King Midas and the Golden Touch
by Charlotte Craft, Kinuko Y. Craft
Turtleback Books Distributed by Demco Media 2003
Challenging read for K–3rd grade
Reading level 4.4 (4th grade) is above the ages 5–9 interest range
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Genre
Themes
- greed and consequences
- family and love
- gratitude
- wisdom and humility
- choices and responsibility
- values vs. wealth
About this book
This lavishly illustrated retelling of the classic Greek myth follows King Midas, a ruler who learns an unforgettable lesson about greed and what truly matters. Charlotte Craft’s clear, lyrical text pairs with Kinuko Y. Craft’s luminous paintings to bring the ancient tale to life for young readers. It’s a gentle, thought-provoking story that invites discussion about choices and consequences without feeling heavy-handed. Perfect for read‑alouds and for independent readers who enjoy myths and beautifully illustrated picture books.
Setting: ancient Greece, in and around a royal palace
Frequently Asked Questions
Is King Midas and the Golden Touch right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for King Midas and the Golden Touch. The reading level is AR 4.4, which is typical for 4th grade. The interest level is rated Lower Grades (K–3), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 5–9 (K–3rd grade). Themes include greed and consequences, family and love, gratitude.
How long does it take to read King Midas and the Golden Touch?
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, King Midas and the Golden Touch takes around 9m to finish. The book has 1,400 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does King Midas and the Golden Touch have an AR quiz?
Yes — King Midas and the Golden Touch has an AR quiz available, worth 0.5 points. Your child will need to take and pass the quiz through their school's Accelerated Reader program to earn credit. The quiz is typically 5–20 multiple choice questions about plot, characters, and setting.
What grade level is King Midas and the Golden Touch?
King Midas and the Golden Touch has an AR reading level of 4.4, which places it at a 4th grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Lower Grades (K–3) — this reflects the age-appropriateness of the content and themes, not just the reading difficulty. A strong younger reader may handle the words fine while the themes are aimed at an older audience, or vice versa.