King Midas
Usborne English Readers Level 1 Series
illustrations by
What’s inside...
A retelling of the classic myth, King Midas explores the story of a king with the ability to turn everything he touches into gold. As he learns the important lesson about the value of simple human experiences over material wealth, young readers are taken on an enchanting journey that combines elements of magic and moral. King Midas loves gold, so when a god offers him a gift, Midas knows just what to ask for. 'I want to change everything I touch into gold.' That works well for flowers and trees, and palace furniture too – but what happens when Midas picks up bread and fruit to eat? With fun activities and online audio in British English and American English. Beautifully produced with world-class full-colour artwork throughout. Classic stories retold in a fluent and natural style, made highly accessible for English language learners. Series devised and edited in collaboration with acclaimed ELT consultant Peter Viney.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
5-7
Length
24 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
King Midas
Midas'S Daughter
The Stranger
Discussion points
What do you think King Midas learned after everything he touched turned to gold?
How did King Midas' wish affect his relationship with his daughter?
If you had one wish like King Midas, what would you wish for and why?
How do you think the story would have ended if King Midas had made a different wish?
What are some things that are more valuable than gold?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to imagine themselves in King Midas’ shoes, fostering empathy and understanding of the story’s moral. Use open-ended questions that prompt deeper thinking about the consequences of one's actions and desires. Relate the story to real-life scenarios to make the connection stronger. Discuss the value of non-material things in life, like love and relationships, to impart life-long lessons through this ancient tale.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The consequences of greed
Explanation: In the story, King Midas learns that his wish for everything he touches to turn to gold is not as wonderful as expected when his food, drink, and beloved daughter are transformed into lifeless gold.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the importance of valuing what they have and understanding that excessive desire for material things can lead to unhappiness.
Example Lesson: The power of compassion and forgiveness
Explanation: After realizing his mistake, King Midas is forgiven by Dionysus and is allowed to reverse the golden touch. This teaches about mercy and the possibility of redemption.
Real-World Application: This lesson emphasizes to children the importance of admitting mistakes and the strength found in forgiveness, both in forgiving others and in seeking forgiveness.
Example Lesson: Appreciating the simple joys of life
Explanation: King Midas' experience helps him see that true happiness comes from the love of his family and simple pleasures, not from wealth.
Real-World Application: Children learn to cherish and find happiness in non-materialistic aspects of life such as spending time with family and friends.