King Midas: The Golden Touch

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.

"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