The Midas Touch

Bibliographic Information: The Midas Touch. http://storynory.com/2009/08/03/the-midas-touch/

Brief Annotation: Midas was a king and one day a man horse was found in his garden. Midas allowed the beast to stay in his home. The following morning while walking through the same garden, Midas came across a God, who granted him one wish. Midas, as rich as he was, wished that everything he touched would turn to gold. The God granted him his wish, telling him that money is not everything. Midas began touching everything in his castle and being amazed by his new talent. Then he hugged his daughter, who immediately turned to gold. Midas was heart broken and returned to the garden to wash his tears with water from the fountain, but that also turned to gold. The God returned to help Midas and told him that if he went to the river near Sardis and bathe in it. He did as he was told and was free of his wish. He was forever happy with the simplicity and joy in his life.

Genre: Myth

Grade Level:2-4

Readers who will like this: Children who enjoy Greek myths; Children who think something is good but find out later its not; Children who find joy in money or material items over non-tangible things.

Response/Rating:3; I love this story and how it shows the importance on happiness and that happiness does not come from money. I also found that it showed importance on truly thinking through what you wish for, it may seem ideal on impulse, but the consequences could be horrific.

Question: If you had one wish, what would it be?