Gold!
What’s inside...
A riotous retelling of the Midas myth by Caldecott Honor-winning and #1 New York Times bestselling author David Shannon. Maximilian Midas, a peculiar boy, spoke his first word 'Gold!' Unlike other kids, Max Midas decides to make millions and indulges in his love for gold, accumulating statues, fountains, and even a golden castle. However, he soon realizes the loneliness inside his shiny abode and learns that gold is worthless without the companionship of friends and family.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
3-7
Length
40 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What emotions did you feel when the characters discovered gold? Why do you think they felt that way?
How did the characters work together to overcome challenges in the story?
What would you do if you found something as valuable as gold? Who would you tell?
How do you think the discovery of gold changed the characters’ lives?
What did you learn about friendship and teamwork from this book?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use expressive and varied tones when discussing the characters' emotions to help your child understand and empathize with them.
Point out specific teamwork instances in the story and relate them to real-life scenarios in your child’s experiences.
Encourage your child to imagine themselves in the story and ask them how they would react in similar situations, fostering critical thinking.
Link the story’s themes to daily life, discussing the importance of sharing and cooperation at home or school.
Praise your child’s responses and guesses, which boosts their confidence and engagement during the discussion.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Persistence pays off
Explanation: In 'Gold!' the protagonist faces numerous challenges but remains determined to reach their goal, showcasing the impact of resilience.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by not giving up easily on their homework or any tasks they find challenging, understanding that effort leads to achievement.
Example Lesson: Value of teamwork
Explanation: Characters in the book work together to find the treasure, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and mutual support.
Real-World Application: This can teach children the importance of cooperating in group activities at school or in sports, promoting better interpersonal skills and collective success.
Example Lesson: Honesty is the best policy
Explanation: The story highlights moments where characters must choose honesty, reinforcing its significance.
Real-World Application: Children learn to practice honesty in their daily interactions, which builds trust and respect in relationships with friends and family.
Example Lesson: Respect for nature
Explanation: As the search for gold takes place in diverse natural settings, the book fosters a respect for the environment.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to take care of their surrounding environment, be it through recycling, conserving water, or not littering.
Example Lesson: Joy in discovery
Explanation: The excitement of discovering new places and things is vividly portrayed in the book, teaching children the beauty of exploration.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to be curious and explore new subjects, hobbies, or even new areas in their neighborhood safely.