The King of the Golden River
Classics Illustrated Junior Series
What’s inside...
A fairy tale of what happened to two men who tried to get rich in evil ways and of how the fortune they sought came to their younger brother, whose kind and loving heart prompted him to right action. Widely regarded as a masterpiece of 19th century stories for children. Includes four black and white illustrations by Maria L. Kirk. Suitable for ages 8 and up. A little gem of Victorian literature, written in 1842 and published in 1851, which tells a tale of the two Black Brothers who spite the wind and the King of the Golden River-and then for their misdeeds, are turned into stone.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
6-12
Length
60 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Gluck
The King Of The Golden River
Schwartz
Hans
Discussion points
What do you think motivated the older brothers' actions, and how did their choices affect their outcomes?
How did Gluck's kindness change the course of the story?
What lesson do you think the King of the Golden River wanted to teach the characters?
If you were in Gluck’s position, what would you have done differently?
Why do you think the story emphasizes the importance of treating others and nature with respect?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to think about the moral lessons in the tale. Ask them to relate the characters' experiences to their own lives. Discuss the consequences of the characters' actions, fostering a deeper understanding of right and wrong. Highlight the significance of kindness and environmental conservation, drawing parallels to real-world scenarios. Use expressive and animated tones to bring the story and its characters to life during the reading session.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of kindness and generosity
Explanation: In the story, the generous actions of Gluck, the youngest brother, toward the Southwest Wind result in the transformation of the barren valley into a land of golden treasures. In contrast, his greedy brothers are punished for their selfishness.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to help others without expecting anything in return and understand that kindness often brings its own rewards in life.
Example Lesson: Consequences of greed
Explanation: The older brothers, Schwartz and Hans, who are motivated by greed and selfishness, ultimately face dire consequences by being transformed into black stones.
Real-World Application: This teaches children that being overly greedy or selfish can lead to negative outcomes and affects their relationships with others.
Example Lesson: Respect for nature
Explanation: The character of the Southwest Wind in the story symbolizes the power of nature, and the respectful treatment by Gluck results in positive outcomes, while his brothers' disregard leads to their downfall.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of respecting and protecting the environment, understanding that their actions have an impact on the natural world.
Example Lesson: The power of redemption
Explanation: Gluck's change of heart and his final act of generosity towards the King of the Golden River exemplify that it is never too late to correct one's mistakes and make amends.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to always strive to do better and understand that mistakes can be corrected through good actions.