the consequences of his wish that everything he touches would turn to gold.
Quick Summary
If you've got a kid who loves ancient myths but isn't ready for the full Greek epics, this short retelling of the King Midas story hits the sweet spot. The book is only about 1,600 words, yet it crams in a vivid wish, a cascade of golden disasters, and a gentle lesson about wanting too much, and it's leveled at 4.6 on the AR scale with just half a point toward points, making it a quick, confidence-building read for early readers. The language is simple enough for kids in grades K-3, but the pacing and humor keep even younger listeners hooked. Parents will appreciate the brief, non-graphic scene where Midas accidentally turns his daughter to gold exciting but not too scary, and it opens the door for talks about greed and consequences. The whole thing reads like a friendly picture-book version of the myth, making it perfect for kids who enjoy stories like "The Paper Bag Princess" or "The True Story of the Three Little Pigs" but want something with a mythic twist.