The Little Myths Library
The King Who Turned His Toast to Gold
The Story of King Midas
King Midas loved gold. He loved his roses. But most of all, he loved his dog.
The story
What happens in this one.
This warm and funny picture book introduces children to King Midas, the king of Greek mythology who wished that everything he touched would turn to gold — and then found out what his wish really meant.
In short, rhythmic sentences made for reading aloud, with a TING! that children shout along every time something turns to gold, Orson Vale, creator of The Little Myths Library, retells the legend of the golden touch for the very youngest listeners.
There is nothing frightening here: the magic is funny before it is sad, the sad part is short, and the ending is pure joy — so The King Who Turned His Toast to Gold can be read to the smallest listeners at bedtime.
Read a sample
The first five pages, as they are printed.
The opening of the story — 5 of the 26 story pages. Tap a page to start reading, then turn the pages with the arrows. The rest is in the book.
For the grown-up reading aloud
“About the Real King Midas” is the last page.
Every book in the library closes with the original legend retold in plain words — so when the question comes after the last page, there is an answer on it. Nothing is watered down; what changes is the gentleness of the telling.
- Reading age
- 4–6
- Read-aloud time
- About five minutes
- Format
- 8.5 × 8.5 in paperback
- Also on
- Kindle, tap to enlarge
The rest of the library
More myths, told small.
Three Heads, One Good Dog
Don't Open the Jar!
Whatever You Do, Don't Look!
Hold On to the String!
The Girl Who Ate Six Seeds
The Boy Who Flew Too High
The Baby They Hid in a Cave
Born from a Headache
Not the Bad Guy
The King with the Three-Pointed Fork
Up, Pegasus, Up!
Hello-ello-ello
My Name Is Nobody
Never Trust a Giant Wooden Horse
The Man Who Stole Fire