Midas loves gold more than anything. When a grateful satyr offers to grant him a wish, he wishes that everything he touches will turn to gold. However, Midas quickly learns that there are much more important things in life. 

As always, Saviour Pirotta and Jan Lewis manage to bring new insights to an old Greek myth. Midas’ daughter plays a major part in this version of the story. He neglects her in the beginning because he is too focused on his riches, only to realize how much she means to him in the end. The story of King Midas has always been a cautionary tale, but Pirotta does a particularly good job making Midas’ bad choices relevant to young readers who aren’t interested in wealth just yet. This story may spark important discussions about being careful what you wish for and valuing relationships over financial gains. 

Saviour Pirotta and Jan Lewis’ First Greek Myths series provide adaptations of myths perfectly suited for newly independent readers. The text is kid-friendly, and the cartoonish images are colorful and exciting. Affordable copies are readily available on most used book websites. – Krishni Burns